Why Choose Baked Tofu Nuggets?

Tofu nuggets offer a fantastic alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, especially for those seeking plant-based or gluten-free options. Our baked version ensures a healthy yet satisfying crunch, making them an ideal choice for mindful eating without compromising on taste. They’re quick to prepare, versatile, and can be customized with various seasonings and dipping sauces to suit any palate.

The Magic of Nutritional Yeast: Your Flavor Secret

If you’re new to nutritional yeast, prepare to be amazed! This incredible ingredient is a deactivated yeast that comes in a flake or powder form, known for its distinct savory, “cheesy” flavor. It’s a staple in vegan cooking for good reason:

• **Umami Boost:** It adds a deep, savory, umami flavor that can transform simple tofu into something truly special.
• **Nutrient-Dense:** Nutritional yeast is a powerhouse of B vitamins, and often fortified with B12, making it a valuable addition to any diet, particularly vegetarian and vegan ones.
• **Crispiness & Coating:** When combined with flour, it creates a fantastic, flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven or air fryer, acting as an excellent breadcrumb-free breading.
• **Gluten-Free Solution:** For those avoiding gluten, nutritional yeast offers a flavorful way to achieve a crispy exterior when paired with gluten-free flours like rice or almond flour.

In this recipe, nutritional yeast isn’t just a seasoning; it’s a key component that contributes to both the texture and the irresistible taste of our tofu nuggets.

Essential Prep: Pressing Your Tofu for Perfection

One of the most crucial steps to achieving truly crispy tofu nuggets is properly pressing the tofu. Tofu, a plant-based protein derived from coagulated soy milk curds, naturally contains a significant amount of water. If you skip this step, your tofu will steam rather than crisp, resulting in a soggy, less flavorful product.

Here’s why pressing is non-negotiable and how to do it effectively:

• **Enhanced Texture:** Removing excess water creates a firmer, denser tofu that holds its shape better and crisps up beautifully during cooking.
• **Flavor Absorption:** A drier tofu block acts like a sponge, readily absorbing marinades, batters, and seasonings, leading to a much more flavorful final product.
• **Crispiness Factor:** Less water means a higher chance for those golden, crispy edges everyone loves.

How to Press Tofu Effectively:

There are several methods for pressing tofu, ranging from simple DIY solutions to dedicated tofu presses:

1. **Paper Towel/Cheesecloth Method:** Wrap the block of firm or extra-firm tofu in several layers of paper towels or a clean cheesecloth.
2. **Weight Application:** Place the wrapped tofu on a plate. Position a flat, heavy object on top, such as a cutting board with a stack of books or a heavy can.
3. **Pressing Time:** Gently press for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for maximum water removal. If you’re short on time, even 10-15 minutes will make a noticeable difference. You’ll see the liquid accumulating on the plate, which is exactly what you want!
4. **Tofu Press:** For frequent tofu eaters, investing in a dedicated tofu press can be a convenient and efficient solution.

Once pressed, unwrap your tofu, and you’ll immediately notice the difference – it will be firmer and ready to absorb all the wonderful flavors you’re about to add!

Slicing and Shaping Your Tofu Nuggets

After pressing, your tofu is ready for its transformation. You can slice it into any shape or size you desire, but for “nuggets” or “bites,” consistent, smaller pieces work best. We recommend roughly 1×1 inch cubes or small rectangles. Smaller pieces tend to cook faster and achieve a crispier exterior, which is precisely what we’re aiming for.

When cutting, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This attention to detail will help every single nugget reach that perfect golden-brown crispness.

Coating Your Nuggets for Ultimate Crispiness

The secret to our non-breadcrumb, crispy exterior lies in a simple yet effective batter and coating. This recipe uses a blend of flour, nutritional yeast, salt, and milk to create a binding liquid, followed by a generous roll in sesame seeds.

Customizing Your Tofu Coating:

• **Sesame Seeds:** Provide a beautiful crunch, nutty flavor, and visual appeal. Both white and black sesame seeds work well.
• **Panko Breadcrumbs:** If you prefer a more traditional breaded texture and are not avoiding gluten, panko breadcrumbs offer an incredibly light and airy crispiness. Simply use panko in place of sesame seeds.
• **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** For a burst of savory flavor and varied texture, everything bagel seasoning is a fantastic choice. Be mindful of its salt content when adding additional salt to your batter.
• **Gluten-Free Flour Options:** For a gluten-free version, use rice flour, almond flour, or a certified gluten-free all-purpose blend in your batter. The nutritional yeast and sesame seeds are naturally gluten-free.

When preparing your coating station, think assembly line! Have your pressed and cut tofu ready, followed by your wet batter, and then your dry coating (sesame seeds, panko, or seasoning). This makes the process smooth and efficient.

Baking vs. Air Frying: Achieving Perfect Tofu Nuggets

Both baking and air frying are excellent methods for achieving crispy tofu nuggets with minimal oil. Each offers slightly different results, allowing you to choose based on your preference and equipment.

Oven Baking Instructions:

Baking is a straightforward way to achieve a uniformly crispy exterior. Ensure your oven is fully preheated, and use a light drizzle of oil on your parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and aid crisping.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly oil a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
3. Arrange your coated tofu nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. This allows for even airflow and maximum crispiness.
4. Bake for 5 minutes, then gently flip each nugget.
5. Continue baking for another 5-8 minutes, or until the sesame seeds (or chosen coating) are golden brown and the tofu is firm and crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.

Air Fryer Directions:

For an even crispier, almost deep-fried-like texture without the excess oil, the air fryer is an excellent choice. It cooks faster and often achieves a superior crunch.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil (if needed for non-stick, check your model’s recommendations).
3. Place the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary.
4. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden and crispy.

Regardless of your cooking method, remember that the exact timing can vary slightly based on the size of your tofu pieces and the specific appliance. Always keep an eye on them, especially towards the end, to achieve your desired level of crispiness. A quick sprinkle of extra salt or garlic powder after cooking can elevate the flavor even further, though we often prefer to let our delicious dipping sauces do the talking!

5 from 1 vote

Baked Tofu Nuggets with Nutritional Yeast Recipe

By
Justine

These crispy baked tofu nuggets, coated in nutritional yeast and sesame seeds, are irresistibly delicious and perfect as a vegetarian snack or meal.

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

12 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

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Equipment

• 1 baking sheet
• 1 Bowl

Ingredients

• 12
  oz
  tofu,
  firm or extra-firm
• 2
  tbsp
  nutritional yeast
• 1
  cup
  sesame seeds (white, black, or mixed)
• 3
  tbsp
  flour,
  rice, almond, or all-purpose
• 3
  tbsp
  milk,
  dairy or non-dairy variety
• 1/2
  tsp
  salt
• 1/8
  tsp
  pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking tray by lining it with parchment paper and drizzling lightly with oil. In a small bowl, whisk together the nutritional yeast, flour, salt, and milk to create a smooth batter. Set aside.
• Wrap the block of tofu in a cheesecloth or several layers of paper towels. Gently press down to remove excess moisture. You can place a heavy book or a small cutting board on top for 5 minutes to help with this process.
• Unwrap the pressed tofu and place it on a cutting board. Chop it into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1×1 inch cubes or small rectangles.
• Take each tofu piece, one at a time, and dip it into the prepared batter, ensuring all sides are coated. If the batter becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a tiny bit more milk.
• Place the sesame seeds in another small, shallow bowl. After dipping in batter, roll each tofu piece thoroughly in the sesame seeds until it’s evenly coated on all sides.
• Spread the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, making sure they are not touching.
• Bake for 5 minutes. Gently flip each nugget over, then continue baking for another 5-8 minutes, or until the sesame seeds turn a beautiful golden brown and the tofu is crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.

Video

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Nutrition

Serving:
1
oz
,

Calories:
544
kcal
,

Carbohydrates:
71
g
,

Protein:
27
g
,

Fat:
19
g
,

Saturated Fat:
3
g
,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
8
g
,

Monounsaturated Fat:
7
g
,

Cholesterol:
1
mg
,

Sodium:
300
mg
,

Potassium:
272
mg
,

Fiber:
11
g
,

Sugar:
8
g
,

Vitamin A:
22
IU
,

Vitamin C:
15
mg
,

Calcium:
533
mg
,

Iron:
10
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Appetizer, Entree, Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Tofu Nuggets

Once your baked tofu nuggets are golden and crispy, the fun truly begins with how you serve them! They are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sauces and meal components.

Delicious Dipping Sauces:

Dipping sauces are a must for these flavorful bites! Here are some favorites:

• **Spicy Sriracha Mayo:** A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dip that complements the savory tofu perfectly.
• **Homemade Fry Sauce:** A classic blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, and a hint of spice.
• **Sweet and Sour Sauce:** The perfect balance of tangy and sweet, ideal for an Asian-inspired twist.
• **Classic Ketchup or BBQ Sauce:** Simple yet satisfying, especially for younger palates.
• **Teriyaki Sauce:** Offers a rich, savory, and slightly sweet glaze that adds another layer of flavor.
• **Hummus or Tahini Dip:** For a Mediterranean flair, these creamy dips are excellent.

Meal Ideas with Tofu Nuggets:

These nuggets aren’t just for snacking! Incorporate them into larger meals:

• **Tofu Lettuce Wraps:** Combine crispy tofu nuggets with fresh lettuce cups, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of peanut sauce for a light and refreshing meal.
• **Sweet and Sour Tofu Meal:** Toss the freshly baked nuggets in a homemade sweet and sour sauce and serve over rice with stir-fried vegetables.
• **Salad Topper:** Add them to your favorite green salad for an extra protein boost and satisfying crunch.
• **Grain Bowls:** Create a vibrant bowl with quinoa or brown rice, roasted vegetables, and a generous serving of tofu nuggets.
• **Kid-Friendly Meal:** Pair with steamed veggies or fruit for a balanced plate that even picky eaters will enjoy, especially with their favorite fun-colored sauces.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Tofu Nuggets

To ensure the best possible texture and flavor, we generally recommend making only what you anticipate eating fresh. The crispy coating tends to soften over time when stored with the tofu in an airtight container due to moisture. However, if you do have leftovers, here’s how to manage them:

Best Way to Store Leftover Tofu:

• **Separation is Key:** If possible, store any plain, uncooked tofu separately from the batter and coating ingredients.
• **Cooked Tofu:** If you have cooked nuggets, store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and help maintain some crispness.
• **Tofu Block:** For an opened block of tofu, ensure it remains submerged in water in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Change the water daily, and it will keep for up to 3-5 days.

How to Reheat Tofu Bites:

Reheating is best done using methods that promote crispiness, avoiding the microwave as it can make them soggy.

• **Air Fryer (Recommended):** This is the ideal method for restoring crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the nuggets in a single layer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Be careful not to overcook, as they can dry out.
• **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet and heat for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until warm and crispy.

Reheating more than once is not recommended, as the tofu can become overly dry. Give these a whirl – even picky eaters might be charmed by their “cute” appearance and the fun of dipping!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)