Baked Tofu Nuggets
User Reviews
5
Baked Tofu Nuggets
Description
Baked Tofu Nuggets start with extra-firm tofu that is pressed and then torn into pieces, allowing the marinade and spice coating to penetrate better. The marinade includes soy sauce, hot sauce, and neutral oil, which heightens the tofu's flavor. A carefully balanced spice mixture with nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, celery seeds, and poultry seasoning is tossed onto the marinated tofu along with cornstarch, which crisps up during baking. Baking at 400°F until crisp creates nuggets with a satisfying crust and tender interior.
The layering of savory spices and nutritional yeast delivers a rich, umami flavor that complements the tofu's mildness. These nuggets can be served with vegan barbecue sauce, ranch, or hot sauce and garnished with cilantro or green onions, making them a versatile finger food. The preparation method emphasizes texture contrasts and flavor depth while keeping the dish plant-based.
Tearing the tofu instead of cubing creates rough edges that absorb more marinade and hold the crisp coating better. For extra crispiness, breadcrumbs can be used instead of cornstarch. Variations include substituting seitan or cauliflower for the tofu, and replacing soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Omitting garlic and onion can be balanced with asafetida or fenugreek powder in the spice mix, maintaining flavor complexity.
Ingredients
- 14 ounce tofu extra firm, pressed for at least 20 minutes
For the marinade:
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
For spice coating
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon sage ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon celery seeds or ½ teaspoon celery salt (adjust salt amounts accordingly
- ¼ teaspoon cumin ground
- cinnamon nutmeg and allspice, a generous pinch
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning thyme, rosemary, or mix of 1/8 teaspoons each of sage
- 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons corn starch or tapioca starch
To serve
- vegan barbecue sauce or vegan ranch or hot sauce or dips of choice
- cilantro or green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Press the tofu if you haven’t already, then break into bite size pieces using your hands. Keep them at least 1 inch in size, add to a bowl.
- Marinate: Then add the marinade ingredients to the bowl and toss well to coat, let the tofu sit for 5 minutes(or longer in the fridge till ready to bake)
- Spice coating: In another small bowl add all of the coating ingredients and 1 ½ tablespoons of corn starch and mix really well.
- The marinade should have gotten absorbed in the tofu, there shouldn’t be any liquid left. Sprinkle all of the spice coating mixture over the tofu and toss well to coat. If the tofu is too wet then add some more cornstarch, 1 teaspoon at a time. Then spread this tofu on parchment lined baking sheet and keep at least ½ inch distance between all the pieces.
- Bake at 400F(205c) for 20-25 minutes or until the tofu is crisp to preference
- Depending on the brand of tofu, if it’s a good extra firm tofu then the coating will get crisp around 23-24 minutes and if the tofu is a bit softer then the outside will get crisp, but tofu might be somewhat soft in the middle.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven then let it cool for a few minutes before plating it and serving it with dips of choice. You can also use this tofu to add to wraps or tacos or serve it as a side.
Notes
- Tear tofu instead of cutting into cubes to create more surface area for marinade absorption and coating adherence.
- Using breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch can increase crispiness if preferred.
- Substitute tofu with seitan or cauliflower florets to vary the texture and flavor.
- For soy-free alternatives, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or use rehydrated dry soycurls as a base.
- To make onion and garlic-free, add asafetida or fenugreek powder to the spice blend and consider adding miso to the marinade for flavor depth.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 132 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 132kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 698mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 78mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 0.4g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 257IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 134mg | 13% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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