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Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Crispy, spicy, and soft in the middle, these easy baked tofu nuggets are the perfect healthy vegan recipe that feels like a total treat. These nuggets are so easy to make, can be adapted depending on what you fancy (or have in the spice rack!), and tastes bloomin’ delicious. Dig in.

Crispy baked tofu nuggets on a plate.

When I was a kid, I lived off of chicken nuggets.

That may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s really not.

My poor, long-suffering mother would cook delicious home-made meals for the rest of my family, but I’d kick up a tantrum if I was forced to try anything other than nuggets or chip.

Thankfully I grew out of that phase! I didn’t stop loving nuggets, though.

I first discovered these delicious crispy baked tofu nuggets when a friend invited me to a dinner party a few years back, when a plant-based diet was something I was only just easing into.

My friend served up hot bowls of steaming white rice, collard greens and cabbage, a deliciously smokey tomato and veggie stew, all topped with little baked tofu nuggets.

Ever since I’ve been perfecting and re-perfecting my own tofu nugget recipe, and I finally have it.

These baked tofu nuggets are:

  • Crispy
  • Spicy
  • Crunchy
  • Full of flavour
Easy baked tofu nuggets served on a plate with a slice of lime.

Spices

I like my tofu nuggets to really pack a punch, so I use a big combination of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper, and nutrtional yeast for a cheesy kick.

The best thing is that you can customize tofu nuggets to suit your tastes: I like big, powerful flavours so add a lot of cayenne pepper, paprika, and mustard, but you could easily mellow everything out if you’re cooking for children or want a more simple taste.

Coating for easy tofu nuggets

Some tofu nugget recipes call for batter, flour, and breadcrumbs, but this is an easy baked tofu nugget recipe, so we’re keeping it simple.

One bowl for the batter of mustard, nooch, and a little water (or plant-based milk, if you prefer) and one bowl for the breadcrumb coating.

Then, just give your nuggets a spritz with low-fat cooking spray once placed on a sheet of baking paper, and you’re good to go.

Not big on tofu?

I used to find tofu just a bit…meh. However, nowadays I absolutely love it – so if you’re new to tofu, just keep experimenting and one day you’ll love it!

I love making a big batch of these crispy baked tofu nuggets and throwing them into different meals, from burrito bowls to salads.

Other recipes you should definitely check out include my smoked tofu and sweet potato salad, vegan laksa noodle soup, and spicy tomato marinara sauce (perfect to dip the nuggets in!)

Crispy baked tofu nuggets on a plate.

Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Yield: 2 Portions

Delicious, plant-based crispy baked tofu nuggets that all the family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 block super-firm tofu

Batter:

  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 2 tsp mustard
  • ~2 tbsp water

Breadcrumb Mix

  • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs (I use Panko!)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 160° Celsius
  2. Cut your block of tofu in small cubes (the smaller, the crispier!)
  3. Mix your batter ingredients, adding water if needs until it's a smooth paste.
  4. Add your tofu to the batter and make sure each cube is evenly coated in the batter
  5. Mix all your breadcrumb ingredients in a food bag
  6. Tip your battered cubes into the bag and shake, coating each cube in the breadcrumb mix
  7. Place your breaded tofu on an oven sheet and drizzle a little oil over the top
  8. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden and crispy

Notes

You can add or remove spices as suits you - try adding turmeric and curry powder instead for an interesting twist!

I love serving my baked tofu nuggets with a spicy chipotle sauce, veg, and brown rice, but they're just as good in wraps, with home-made fries, or just on their own with a dip!

Did you make this recipe?

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This was a very helpful recipe. I took a chance on this . I love the seasonings. I added chicken seasoning and omitted the mustard. It was very good. I made a gravy and in my bowl I mixed the gravy with bbq sauce to drizzle over the nuggets and mash potatoes. Honestly real good concept for my first time making or cooking with tofu,!!

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