Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
These gluten-free crispy baked tofu nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Dipped into your favourite sauce – it’s the perfect bite-size dunkable appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
If you grew up in North America, it’s safe to say that you’ve had the pleasure of devouring a chicken nugget. Whether it was at a party or from your favourite take-out place, nuggets are everyone’s favourite bite-size snack. But let me ask you this…have you ever tried a tofu nugget? If you think this sounds crazy, trust me you wouldn’t believe it’s not chicken! They’re definitely one of my go-to appetizers at any vegetarian or Asian infused restaurant.
These meat-free nuggets are super easy to whip up and only require a few ingredients. All you’ll need is tofu – aka “meatless chicken”, some crumbs for crunch, eggs, and brown rice flour. And of course, some seasoning for flavour! The best part about this recipe is that these nuggets are homemade, and baked instead of fried. So much healthier than traditional deep-fried nuggets. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, these are just the ones that I like. I also prefer using gluten-free breadcrumbs, but feel free to use Panko or homemade crumbs.
Cooking with Tofu
When deciding on what kind of tofu to use, I highly recommend going with extra firm tofu. It has a dense meaty texture, is high in protein and also holds its shape. I love using Sunrise Soya Foods Tofu because it’s made with Canadian non-GMO soybeans. On top of that Sunrise Soya Foods is a Canadian company – gotta support my local peeps!
Now, most recipes suggest pressing the tofu to expel additional moisture. However, I find draining it, then patting it dry works just as well. Just make sure you are using vacuum-sealed extra firm tofu. Then, simply cut the tofu into nugget sizes and set up a dunking station. This is a fun way to get the kids involved in helping out with dinner. After they’re well coated, spray the nuggets with avocado oil so they bake to crispy perfection! Don’t forget to flip them halfway…and give them another quick spray of avocado oil!
Dipping Sauce
While those bad boys are baking, it’s time to whip up your favourite sauce. This simple 4 ingredient sauce can be made in less than a minute. All you need is a bit of mayo, sriracha, a little honey for sweetness, and lime juice. Mix it up and your nuggets are ready to take the plunge! You can also use your favourite BBQ sauce, plum sauce, ketchup, or ranch.
Turn this into a small meal by stuffing them in a sandwich. Or toss them on your favourite salad and power bowl! You can even serve them as a side to your favourite bowl of soup. They’re perfect for meatless Monday or meal-prep Sunday. Store them in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a few minutes and voila. You have delicious crispy baked tofu nuggets that are ready to be enjoyed!
If you’re searching for more finger likin’ recipes like this one, check out:
If you make this recipe, be sure to share a photo on social media and tag me @healthnutnutrition and #healthnuteats so that I can see your creations!
Thank you Sunrise Soya Foods for sponsoring and collaborating with us to make these recipes possible! For more information about their products, visit their website!
Recipe
Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
inside. Dipped into your favourite sauce - it’s the perfect bite-size dunkable appetizer or
snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
Tofu Nuggets
- 1 block (350g) Sunrise extra-firm tofu drained and patted dry
- 2 large eggs whisked
- 1/2 tablespoon tamari sauce
- 1/3 cup brown rice flour
- 3/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds I like mixing black and white
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon pure liquid honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray with avocado oil. Set aside
- Cut the tofu in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 8 equally-sized squares. You should end up with 16 squares.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and tamari sauce.
- In a separate shallow bowl, add the brown rice.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs, sesame seeds, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- First, coat the tofu nugget in brown rice flour. Next, dunk in eggs and then generously coat in seasoned bread crumbs. Then, place on a prepared baking sheet, leaving room in between each piece.
- Spray top with avocado oil, bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip
halfway, spraying again with avocado oil. - While the nuggets are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice.
- Serve the nuggets with dipping sauce and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!
Leave a comment
Could I use coconut aminos instead of tamari? Also, I don’t have rice flour hand but I do have whole wheat, coconut, oat, and chick pea flour. Would any of those work?
Are their any egg substitutes for this recipe?
These were so delicious and perfectly crunchy! I didn’t have any Sriracha sauce so I just did some Original Red Hot sauce with just the lime–so good!