Baked Tofu Nuggets

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Baked Tofu Nuggets are the ultimate plant-based alternative to your favorite comfort food! Made with extra-firm tofu as the protein-packed base, these nuggets are marinated in a savory soy sauce mixture, then coated in a crave-worthy blend of nutritional yeast, spices, and panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch. This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a healthy, kid-friendly finger food that’s perfect for snacking, meal prep, or pairing with your go-to dipping sauce. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or craving a guilt-free indulgence, these tofu nuggets are sure to satisfy!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz Extra-firm tofu
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 cup Nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, oat)
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0 Cooking spray (or a small amount of oil for greasing)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.

Step 2

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and set a heavy object (like a skillet or book) on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 3

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or strips, depending on your preference.

Step 4

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and plant-based milk to create the wet marinade.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well to create the dry coating.

Step 6

Set up a breading station: Arrange the wet marinade, the dry coating, and the panko breadcrumbs in separate bowls.

Step 7

Dip each tofu cube into the wet marinade, making sure it is evenly coated. Then dredge it in the dry coating, pressing lightly to adhere. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to create the crispy outer layer.

Step 8

Place the coated tofu nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they cook evenly.

Step 9

Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray to help them crisp up while baking.

Step 10

Bake the tofu nuggets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, vegan ranch, or barbecue sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	639.3 grams (639.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	944

Total Fat 35.90g	46%
Saturated Fat 5.00g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2493mg	108%
Total Carbohydrate 80.20g	29%
Dietary Fiber 15.30g	55%
Total Sugars 6.20g
Protein 83.60g	167%

Vitamin D 50IU	250%
Calcium 2889mg	222%
Iron 16mg	87%
Potassium 1603mg	34%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.0%

Protein: 34.2%

Carbs: 32.8%