This dish will impress even the most skeptical of tofu critic. Even more, playing with this food is encouraged! What is more fun than dunking crispy baked nuggets into a variety of delectable dipping sauces?
Kids will enjoy both the taste of these tofu nuggets and helping to prepare them - it will get extremely gooey. But that’s half the fun! If you prefer little hands stay clean, the traditional "shaking" method can be used – simply coat tofu then toss in a plastic bag with seasonings before baking.
Make tofu nuggets a meal with mashed potatoes or root vegetables, a fresh green salad, or the traditional pub fare of carrot and celery sticks with blue cheese dressing.
Tofu Substitution
If there is no fresh tofu on hand, try substituting dry TSP slices. Simply rehydrate slices or chunks briefly in water (several minutes, or until mostly hydrated) before coating. The finished product will be chewier and more jerky-like, but less messy and still delicious.
Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe
In true tofu style, these cubes may be seasoned according to taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 brick (12 or 16 ounces) extra-firm tofu (low-fat is fine)
- ¼ cup (approximate) low-fat mayonnaise-type dressing (such as Miracle Whip) or vegan mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup (approximate) dried breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp. parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, optional
- 1-2 tsp. Italian seasoning, to taste, or other seasoning of choice (try garlic or onion powder)
Directions:
- Press or drain tofu.
- Cut into 1-inch (about 2 cm) cubes.
- Set out two flat bowls or trays, and one cookie sheet.
- In the first bowl, measure salad dressing or vegan mayonnaise. In second bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, and seasoning/herbs.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
- Spray a large cookie sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Dip a tofu cube and into the first bowl of dressing, rolling it around so all sides are covered, but not gloopy.
- Next, roll tofu in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Place on oiled cookie sheet.
- Repeat until all cubes are covered.
- If using the bag-shaking method, steps 7-9 should be replaced with tossing the dressing-coated cubes in a large resealable plastic bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Note that this method will yield more uneven coverage.
- Bake tofu cubes approximately 15-30 minutes, turning cubes once about halfway through. When done, cubes should be very light golden brown and crispy.
Serve with your favourite dipping sauce: barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and ketchup are favourites.
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