These Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets have an addictive texture and flavor that the whole family will love! They're simple to make, packed with protein, and tasty to boot. Vegan and easily gluten-free!
Do chickens even have fingers?! Perhaps they do.
Okay so even if chickens do have phalanges, chicken strips/tenders/fingers are really just breast meat, no? It's all a big farse!
I guess they look kind of like weird knobby fingers when you fry 'em up, hence the name. I apologize that these crispy baked tofu nuggets look absolutely nothing like fingers. But maybe that's a good thing.
I think it's a great thing.
Tofu hasn't been a major part of my life lately. It's not that I don't like tofu, it's just that my pantry is always so stocked with beans and legumes that I almost forget about it. I'm on a mission to use up all the random pantry goodies that I've bought and failed to use in recipes, like brown rice noodles, capers, red lentils, and artichokes. There are plenty of randoms in the refrigerator too, namely this tofu.
All I wanted for dinner last week was comfort food and let me tell you, these crispy baked tofu nuggets fit the bill. They made me remember how much I actually adore tofu--when it's cooked correctly! This recipe isn't the icky squishy mushy tofu you may be used to. No no.
It's chewy and bread crumby in the best way possible. If there were ever a time you were gonna crave tofu, this is it. These actually reminded me of eating chicken nuggets as a child, which was kind of a delightful memory in a strange, nostalgic way.
When you're sick of beans in every way, shape, or form like I am, crispy tofu fingers are the BEST change of pace.
Hello, chickeny childhood. Crispy baked tofu nuggets for the win!
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Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Meals
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets have an addictive texture and flavor that the whole family will love! They're simple to make, packed with protein, and tasty to boot. Vegan and easily gluten-free!
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup almond meal
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (sub gluten-free if necessary)
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp salt
Instructions
- Remove tofu from packaging and press using a tofu press or on a plate with a few heavy objects and a dish towel. Press for at least thirty minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place almond milk in a shallow dish (I used a round glass Tupperware).
- In another shallow dish, stir together almond meal, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Cut tofu into 10-12 slices. Use one hand to dip the tofu slice in almond milk, and then the other hand to dredge it in the bread crumb mixture. Cover it fully and tap off excess. Repeat with each slice of tofu and place them in an even layer on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes and then flip and cook for another 15 minutes. Serve with ketchup, mustard, or preferred dipping sauce.
Steph says
Just wanted to drop a quick thank you! My 7yo daughter said "no" to meat about 4 months ago. Needless to say, it's been an adventure finding nutritious plant-based meals that my VERY picky girl will actually eat. We tried these last night and she LOVED them! The adult folks (seriously anti- 'fu) were also pleasantly surprised. Thanks so much!
Steph says
Just wanted to drop a quick thank you! My 7yo daughter said "no" to meat about 4 months ago. Needless to say, it's been an adventure finding nutritious plant-based meals that my VERY picky girl will actually eat. We tried these last night and she LOVED them! The adult folks (seriously anti- 'fu) were also pleasantly surprised. Thanks so much!
Denise says
Thank you for suggesting using BOTH hands to do the breading ( one for the milk, one for the bread). I had never thought of that and it works beautifully. It's so much faster without the numerous trips to the sink to get the globs off my fingers.
One tip on getting water out of the tofu- I cut it up (into fingers) right out of the package, lay it out on a baking sheet (sprayed with olive oil or on parchment) and put it in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes. It gets as much or more of the water out as me trying to balance a heavy object on top of the wiggly tofu. Then proceed with the directions.
Denise says
Thank you for suggesting using BOTH hands to do the breading ( one for the milk, one for the bread). I had never thought of that and it works beautifully. It's so much faster without the numerous trips to the sink to get the globs off my fingers.
One tip on getting water out of the tofu- I cut it up (into fingers) right out of the package, lay it out on a baking sheet (sprayed with olive oil or on parchment) and put it in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes. It gets as much or more of the water out as me trying to balance a heavy object on top of the wiggly tofu. Then proceed with the directions.
claudia says
This looks perfect for my toddlers school lunch. Do you think I can sub corn starch for cornmeal ? or perhaps flax egg? Thank you
Alexis says
Hmmm I've never tried that so I'm not sure :/ Sorry! Hope it works out!
claudia says
This looks perfect for my toddlers school lunch. Do you think I can sub corn starch for cornmeal ? or perhaps flax egg? Thank you
Alexis says
Hmmm I've never tried that so I'm not sure :/ Sorry! Hope it works out!
Allie says
Love these! I was starting to get so bored with eating the same old roasted tofu over and over again every week so this was a great new way to try cooking it.
I didn't have any cornmeal so i just added a little extra nutritional yeast and bread crumbs - they still turned out great! I bet the cornmeal adds even better crispiness though.
Alexis says
Awesome! Extra nooch is never a bad thing 🙂
Allie says
Love these! I was starting to get so bored with eating the same old roasted tofu over and over again every week so this was a great new way to try cooking it.
I didn't have any cornmeal so i just added a little extra nutritional yeast and bread crumbs - they still turned out great! I bet the cornmeal adds even better crispiness though.
Alexis says
Awesome! Extra nooch is never a bad thing 🙂
Christina says
Followed your recipe exactly and these came out perfectly ! Even the hubby loved them. Made it with a side of Angela's roasted Buddha bowl, yum!
Alexis says
WAHOO!! So glad to hear that 🙂
Christina says
Followed your recipe exactly and these came out perfectly ! Even the hubby loved them. Made it with a side of Angela's roasted Buddha bowl, yum!
Alexis says
WAHOO!! So glad to hear that 🙂
Hayley@healthyregards says
I used to like fish sticks as a child so I am pretty sure these may be a new favorite (:
Alexis says
We all liked them at one point or another!
Sayward says
With fish sticks, maybe you could try a tiny bit of dulse to give it that ocean flavor. Might be interesting!
★★★★★
Hayley@healthyregards says
I used to like fish sticks as a child so I am pretty sure these may be a new favorite (:
Alexis says
We all liked them at one point or another!
Sayward says
With fish sticks, maybe you could try a tiny bit of dulse to give it that ocean flavor. Might be interesting!
★★★★★
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i love tofu and like you said making it correctly makes a huge difference. definitely trying this.
Alexis says
Great! Enjoy, Dixya! Glad you know how to press tofu 🙂
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i love tofu and like you said making it correctly makes a huge difference. definitely trying this.
Alexis says
Great! Enjoy, Dixya! Glad you know how to press tofu 🙂
Nikkii Baker says
Running out to buy tofu as we speak!
Nikkii Baker says
Running out to buy tofu as we speak!
Liz says
I thought they were just called chicken fingers because you eat them with your fingers? Have I been wrong all these years? LOL Regardless, I am ALWAYS down for some baked tofu, and anything breaded and reminiscent of nuggets? YES, please! I've been waiting for a "I must have that" recipe to use up the tofu that's been floating around in my fridge, and I just found it. 🙂
Alexis says
Wait...maybe you're right and I'm wrong!! This is kind of funny 🙂
Liz says
LOL You've got it all on this blog -- serving up delicious food AND life's great questions." 🙂
Liz says
I thought they were just called chicken fingers because you eat them with your fingers? Have I been wrong all these years? LOL Regardless, I am ALWAYS down for some baked tofu, and anything breaded and reminiscent of nuggets? YES, please! I've been waiting for a "I must have that" recipe to use up the tofu that's been floating around in my fridge, and I just found it. 🙂
Alexis says
Wait...maybe you're right and I'm wrong!! This is kind of funny 🙂
Liz says
LOL You've got it all on this blog -- serving up delicious food AND life's great questions." 🙂
Laura says
I have almond meal in the fridge which I need to use . . . this might just be the answer! I love it when tofu goes crispy!
Alexis says
It has the best texture! Hope you love it.
Laura says
I have almond meal in the fridge which I need to use . . . this might just be the answer! I love it when tofu goes crispy!
Alexis says
It has the best texture! Hope you love it.
Robyn @thereallife_RD says
you do tofu right girl. i've had a block in my fridge for WEEKS because I wasn't really craving it, until this post.
thankya hummusapien!
Alexis says
You're welcome gurrrrrl! Crave away 🙂
Robyn @thereallife_RD says
you do tofu right girl. i've had a block in my fridge for WEEKS because I wasn't really craving it, until this post.
thankya hummusapien!
Alexis says
You're welcome gurrrrrl! Crave away 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I haven't made tofu in AGES! I used to make my baked version all the time until I got fined from my uni library because one of the textbooks were slightly worn from pressing the tofu lol!
Alexis says
OMG a textbook fine from pressing tofu?! That's MY job!! Are you sure it wasn't steak? Or kettle corn granola bars?
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I haven't made tofu in AGES! I used to make my baked version all the time until I got fined from my uni library because one of the textbooks were slightly worn from pressing the tofu lol!
Alexis says
OMG a textbook fine from pressing tofu?! That's MY job!! Are you sure it wasn't steak? Or kettle corn granola bars?
janet @ the taste space says
Looks great... and personally, I can't wait to see what you make with your pantry items... they all sound delicious. Have you tried fried capers? Mind blowingly awesome. 🙂
Alexis says
Fried capers?! Sign me up!
janet @ the taste space says
Looks great... and personally, I can't wait to see what you make with your pantry items... they all sound delicious. Have you tried fried capers? Mind blowingly awesome. 🙂
Alexis says
Fried capers?! Sign me up!
Dana | fresh simple five says
I'm just starting to get into tofu... and these look so yummy! I've yet to try cooking it at home, but I'd love to try these. And no, I don't think chickens have fingers. 🙂
Alexis says
These will definitely help you transition into the 'fu life 😉
Dana | fresh simple five says
I'm just starting to get into tofu... and these look so yummy! I've yet to try cooking it at home, but I'd love to try these. And no, I don't think chickens have fingers. 🙂
Alexis says
These will definitely help you transition into the 'fu life 😉
Lauren says
These look awesome lady! I love this idea to change up the normal bean affair. This made me chuckle - "on a plate with a few heavy objects and a dish towel" - so how I will be doing it!
Alexis says
Thanks, Lauren! Keepin' it real 🙂
Lauren says
These look awesome lady! I love this idea to change up the normal bean affair. This made me chuckle - "on a plate with a few heavy objects and a dish towel" - so how I will be doing it!
Alexis says
Thanks, Lauren! Keepin' it real 🙂
Emily @ Zen & Spice says
Wow, these look so good! I've been planning more meatless meals for myself lately, trying to go vegetarian at least 5 days a week now. This would be perfect for a protein source! How long would they last in the fridge? Could you freeze them?
Alexis says
Perfect! They'll last a good while in the fridge...I tend to keep things longer than I should, like a week 😉 I heated them in the microwave because I was lazy but I'm sure the oven or stove-top would optimize the texture. Not sure about freezing them but I don't see why not!
Emily @ Zen & Spice says
Wow, these look so good! I've been planning more meatless meals for myself lately, trying to go vegetarian at least 5 days a week now. This would be perfect for a protein source! How long would they last in the fridge? Could you freeze them?
Alexis says
Perfect! They'll last a good while in the fridge...I tend to keep things longer than I should, like a week 😉 I heated them in the microwave because I was lazy but I'm sure the oven or stove-top would optimize the texture. Not sure about freezing them but I don't see why not!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Yum!!! I love that you added corn meal. I bet that gives these the perfect amount of crispiness!
Alexis says
Exactlyyyy! Corn can do no wrong.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Yum!!! I love that you added corn meal. I bet that gives these the perfect amount of crispiness!
Alexis says
Exactlyyyy! Corn can do no wrong.
Cassie says
This is such a great idea! I love tofu but never thought about making tofu fingers! I know what I'm going to do with the last package of tofu in my fridge... 🙂
Alexis says
The fingers are calling!!
Cassie says
This is such a great idea! I love tofu but never thought about making tofu fingers! I know what I'm going to do with the last package of tofu in my fridge... 🙂
Alexis says
The fingers are calling!!
Julia says
"Chicken fingers" is something I may never understand either. I mean, the things don't even look like fingers, do they? Or am I not thinking outside of the box enough. Anyhoo, I love the idea of a crispy comforting tofu finger. Lay.these.on.me. Can I dip them in buffalo wing sauce? 😉
Alexis says
Hellz friggin yes to ALL the buffalo sauce!!
Julia says
"Chicken fingers" is something I may never understand either. I mean, the things don't even look like fingers, do they? Or am I not thinking outside of the box enough. Anyhoo, I love the idea of a crispy comforting tofu finger. Lay.these.on.me. Can I dip them in buffalo wing sauce? 😉
Alexis says
Hellz friggin yes to ALL the buffalo sauce!!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I don't think I've ever looked at tofu and thought, "oh man I want that!" but THIS makes me want some tofu right now! Fantastic recipe!
Alexis says
Hahaha well put! I can't say that I often drool over tofu either, but I swear this one's a keeper 🙂
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I don't think I've ever looked at tofu and thought, "oh man I want that!" but THIS makes me want some tofu right now! Fantastic recipe!
Alexis says
Hahaha well put! I can't say that I often drool over tofu either, but I swear this one's a keeper 🙂
Dietitian Jess says
Tofu is amazing when cooked correctly- some people don't know what they are missing! I like your bread crumb mixture, pinning this to try soon!
Alexis says
I couldn't agree more, Jess! Thanks for pinning 🙂
Dietitian Jess says
Tofu is amazing when cooked correctly- some people don't know what they are missing! I like your bread crumb mixture, pinning this to try soon!
Alexis says
I couldn't agree more, Jess! Thanks for pinning 🙂