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Tofu Chicken Nuggets

These Tofu Chicken Nuggets have everything you love about the classic chicken nugget, without the meat! Crispy, crunchy and flavorful, these nuggets are perfect for kids, vegetarians or anyone looking to cut down on their meat consumption, without sacrificing on taste. Make a big batch, these go fast!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Tofu chicken nuggets
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

For Tofu Marinade

  • 1 block firm tofu pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste

For Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons potato starch
  • 2 eggs beaten

For Breading

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste

For Cooking

  • 1/2 cup avocado oil

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows.
  • Set out three separate shallow bowls. One for the beaten eggs, second for flour and potato starch and third for all of the breading ingredients combined.
  • Take each tofu cube, coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  • Dip in the eggs then finally, roll the coated tofu in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the tofu to adhere. Set aside on a baking sheet or plate.
  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium high heat. When oil is hot, add tofu one by one, making sure there is no crowding and they aren't touching. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 1 - 2 minutes on the other side. Set aside on plate lined with a paper towel. Continue until all of the tofu is cooked.
  • Allow to cool slightly then serve with a dipping sauce. 
  • *To Bake in Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded tofu nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the nuggets with avocado oil spray or brush with a small amount of olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.