Crispy, Baked Tofu Nuggets, Gluten-Free

If you are looking for the perfect crispy nugget that is both gluten-free and vegetarian, look no further! These crispy tofu nuggets are baked to perfection. They are great to build a meal around or as a topper for salads. With a single substitution, these crispy, baked tofu nuggets can even be made vegan! A little something for everyone.

Ingredients

• 1 block tofu, extra firm

• ¼ cup garlic aioli

• 1 Tbsp tamari

• ¼ cup oat milk, unsweetened

• ⅓ cup flour, gluten-free

• 1 cup bread crumbs, gluten-free

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• ¼ tsp thyme

• ¼ tsp basil, dried

• ¼ tsp paprika

Directions

1. Mise en Place

• Prepare your workspace by removing debris, washing and sanitizing, and allow it to air dry completely. 

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 

• Wash your hands before touching any food.

• Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil. Grease lightly with butter or olive oil.

• Press the tofu-

  • Remove the tofu from the water it is packaged in.

  • Wrap the block of tofu in a paper towel. 

  • Place the covered tofu in a wide bowl or similar dish. 

  • Place something heavy on the tofu, such as a couple of ceramic bowls or a sauce pan. 

  • Allow the tofu to be pressed for 15 minutes. 

• Measure out all ingredients and set aside.

2. Prepare the Dredge

• In a medium bowl, add the garlic aioli, tamari, oat milk and mix until well combined. 

• Add the flour and mix until smooth with no lumps. 

3. Prepare the Breadcrumbs

• In a wide, shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and paprika. 

• Mix until well combined. 

4. Prepare the Tofu

• Remove the tofu from beneath the dishes.

• Unwrap the tofu from the paper towel. 

• Place the tofu on a cutting board and cut into large matchsticks.

• Cut the matchsticks in half. 

5. Prepare the Tofu Nuggets

• Cover all sides of each piece of tofu with the dredge.

• Roll the dredged tofu in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. 

• Place on the backing sheet in a single layer.

6. Bake the Tofu Nuggets

• Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

• Remove the baking tray from the oven and flip the tofu nuggets.

• Place the baking tray back in the oven and resume cooking for 20 minutes. 

• The tofu nuggets will be golden brown and crispy when they are ready.

• Enjoy!