Golden, crunchy tofu bites seasoned and fried to crisp perfection, ideal for snacking or adding to bowls and wraps.
# What You Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
→ Coating
08 - ½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
09 - ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
10 - 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
12 - 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
13 - ½ tsp salt
→ For frying
14 - Vegetable oil for shallow frying, ½ inch depth
# How To Make It:
01 - Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy pan on top for 15 minutes to expel excess moisture.
02 - Slice pressed tofu into ¾-inch cubes or nugget shapes.
03 - Combine soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss tofu to coat evenly and let sit for 10 minutes.
04 - Arrange three bowls: place flour in the first; mix plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar in the second to create vegan buttermilk; combine panko, nutritional yeast, and salt in the third.
05 - Dredge tofu pieces in flour, dip into vegan buttermilk, then coat thoroughly with the panko mixture.
06 - Heat vegetable oil to ½ inch depth in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
07 - Transfer fried nuggets to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.
