Yields: 2 Servings
Process Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour
Ingredients
– 14 oz. extra-firm tofu
– 1/2 tsp. dried basil
– 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
– 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
– 1/3 cup potato starch or cornstarch
– 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 3/4 cup store-bought fried onions
– 1 cup plant-based milk
– Cooking spray
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tsp. curry powder
– 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp. chili powder
– Store-bought or homemade ranch dressing, for serving
Directions
1. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°.
2. Place 3 layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel on a plate.
3. Put the tofu on the towels and cover with another 3 layers of towels or another clean kitchen towel.
4. Place a heavy can or skillet on top of the tofu to press moisture out, pouring off excess water and replacing towels as needed. Let it sit for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
5. Tear tofu into 1-inch chunks and transfer to a large bowl.
6. Sprinkle with basil, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne. Gently toss with a rubber spatula until coated.
7. Sprinkle with potato starch and gently toss until coated.
8. In a food processor or spice mill, pulse or grind breadcrumbs and onions until finely crushed and incorporated, about 10 to 15 pulses.
9. Pour milk into a shallow bowl. Transfer breadcrumb mixture to another shallow bowl.
10. Dip each tofu piece into milk, then toss in the breadcrumb mixture until coated.
11. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray tofu with cooking spray, turn over, and spray again.
12. Bake tofu nuggets, turning halfway through, until golden brown, for about 35 to 40 minutes.
13. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, curry powder, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder.
14. Season nuggets with a heavy pinch of salt and transfer to a platter.
15. Serve with ranch and curry ketchup alongside.
Enjoy these flavorful and crispy tofu nuggets as a delicious plant-based meal option. The combination of seasonings and crunchy coating makes this a satisfying dish for any occasion.
