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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The main ingredients play a crucial role in making crispy garlic tofu nuggets. Firm tofu gives the nuggets their shape and texture. Cornstarch creates a crispy coating when cooked. Garlic powder and other spices add rich flavor. - Sweet chili sauce - Fresh parsley for garnish - Cooking oils You can use optional ingredients to enhance your dish. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice sweetness and heat. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. Using different cooking oils, like sesame oil, can change the flavor too. These ingredients come together to make tasty, crunchy nuggets that everyone will love. You can mix and match sauces or herbs to suit your taste. Enjoy making them your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Draining and pressing Start with one block of firm tofu. Drain the water from the package. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step removes excess moisture and makes the tofu firm. Cutting into nuggets After pressing, slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes. You can make them bigger or smaller, depending on your preference. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Mixing dry ingredients In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well. This blend adds flavor and helps create a crispy crust. Tossing tofu in seasoning Take your tofu cubes and toss them in the dry mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated. This step is key for flavor and texture. Use your hands or a spoon to make it even. Sautéing garlic In a pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Frying tofu nuggets Add the coated tofu nuggets to the pan. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning them until they are golden brown on all sides. You may need to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps achieve that crispy texture. Baking for crispiness After frying, transfer the nuggets to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure they crisp up evenly. Once done, they should be golden and crunchy. Enjoy your crispy garlic tofu nuggets with soy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley! To achieve maximum crispiness, use firm tofu. Press it well to remove excess moisture. This step makes a big difference. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized nuggets. Coat each piece well with the cornstarch mixture. Frying in small batches helps too. This keeps the oil hot, giving a better crunch. If you add too many nuggets at once, they steam instead of fry. For extra flavor, consider marinating the tofu. A simple mix of soy sauce and minced garlic works great. Let the tofu soak for at least 30 minutes. You can also explore other seasonings. Try adding chili powder for heat or lemon zest for brightness. Don't forget to taste as you go! For the best experience, serve the nuggets with dips. Sweet chili sauce is a fantastic choice. You can also try sriracha or a creamy garlic dip. Presentation is key too. Arrange the nuggets on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish as tasty to see as to eat! Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, leading to crispier nuggets. Coating Consistency: For an extra crispy texture, double coat the tofu by dipping it in the cornstarch mixture, then in a little water, and back into the mixture again. Use High Heat: Fry the tofu nuggets on medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown crust without overcooking the inside. Flavor Boost: Marinate the tofu in soy sauce and spices for 15-30 minutes before coating for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can give your crispy garlic tofu nuggets a fun twist. For a spicy garlic version, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the dry mix. This adds heat and makes each bite exciting. Another great option is to infuse the tofu with lemongrass or ginger. Simply add minced lemongrass or grated ginger to the garlic when sautéing. This will create a fresh, bright flavor that pairs well with the garlic. If you want a healthier option, try air frying the tofu nuggets. Just coat them as usual and place them in an air fryer. Cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes. This method gives you a crisp outside without much oil. Grilling is another tasty option. Marinate the tofu nuggets in soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, grill them on medium heat. This adds a smoky flavor and nice grill marks that look great on your plate. These nuggets pair well with many plant-based sides. Try serving them with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can also add them to a grain bowl for a complete meal. When it comes to sauces, adjust them to meet dietary needs. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. You can also swap out sesame oil for olive oil if preferred. To keep your crispy garlic tofu nuggets fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep them from going soggy. Make sure they cool down before sealing. You can keep them for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, plan ahead. To keep your nuggets crispy when reheating, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the nuggets on a baking tray. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This way, you will revive their crunch. If you want to freeze your tofu nuggets, let them cool first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a tasty snack! How do I make tofu crispy? To make tofu crispy, start with firm tofu. Drain and press it to remove excess water. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Coat the tofu in cornstarch and spices. Fry it in hot oil until golden, then bake for extra crunch. Can I use firm tofu for this recipe? Yes, firm tofu is perfect for this recipe. It holds its shape well and provides a nice texture. Silken or soft tofu may fall apart and won't give the same crunch. Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Check the label to ensure it meets your needs. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Nutritional information per serving Each serving contains approximately: - Calories: 180 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 9g - Fiber: 1g These values may vary based on your exact ingredients. What dishes pair well with crispy tofu nuggets? Crispy tofu nuggets go well with rice or noodles. They also pair nicely with fresh salads or steamed veggies. Try them with a side of stir-fried greens for a complete meal. Recommended dipping sauces For dipping, sweet chili sauce is a great choice. You can also use soy sauce, peanut sauce, or a spicy mayo. These sauces add extra flavor and make the nuggets even more enjoyable. This article shared how to make crispy tofu nuggets from firm tofu and spices. You learned about optional ingredients to enhance flavor, different cooking methods, and tips for achieving the perfect texture. Variations offer fun ways to change up the recipe, while storage info ensures your leftovers remain tasty. Finally, the FAQs answer common questions about nutrition and pairing. Enjoy making these nuggets and impressing your friends with your new cooking skills.

Crispy Garlic Tofu Nuggets

Delicious and crispy tofu nuggets seasoned with garlic and spices, perfect for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 serving Sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or nuggets.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the mixture until well coated.
  • In a pan over medium heat, add sesame oil. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Add the coated tofu nuggets to the pan and lightly fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. You may need to do this in batches.
  • Transfer the lightly fried tofu nuggets to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden, flipping halfway through.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with soy sauce, tossing gently to coat.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Keyword crispy, garlic, nuggets, tofu, vegan