Are you ready to elevate your snack game with a deliciously spicy twist? Dive into the world of plant-based delights with these Vegan Spicy Almond Crusted Tofu Nuggets! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these nuggets are not just for vegans; they’re a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple baking process, you can whip up a batch in no time. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Begin by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top, such as a cast iron skillet or a few cans. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
- While the tofu is pressing, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- After the tofu has been pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In another bowl, pour in the plant-based milk. This will be used for dipping the tofu cubes before coating them.
- In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. You can use store-bought or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor until fine.
- Take a tofu cube and dip it into the plant-based milk, ensuring it is fully submerged. Allow any excess milk to drip off.
- Next, transfer the tofu cube to the bowl with the almond flour mixture. Coat it thoroughly, pressing the mixture onto the tofu to ensure it sticks well.
- Once coated, place the tofu cube on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the tofu cubes, ensuring they are spaced out evenly on the sheet.
- After all the tofu nuggets are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, lightly spray or drizzle them with a bit of oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through to ensure they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Once the tofu nuggets are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Serve the vegan spicy almond crusted tofu nuggets warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or a side of fresh vegetables.
Tips
- Pressing the Tofu: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. The longer you press, the better!
- Uniform Size: Cut the tofu into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. This way, every nugget will be perfectly crispy and delicious.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper, or experiment with your favorite spices for a unique flavor profile.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: For an extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They will give your nuggets an even crispier finish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure to space out the tofu nuggets on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around them, ensuring they bake evenly and get that desired crunch.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: These nuggets pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with vegan ranch, spicy mayo, or a zesty salsa for a flavor explosion!
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
