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–+ servings

Vegan Tofu Nuggets

Thee Burger Dude
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Childhood Classics, Fried Chicken, Game Day Meals
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Sriracha
  • 1 tsp Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Water

Dry Dredge

  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/8 tsp White Pepper
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp Salt

Wet Dredge (Vegan Buttermilk)

  • 1 cup Plant Milk (Unsweetened)
  • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Hot Sauce
  • 3 - 4 Tbsp Flour

Instructions
 

  • Cut the block of tofu into 4 filets. Cut into nugget shapes, or just break the pieces off into bite sized chunks.
  • Make the marinade, then marinate the nuggets for about 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  • In a pan over medium heat, grill the nuggets for about 3 - 4 minutes per side. Brush on excess marinade when flipping. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
  • Prepare the dry and wet dredges by mixing all the ingredients respectively in separate bowls / containers.
  • Fill up a dutch oven or large skillet with a neutral high smoke point oil (such as peanut, canola or vegetable). You just need enough oil to cover the nuggets, so about 2 - 3 inches worth. Heat to 375 F (I highly recommend using a thermometer).
  • Dredge each nugget first in the dry mixture, then wet, and then back into the dry. Shake off the excess each time you dredge it and make sure you thoroughly coat it. If you want to double dredge for a thicker breading, start in the wet, then they dry, and then repeat. You may need to adjust and increase the wet mixture if you go this route!
  • Protip: Fry up one nugget before you fry the rest to test out the seasoning of the breading and adjust if needed!
  • Once the nuggets are coated and the oil is up to temperature, carefully add them to the pot. Don't overcrowd, I would say do around 8 - 10 at a time maximum. The oil temperature will drop but as long as it stays above 350 F you should be fine.
  • Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and beautiful. Let them rest on a wire rack to cool for a couple minutes, and then enjoy with any dipping sauces you like!

Notes

*I recommend using Super Firm Tofu, the kind that's vacuum packed. If you can only find Extra Firm, you'll need to press it for at least 30 minutes to get rid of the excess water.
Keyword Fried Chicken, Fried Tofu, Vegan Fried Chicken
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