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- 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and drained - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crisp) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce To make crispy baked buffalo tofu nuggets, you need simple ingredients. Start with firm tofu. This tofu holds its shape and gives you the best texture. You'll also need all-purpose flour for coating. Next, gather your seasonings. Garlic powder adds a great flavor. Paprika gives a nice color. Cayenne pepper brings the heat, while salt and black pepper enhance all the tastes. For the coating, unsweetened almond milk keeps it plant-based. Panko breadcrumbs are key for extra crunch. Olive oil helps everything crisp up nicely in the oven. Lastly, buffalo sauce gives those nuggets their famous kick. These ingredients make a tasty and easy plant-based snack. You can enjoy them as a fun appetizer or a quick meal. 1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the nuggets not stick. 2. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes: Take your firm tofu block and press it to remove excess water. Then, slice it into small cubes. Aim for pieces about one inch. 1. Mix seasoned flour ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well for an even mix. 2. Set up almond milk and breadcrumb stations: In another bowl, pour 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk. In a third bowl, place 1 cup of breadcrumbs. I recommend using panko for an extra crispy finish. 3. Coat the tofu nuggets in the flour, almond milk, and breadcrumbs: Take each tofu nugget. First, dip it into the flour mix. Then, coat it in almond milk. Finally, roll it in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs on firmly for a better hold. 1. Arrange nuggets on the baking sheet: Place the coated tofu nuggets on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they have space between them. This helps them crisp up nicely. 2. Bake and flip for optimal crispiness: Bake your nuggets in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, flip them to ensure they cook evenly. Look for a golden brown color for the best crunch. To get the best texture, always use firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape better during cooking. It gives you that nice bite when you eat it. Pressing and draining the tofu is also key. This step removes excess water. Less water means crispier nuggets. Wrap the tofu in a clean cloth and place a weight on top for about 15 minutes. This helps a lot! You can boost the flavor of your nuggets with extra spices. Try adding onion powder or dried herbs. You can also make your own buffalo sauce. Combine hot sauce, vegan butter, and a splash of vinegar. This gives you control over the heat and tang. Adjust it to your taste! Get creative with how you serve these nuggets. Pair them with dips like ranch or blue cheese. You can also add some fresh veggies like celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side. If you want a full meal, serve them with a salad or rice. This makes a tasty and satisfying feast! {{image_2}} You can easily make these crispy baked buffalo tofu nuggets gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it works for frying, like rice or almond flour. For the breadcrumbs, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal. This way, you keep the crunch without gluten. You can change the flavor of your tofu nuggets with different sauces. Try BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce for a new taste. You can also add herbs or spices to the flour mix. Think of using oregano, thyme, or even a bit of cumin. These small tweaks will take your nuggets to a whole new level! If you want to cook faster, try air frying instead of baking. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. You can also grill these nuggets. Just place them on a grill for a nice char. Brush them with olive oil to keep them moist. Both methods give you tasty options for crispy tofu nuggets! To store leftover crispy baked buffalo tofu nuggets, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in your refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure the nuggets cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent sogginess. To reheat your tofu nuggets while keeping them crispy, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. You can also use an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you want to freeze the nuggets before baking, follow these steps. First, coat the tofu as usual but do not bake. Arrange the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer for 25-30 minutes. Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. It has a denser texture, which holds up well. To handle it, start by pressing it. This removes excess water. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a weight on top. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. After pressing, cut it into nuggets just like with firm tofu. This method helps ensure your nuggets stay crispy. Yes, these crispy tofu nuggets are perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they stay crunchy and tasty. You can serve these nuggets with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Celery sticks for crunch - Carrot sticks for sweetness - A small bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping - A fresh salad for balance These sides complement the spicy flavor of the buffalo sauce well. To make this recipe nut-free, use a different milk. Soy milk or oat milk works well. Both have a similar texture to almond milk. If you need to substitute for breadcrumbs, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the recipe safe for those with nut allergies. These crispy buffalo tofu nuggets are fun and easy to make. You need firm tofu, simple seasonings, and breadcrumbs. Coat the tofu well, bake until crisp, and enjoy! Remember to try different sauces or cooking methods for variety. Store leftovers properly to keep them tasty. This recipe suits meal prep and many diets. Explore your options and don't hesitate to add your twist. Enjoy your cooking and the deliciousness of each bite!

Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Nuggets

Craving something delicious and plant-based? Try these Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Nuggets! With a perfect blend of spices and a crunchy coating, these nuggets make a tasty snack or appetizer. Simple to prepare in just 40 minutes, they’re perfect for any occasion. Serve them with ranch dressing and celery sticks for the ultimate treat! Click through to discover the full recipe and surprise your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

1 block of firm tofu, pressed and drained

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crisp)

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

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 bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture.

        In a separate bowl, pour the almond milk.

          In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

            Dip each tofu nugget first into the flour mixture, then into the almond milk, and finally coat well with breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the tofu for a better hold.

              Arrange the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Drizzle with olive oil.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

                  After baking, toss the nuggets in buffalo sauce until well coated.

                    Optional: Return the sauced nuggets to the oven for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy buffalo nuggets on a platter with a side of celery sticks and a small bowl of ranch dressing for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color.