Crispy Tofu Bites

I love these crispy tofu bites! They are one of my absolute favorite toppings for a bright stir fry or summer salad. 

These bites can stand alone as a healthy snack but you can also make a whole meal out of these. They are super easy to make and so delicious.

Why you’ll love these healthy tofu bites

• Crispy texture: These crispy tofu bites have the most satisfyingly crunchy exterior and are tender inside.
• Versatility: There are just so many ways I use these bites. Check out my list further down in the article for some inspiration.
• Protein-packed: Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein.
• Kid-friendly: Children often enjoy the fun and engaging crunch of crispy tofu bites, making them an excellent way to introduce tofu to kids.
• An accompaniment to dips: They pair well with different dipping sauces.
• Homemade goodness: Making crispy tofu bites at home allows you to control the ingredients and experiment with flavors. 
• Economical: Tofu is an affordable ingredient, making crispy tofu bites a budget-friendly choice. 

Ingredients and substitution notes

• Organic tofu: I recommend using extra-firm tofu as the preferred choice for this recipe because it holds its shape well and has a dense texture, which is ideal for achieving crispy tofu bites. Using organic tofu ensures a higher quality product with fewer additives.
• Sesame oil: This adds a rich, nutty flavor to the tofu bites. It’s essential for achieving that classic Asian-inspired taste. You can use toasted or untoasted sesame oil, depending on your preference for a more intense or milder flavor.
• Bragg’s (soy sauce): Bragg Liquid Aminos is a brand of soy sauce alternative made from soybeans. It’s often used as a healthier and gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce. Ensure you have Bragg’s or a similar substitute if you want a gluten-free option.
• Agave nectar: This is one of my favorite natural sweeteners and is derived from the agave plant.
• Panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving a light and crispy texture for the tofu bites. 

Crispy Tofu Bites Recipe variations and add-ins

Here are a couple of ideas on how to tweak these bites. My favorites are peanut-crusted and miso-glazed!

• Teriyaki tofu bites: Make a glaze using soy sauce, agave nectar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of lemon juice. Toss the crispy tofu bites in the teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Buffalo tofu bites: Add a kick of heat by tossing the crispy tofu bites in vegan buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and a dash of garlic powder.
• BBQ tofu bites: Create a smoky flavor by coating the tofu bites in a barbecue sauce made with ketchup, agave nectar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. 
• Herbed tofu bites: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into your breadcrumb mixture to infuse the tofu bites.
• Spicy Sriracha tofu bites: Make a spicy Sriracha glaze using Sriracha sauce, agave nectar, and a hint of garlic powder. Drizzle it over the crispy tofu bites for a fiery and sweet flavor combination.
• Sesame ginger tofu bites: Combine toasted sesame seeds and ground ginger with your Panko breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor. Serve with a ginger-soy dipping sauce.
• Nutritional yeast “cheese” tofu bites: Before coating them, toss them in a mixture of nutritional yeast and your preferred seasonings. This creates a “cheesy” and umami-rich crust.
• Mexican spice tofu bites: Season the tofu bites with a mixture of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a Southwestern flair. Serve with vegan chipotle mayo or salsa for dipping.

Top tips

• Use extra-firm tofu: Extra-firm tofu is ideal for this recipe as it holds its shape and absorbs flavors well. Press it to remove excess moisture by placing it between paper towels and using a heavy object.
• Double coating: For an extra crispy texture, coat the marinated tofu pieces twice. First, coat with the marinade mixture, then dip in the Panko breadcrumbs.
• Even spacing: Place the tofu bites on the baking sheet between them to allow for proper air circulation. This ensures they cook uniformly.
• Flip or shake: If using an air fryer, flip or shake the tofu bites halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up on all sides. For oven-baked tofu, you can flip them as well.
• Keep an eye on cooking time: Watch the tofu closely during the last few minutes of cooking. 
• Serve fresh: My experience is these are at their best when served immediately.

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Making ahead of time:

Follow the recipe instructions for marinating and cooking the tofu bites as usual. Cook them until they are nearly fully done but slightly undercooked to retain their crispiness when reheated.

Allow the cooked tofu bites to cool to room temperature. Placing them on a wire rack helps prevent condensation and sogginess.

Storing fresh tofu bites:

If you intend to consume the crispy tofu bites within a day or two, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Be aware that they may lose some of their crispiness over time.

For longer storage, refrigerate the tofu bites in an airtight container. They should remain fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Serving suggestions 

These super versatile bites can be used in a myriad of ways. Create a nourishing bowl with cooked quinoa or rice, a generous serving of crispy tofu bites, and an assortment of sautéed or roasted vegetables. Drizzle with your favorite vegan sauce or dressing, such as tahini or a spicy peanut sauce.

Try filling soft corn or flour tortillas with crispy tofu bites, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a dollop of vegan sour cream or vegan cashew-based cheese.

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