These crispy baked tofu sticks are a fun and tasty snack that everyone will love! Coat your tofu in a crunchy batter and bake until golden for a healthier treat.
I like to dip mine in a tangy sauce for extra flavor. Give me a delicious dip, and I can turn tofu into a party! 🎉
Making these is super easy—just slice the tofu, batter it up, and bake away. Perfect for a quick snack or to add to salads! You’ll be amazed how crunchy they get!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe, as it holds its shape while baking. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to choose a firm tofu that is labeled as gluten-free to ensure it’s safe for your diet.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, crispy texture that’s hard to beat! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but the sticks may not be quite as crunchy. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk are great choices. If you have another favorite plant milk, feel free to use that instead! Just avoid sweetened varieties, as they can alter the taste.
Nutritional Yeast: This is optional but adds a nice cheesy flavor. If you’re not a fan, simply skip it or use Parmesan cheese if you’re not keeping it vegan.
How Do I Get My Tofu Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy tofu is draining it well and coating it properly. Start by pressing the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. This keeps it from becoming soggy during baking. Here’s how to ensure maximum crispiness:
- Squeeze or press the tofu block for about 20-30 minutes before cutting it into sticks.
- Apply oil lightly; it assists with browning and crisping in the oven.
- Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking and enhance crispiness.
Remember to flip the tofu halfway through baking for even crispiness!
Crispy Baked Tofu Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tofu Sticks:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
For Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise or plain plant-based yogurt
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 45-60 minutes until you’re ready to enjoy your crispy baked tofu sticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu to remove any excess water. You can do this by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, slice the tofu into sticks that are about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long. This ensures they’re bite-sized and cook evenly.
2. Prepare Breading Stations:
Set up two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and well combined. In the second bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast (if using) for a cheesy kick!
3. Coat the Tofu:
Take each tofu stick and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Afterward, roll the coated tofu stick in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well to the surface.
4. Arrange for Baking:
Place the coated tofu sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with cooking oil to help them get nice and crispy while baking.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the tofu sticks for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking so they brown evenly on both sides.
6. Prepare Dipping Sauce:
While the tofu is baking, you can prepare the sauce! In a small bowl, mix the vegan mayonnaise (or yogurt), sriracha, and lemon juice together until well combined. If you have fresh cilantro, chop some up and sprinkle it on top for added flavor.
7. Serve:
Once the tofu sticks are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm alongside your dipping sauce and enjoy your deliciously crispy baked tofu sticks!
This recipe is perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or a protein-packed addition to salads and bowls. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead of Firm Tofu?
It’s better to stick with firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe as silken tofu is too soft and won’t hold its shape while baking. Firm tofu provides that nice crunch and sturdiness for dipping!
How Do I Store Leftover Tofu Sticks?
To store leftovers, place the crispy tofu sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I Make These Tofu Sticks in an Air Fryer?
Yes, absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then cook the coated tofu sticks in batches for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Tofu Sticks?
Besides the sriracha mayonnaise dip mentioned in the recipe, you can try sweet chili sauce, tahini sauce, or even a homemade peanut sauce for a delicious twist!
