Tofu chicken-less nuggets are one of most requested dishes I make. Tofu chicken-less nuggets have been a staple at most of our parties and one of my oldest recipes.
I first made these nuggets early in our vegan journey. They came to life when my kids were young and I didn’t want them eating the fast food “chicken” version. My girls love me to make my nuggets for their friends. They like to see their faces when they tell them they are eating tofu. “It’s not chicken?!!” Now my tofu nuggets are requested from from company young and old alike.
Frying the nuggets mimics the animal based fast food version the closest. I prefer to bake them but my girls like them fried, which isn’t as healthy, but admittedly, tasty. Meatless nuggets are certainly healthier for chickens, healthier being plant based, and healthier still when they are baked not fried.
(I inserted this cartoon for the chickens!)
My eldest daughter can no longer eat soy and truly misses my nuggets. I am presently working on a alternative hemp based version. Have no fear, I will find a way.
Remember, make it your own, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy infusing some veggies!
Ingredients
- 13 oz block extra firm tofu
- ⅓ cup chickpea/garbanzo flour
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of one lime
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup vegan chicken broth or Gluten Free beer
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Press tofu for about 10 minutes. Get as much water out of the tofu as possible.
- Prepare batter while tofu is being pressed.
- Combine chickpea flour, through lemon pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the water or gluten free beer. The coating should be the consistency of thinnish pancake batter. Stir in lime and mustard.
- Tear the tofu into nugget size pieces or cut into sticks. The smaller pieces come out crunchier.
- Heat oil in a non stick pan.
- Take individual tofu pieces out of batter and gently place onto the pan, being careful not to crowd the nuggets. Cook on both sides until golden brown, adding oil as needed.
- Place on serving dish and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley (optional). Dip into your favorite condiments, ketchup, vegan honey mustard, you decide. Your family will love them!
Notes
Remember, make it your own, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy infusing some veggies!
Why Eat a Plant Based Diet?