Prepare to revolutionize your plant-based snacking with these mind-blowingly crunchy Crujientes Tofu Bites that promise a texture so addictive, you'll be making them on repeat! Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or just someone looking to add some exciting protein to your diet, these golden-brown morsels will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about tofu.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the tofu block and press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch squares, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the first coating layer.
- In a separate bowl, pour the plant-based milk for the wet dredging station.
- Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl, creating a standard breading procedure setup.
- Dredge each tofu cube first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into plant-based milk, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or air fryer with a light coating of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
- Arrange the breaded tofu bites in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crispy exterior.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior on all sides.
- Remove tofu bites and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as vegan aioli or spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always press your tofu thoroughly to remove excess water, which helps achieve that coveted crunchy exterior.
- Use extra-firm tofu for the best texture and structural integrity during cooking.
- Don't rush the breading process - make sure each tofu cube is completely coated for maximum crunch.
- Maintain medium-high heat to ensure a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning.
- If you prefer an even healthier option, use an air fryer instead of a skillet to reduce oil usage.
- Experiment with different seasonings in your flour mixture to customize the flavor profile - try adding nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or dried herbs.
- Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the perfect crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
