Tofu tenders, a plant-based alternative to chicken tenders, offer a delicious and nutritious twist to your favorite finger food. These tasty morsels are crafted using firm or extra-firm tofu, which is coated in a flavorful breading and baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, tofu tenders make an excellent choice.
This article presents a collection of tantalizing tofu tender recipes, each offering unique flavors and variations to suit your taste preferences. From the classic crispy baked tofu tenders, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, to the tangy orange tofu tenders coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, these recipes provide a delightful range of options.
For those seeking a healthier alternative, the air fryer tofu tenders offer a crispy and guilt-free indulgence, while the tofu tenders with honey mustard sauce add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the savory tofu. If you prefer a spicy kick, the spicy tofu tenders coated in a fiery sauce are sure to satisfy your cravings.
The recipes also include a vegan tofu tender option, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delectable treats. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing, tofu tenders make a versatile and satisfying snack or main course.
With easy-to-follow instructions and a variety of flavor options, these tofu tender recipes are perfect for cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll find that tofu tenders are an easy and delicious way to enjoy plant-based cuisine.
TOFU NUGGETS THAT TASTE LIKE CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: extra firm tofu, low sodium soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, kosher salt, grapeseed oil, hot sauce, unsweetened soy milk, apple cider vinegar, all purpose flour, cornstarch, unsweetened soy milk, apple cider vinegar, panko breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne, olive oil, canola oil, nonstick cooking spray, honey mustard, barbecue sauce
Provided by Rachel Gaewski
Categories Lunch
Yield 3 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- Drain the tofu, then wrap in a clean dish towel and place a heavy object, such as a cast iron pan, on top. Press the tofu for 20-30 minutes, until the towel is soaked through.
- Place the pressed tofu back in its container and wrap with reusable wrap. Freeze for at least 6 hours, up to overnight.
- Remove the tofu from the freezer and place in a microwave-safe bowl over a clean dish towel. Defrost in the microwave until completely thawed and the dish towel is soaked through, 10-15 minutes.
- Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and press again for another 20-30 minutes, until the dish towel is soaked through and the tofu is half its original thickness.
- While the tofu is pressing, make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, grapeseed oil, hot sauce, soy milk, and apple cider vinegar.
- Tear the tofu into bite-size pieces that resemble chicken tenders or nuggets. Add the tofu to the marinade and stir to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
- While the tofu is marinating, set up the breading station: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch. In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar. In a third shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and olive oil (only if baking the tofu).
- If deep-frying the tofu, heat the canola oil in a medium pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
- Alternatively, if baking the tofu, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- When the tofu is done marinating, coat the pieces first the flour mixture, then in the soy milk mixture, then again in the flour mixture, again in the soy milk mixture, and finally in the bread crumb mixture.
- If deep-frying the tofu, add the tofu to the hot oil in batches and cook for 90-120 seconds, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- If baking the tofu, line a baking sheet with a nonstick mat or parchment paper and grease with nonstick spray. Add the tofu to the baking sheet and spray the tops with nonstick spray, then bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Serve with honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy!
KIDS CAN MAKE: BAKED TOFU TENDERS
These tofu tenders are crisp on the outside and creamy inside. Serve with the sweet and spicy sauce in this recipe or with any condiment you have on hand. For both little and big kids: Let them help measure and bread the tofu (use separate hands for the wet and dry ingredients when breading, so little fingers don't get breaded themselves).
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Generously coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Remove the tofu from the packaging, and drain the excess water. Halve 1 of the blocks crosswise, halve each piece crosswise, then halve each piece again, for a total of 8 pieces 3 1/2 inches long by 1 3/4 inches wide by 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the other block of tofu. Lay the pieces on 2 paper towels, and blot dry with 2 more, gently squeezing out as much moisture as possible. Sprinkle the tofu evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, and let stand.
- Put the cornstarch on a plate. Crack the eggs in a shallow bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and whisk until combined. Put the panko, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in another shallow bowl. Line up the tofu, cornstarch, eggs, panko and the prepared baking sheet.
- Working with 1 to 2 pieces of tofu at a time, coat them in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess, dip in the egg to coat, dredge in the panko, pressing the panko gently into the surface of the tofu, then transfer the breaded tofu to the baking sheet. Generously coat the tops of the tofu with cooking spray. Bake until browned and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through.
- Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and light brown, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the preserves, sesame oil, vinegar and chili sauce until combined and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Season the dipping sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, transfer to a serving bowl and serve alongside the tofu.
TOFU TENDERS RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: nonstick cooking spray, extra firm tofu, salt, pepper, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, milk, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast, ground cumin, cayenne, olive oil, honey mustard dipping sauce
Provided by Rachel Gaewski
Categories Dinner
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place a heavy object, such as a cast-iron skillet, on top. Press the tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess liquid.
- Flip the tofu block on its side and slice in half lengthwise. Season all over with salt and pepper.
- Cut each piece of tofu lengthwise into quarters so you have 8 equally-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Mix with a fork.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the milk, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk with a fork until combined.
- In another medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast, cumin, and cayenne. Mix with a fork until combined.
- Take a piece of tofu and coat it in the flour mixture, followed by the milk mixture, then back into the flour mixture, back into the milk mixture, and finally, in the bread crumbs.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining tofu sticks.
- Using a brush, coat each tender with an even layer of olive oil.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Brush with more olive oil, if necessary.
- Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 667 calories, Carbohydrate 73 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 33 grams, Sugar 7 grams
Tips:
- Choose firm or extra-firm tofu: This will help the tofu hold its shape better when you're cooking it.
- Press the tofu: This will help remove excess moisture from the tofu, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Use a variety of seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to find a flavor combination you love.
- Cook the tofu on medium heat: This will help prevent the tofu from burning.
- Be patient: It takes a little time for the tofu to cook through, so don't rush the process.
Conclusion:
Tofu tenders are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Plus, they're easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give tofu tenders a try!
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