When you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and packed with tropical vibes, Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders with Zesty Tahini Dipping Sauce hit all the right notes. These golden tenders deliver the perfect balance of sweet coconut and savory crunch, paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce for the ultimate plant-based treat.
Ingredients for Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Tofu Tenders | Extra-firm tofu, pressed | 1 (14-ounce) block |
| Shredded coconut | 2/3 cup | |
| Rice crispy cereal, crushed | 1/4 cup | |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Coconut milk (for coating) | 1/2 cup | |
| Tahini Sauce | Tahini | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | Juice of 1/2 lemon | |
| Hot sauce | 1 teaspoon | |
| Gluten-free tamari or soy sauce | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Water (for consistency) | As needed |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Golden: Achieve a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
- Tropical Twist: Coconut brings a natural sweetness that complements the savory tofu.
- Healthy and Protein-Packed: A plant-based protein source with healthy fats and fiber.
- Simple and Quick: Easy to assemble with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even part of a meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Coconut Tofu Tenders
1. Prepare the Tofu
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the tofu into strips about 1/2-inch thick. Press the tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Coating
- In a shallow dish, mix shredded coconut, crushed rice crispy cereal, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour coconut milk into another shallow dish for dipping.
3. Coat the Tofu
- Dip each tofu strip into the coconut milk, ensuring an even coat.
- Press the tofu into the coconut-cereal mixture, turning to coat all sides.
- Place the coated tofu strips on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Tofu Tenders
- Bake the tofu tenders in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Remove when golden and crispy.
Prepare the Zesty Tahini Sauce
1. Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, hot sauce, and tamari.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
2. Adjust the Flavors
- Taste and tweak the sauce as needed—add more lemon juice for tang, or more hot sauce for spice.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tenders
- Press the Tofu Thoroughly
- Removing excess water ensures crispy results and better texture.
- Customize the Coating
- Swap shredded coconut for panko breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a unique flavor twist.
- Even Coating
- Pat the coating gently onto the tofu strips to help it stick better during baking.
- Air Fry Option
- For a quicker method, cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Serve Immediately
- These tenders are best enjoyed hot and crispy straight out of the oven.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 Tenders) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve on a platter with the zesty tahini sauce for dipping.
- Main Course: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a light, nutritious meal.
- Snack: Enjoy on their own with a squeeze of fresh lime.
- Tropical Bowl: Add to a grain bowl with coconut rice, mango salsa, and steamed greens.
FAQs About Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders
1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free rice cereal and tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
3. Can I freeze the tofu tenders?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
4. What other dipping sauces can I serve?
Try sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a mango-coconut chutney for a fun twist.
5. Can I use silken tofu?
No, silken tofu is too delicate for this recipe. Stick with extra-firm tofu for the best results.
6. Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply replace tahini with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders with Zesty Tahini Dipping Sauce combine bold flavors, satisfying textures, and tropical flair. They’re easy to make, packed with protein, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a party or treating yourself, these tenders are a guaranteed win.
Call to Action
Ready to give your taste buds a tropical treat? Gather your ingredients and make Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders with Zesty Tahini Dipping Sauce today. They’re a delicious, wholesome snack you’ll want to make again and again!
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Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders with Zesty Tahini Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Bring a tropical twist to your snacking routine with these Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders with Zesty Tahini Dipping Sauce. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these plant-based tenders offer a delightful combination of sweet coconut and savory crunch. Pair them with the creamy, zesty tahini dipping sauce, and you’ve got a healthy and flavorful treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Tofu Tenders:
- 1 14-ounce block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2/3 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup rice crispy cereal (crushed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (for coating)
For the Tahini Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- Water (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the tofu block into strips, roughly 1/2-inch thick, to create tender shapes.
- Create the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the shredded coconut, crushed rice crispy cereal, salt, and pepper. Pour the coconut milk into a separate shallow dish for dipping.
- Coat the Tofu Tenders: Dip each tofu strip into the coconut milk, then press it into the coconut-cereal mixture, coating all sides. Place the coated tofu tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the tofu tenders are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Tahini Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, hot sauce, and gluten-free tamari. Add water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, dip-able consistency.
- Serve: Serve the crispy coconut tofu tenders warm, with the tahini dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra coconut flakes if desired.
Notes
- Texture Tip: For extra crispiness, air fry the tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Substitutions: For a nut-free version, replace tahini with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired