Crispy, golden, and packed with tropical flavor, these Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders are a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional tenders. Coated with shredded coconut and a hint of crushed rice cereal for extra crunch, each tender is baked to perfection for a satisfying bite. Paired with a zesty tahini dipping sauce, this dish is ideal as a snack, appetizer, or light meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
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.
Conclusion:
These Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders are a delightful, vegan-friendly snack that’s both crunchy and flavorful. Paired with a tangy tahini dipping sauce, they’re a perfect combination of tropical flavor and satisfying texture. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or fun meal!
Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders with Zesty Tahini Dipping Sauce
These Baked Coconut Tofu Tenders are a crispy,flavorful, plant-based option coated in shredded coconut and served with azesty tahini dipping sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as anappetizer, snack, or light meal.
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.