Description
Craving bold, spicy flavors? These Spicy Vegan Nashville Hot Tofu Nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and 100% plant-based! A perfect balance of heat and crunch, they’re brushed with a rich Nashville-style hot sauce for a taste explosion. Whether baked or fried, these nuggets are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Nuggets
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 1 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon hot sauce (divided)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt (divided)
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
Nashville Hot Sauce
- ¼ cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut into nugget-sized pieces or cubes.
- Make the Buttermilk Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, creating a vegan “buttermilk.”
- Prepare the Dry Coating: In a second bowl, combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. In a third bowl, place the panko bread crumbs mixed with ½ teaspoon salt.
- Coat the Tofu: Dip each tofu piece into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and finally into the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange each breaded tofu nugget on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Bake or Fry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each nugget for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt vegan butter with olive oil. Stir in agave syrup, paprika, garlic powder, and additional hot sauce if desired. Heat until combined.
- Brush the Sauce: Once the tofu nuggets are cooked, brush them generously with the Nashville hot sauce.
Notes
- Cooking Method: Baking is a healthier option, while frying provides a crispier texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add or reduce hot sauce in the marinade and glaze to match your spice tolerance.
- Make Ahead: Bread the tofu nuggets ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Freezing Option: Breaded uncooked nuggets can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired