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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter) - Vegetable oil for frying - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and black pepper to taste To make these crispy garlic butter tofu nuggets, you need a few key items. First, you want firm tofu. This will hold its shape well during cooking. Use all-purpose flour and cornstarch for the coating. They help create a crunch you will love. Garlic and onion powder add flavor, while smoked paprika gives a nice touch. You will also need butter, which adds richness. You can use vegan butter if you prefer. Vegetable oil is essential for frying. It helps achieve that golden crust. Lastly, fresh parsley makes a great garnish. Make sure you have salt and black pepper on hand. They help boost the flavors of your dish. With these ingredients ready, you're all set to create a delicious snack that everyone will enjoy! To get started, you need to prepare the tofu. First, press the block of firm tofu for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step removes extra moisture. You want your tofu to be firm. After pressing, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Make sure they are even for even cooking. Next, it's time to make the coating. In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste Mix these ingredients well. This blend gives your tofu nuggets a crispy and tasty coating. Now, let’s cook the nuggets. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated tofu nuggets in the skillet. Do this in a single layer. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color for the best crispiness. While the tofu fries, prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant, not burnt. After frying, remove the tofu nuggets and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the nuggets. Toss them gently to coat evenly. Now, they are ready to serve! Pressing tofu is key to great texture. Pressing removes moisture, helping the tofu get crispy. Use a clean towel or paper towels to wrap the tofu. Set something heavy on top for about 15-20 minutes. This step makes a big difference. Frying temperature also matters. Heat your oil to medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to fry but not so hot that it burns. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread in the oil. If it bubbles and browns, you're ready. To make your tofu nuggets even tastier, consider extra spices. You can add cayenne for heat or Italian herbs like oregano. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast boosts flavor and adds nutrients. Experiment with what you like best. These crispy nuggets pair well with many sides. Serve them with a fresh salad for crunch. You can also dip them in a tangy sauce like sriracha mayo or soy sauce. For a hearty meal, add rice or quinoa. Your crispy garlic butter tofu nuggets will shine on any plate! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply swap out the unsalted butter for vegan butter. Brands like Earth Balance work well. You can also use coconut oil for a different flavor. Both options give you that rich taste without dairy. To change up the taste, try different herbs or spices. Adding thyme or rosemary brings a nice twist. You could also use chili powder for some heat. Experiment with your favorite flavors. Each choice will make your nuggets unique. Frying gives you crispy nuggets, but baking is a healthier choice. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the coated tofu on a baking sheet. Spray with oil to help it crisp. Bake for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get a tasty and healthier version! To keep your tofu nuggets crispy, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them crunchy. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Avoid stacking the nuggets too high, as this can cause them to lose their crunch. To reheat without losing texture, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain their crispy coating. Yes, you can freeze cooked tofu nuggets! Let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply reheat from frozen using the tips above. To make tofu nuggets crispy, start with pressing the tofu. This removes extra water. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Next, coat the cubes well. Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the tofu in this mix. Make sure every piece is covered. When frying, use enough oil to cover the skillet. Heat the oil to medium. Add the coated tofu in a single layer. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This will ensure a crispy outside. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. You can serve crispy garlic butter tofu nuggets as a snack or meal. They pair well with rice or quinoa. A fresh salad makes a great side too. You might try them with a dipping sauce. Sweet chili or soy sauce adds flavor. These nuggets also work well in wraps or tacos. If you want a heartier meal, serve them with roasted veggies. The crunch of the nuggets adds great texture. You can also serve them on a bed of noodles, drizzled with extra garlic butter. Yes, you can use different types of tofu. Firm tofu is best for this recipe. It holds its shape during cooking. Extra-firm tofu works too; it has less water and is denser. Soft or silken tofu is not ideal. They will not hold up well when frying. If you use soft tofu, it may fall apart. Consider baking instead of frying if you want to use soft tofu. This keeps it intact while cooking, but the texture will differ. In this article, we explored making crispy garlic butter tofu nuggets. We examined the main and additional ingredients, such as firm tofu, flour, and spices. I shared tips for achieving that perfect crunch and suggested variations to fit your taste. Tofu nuggets are not only delicious but also versatile. With the right methods, you can enjoy a healthy, satisfying dish. Remember, the key is to press the tofu and find your favorite seasonings. Experiment and have fun with your cooking!

Crispy Garlic Butter Tofu Nuggets

Discover how to make Crispy Garlic Butter Tofu Nuggets that are packed with flavor and perfect for any meal! This easy recipe takes just 40 minutes and features golden, crunchy tofu coated in a delicious garlic butter sauce. Whether you're a tofu lover or just curious to try something new, these nuggets are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the tofu. Press the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will serve as your coating for the tofu nuggets.

      Toss the cubed tofu gently in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Set aside.

        In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure you have enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet.

          Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu nuggets to the skillet in a single layer. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches.

            In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Avoid burning the garlic.

              Once the tofu nuggets are crispy, remove them from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

                Drizzle the garlic butter over the crispy tofu nuggets and toss to coat them evenly.

                  Transfer the nuggets to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4