Name: Tofu McNuggets with Spicy BBQ – Easy, Crispy, and Addictively Good
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487831H39M10S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp soy milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or buckwheat for GF); 1 tsp olive oil; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 medium russet or Yukon potato (≈1 cup shredded, ≈300 g); 1 block (≈400 g) extra-firm tofu; 1/2 cup rolled oats (processed to oat flour; substitute almond flour); 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground pepper; 1 tsp soy sauce; Neutral oil for baking/frying; 1/3 cup water; 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari); 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tsp sriracha (or hot sauce); 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Tofu McNuggets are a vegan twist on the classic fast-food favorite, but even more delicious and crispy! Made with tofu, potato, and oat flour, they’re the perfect combination of crunch and flavor. Paired with a tangy, spicy BBQ dipping sauce, these nuggets are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a satisfying snack. Plus, you can bake or fry them, depending on your preference. Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional nuggets, these are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Nugget Mixture:

1/4 cup + 2 tbsp soy milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or buckwheat for GF)
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp baking powder

Tofu Nuggets:

1 medium russet or Yukon potato (≈1 cup shredded, ≈300 g)
1 block (≈400 g) extra-firm tofu
1/2 cup rolled oats (processed to oat flour; substitute almond flour)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp soy sauce
Neutral oil for baking/frying

Spicy BBQ Dip (makes ~1/2 cup):

1/3 cup water
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp sriracha (or hot sauce)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Directions

Make BBQ dip: In a saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, vinegar, and sriracha. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
Mix nugget binder: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy milk, flour, olive oil, and baking powder until smooth. Set aside.
Prep potato and tofu: Shred the potato and squeeze out any excess liquid. Drain and crumble the tofu, squeezing out any excess water.
Process oats to flour: Process rolled oats in a blender or food processor to make oat flour.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded potato, tofu, oat flour, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and the nugget mixture. Stir until the dough holds together.
Shape the nuggets: Form the mixture into nugget shapes using your hands.
Cook the nuggets:
- Baking option: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the nuggets for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Frying option: Heat neutral oil in a pan and fry the nuggets for 7–8 minutes, turning them until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Serve the nuggets immediately with the spicy BBQ dip.

Servings and Timing

Servings: ≈30 nuggets
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time (baking): 40 minutes
Cook time (frying): 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Gluten-free: Use buckwheat flour instead of regular flour and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
No sriracha: If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the sriracha and substitute with a less spicy hot sauce or even some smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
Air-fried option: You can also air-fry these nuggets at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for an even crispier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tofu nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place baked or fried nuggets on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?

Extra-firm tofu works best as it holds its shape better and absorbs less moisture, making the nuggets crispier. Firm tofu can be used, but you may need to press it more to remove excess liquid.

How do I make sure my tofu nuggets are crispy?

Make sure to drain the tofu thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture from both the tofu and potato. This will help prevent the nuggets from becoming soggy.

Can I bake the nuggets instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking the nuggets is a great, healthier alternative. Just bake them at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I freeze the nuggets?

You can freeze both baked and fried nuggets. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

What can I use as a dipping sauce besides BBQ?

Feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces like sweet and sour, ranch (vegan or regular), or buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I use another flour besides oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute oat flour with almond flour or chickpea flour if preferred. However, the texture may slightly differ.

How do I know when the nuggets are done baking?

The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If they’re baked, check that they have a firm texture inside. If fried, they should be crispy and golden all around.

Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the BBQ dipping sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I pan-fry these without oil?

For a low-oil option, you can try dry frying them in a non-stick skillet, but the texture may not be as crispy as when you use oil.

Are these nuggets suitable for kids?

Yes, these tofu nuggets are a great kid-friendly option, and you can even reduce the spiciness of the BBQ dip for younger children.

Conclusion

These Tofu McNuggets with Spicy BBQ are an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s both vegan and delicious. Whether you bake or fry them, they’re always crispy, golden, and full of flavor. Paired with a tangy, spicy BBQ dip, these nuggets are perfect for satisfying your cravings in a healthier, plant-based way. Enjoy this fun and tasty twist on a fast-food favorite, and get ready for a new go-to recipe!