Crispy Vegan Cheesy Tofu
If you're craving crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying bites of tofu, this recipe is for you. These crispy tofu bites pack a punch of flavor, a perfect crunch, and a creamy, cheesy finish. Made with extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, and a velvety vegan cheese sauce, it’s a versatile dish that works great in buddha bowls, as a main dish, or even as a snack. The best crispy tofu recipe is here to elevate your plant-based meal game.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu about 14 oz
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup plant milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup vegan cheese shredded or grated for garnish or sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or any plant milk for the cheese sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Press and Prepare the Tofu
- Use a tofu press or a clean kitchen towel with a heavy object to press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the tofu into evenly-sized tofu cubes.
- Coat the Tofu
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix plant milk and soy sauce.
- Dip each tofu cube in the wet mixture, then toss in the dry mix to coat evenly.
- Crisp Up the Tofu
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the coated tofu in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Alternatively, cook in an air fryer basket at 375°F for 15 minutes or pan fry on medium heat with olive oil until golden brown.