Baked Tofu Nuggets
Description
Freeze and thaw tofu bites 24 hours ahead to ensure a meaty texture after they're baked with a ranch-dipped breading of Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
•
1 (14 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained, or to taste
•
1 cup ranch dressing
•
1 tablespoon Louisiana-style hot sauce
•
2 teaspoons white sugar
•
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
•
2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Directions
1
Slice tofu block in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/3-inch slices to make bite-sized 'nuggets.' Place tofu in resealable plastic bags and freeze until firm and dry, at least 24 hours.
2
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3
Place tofu slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave until defrosted, 2 to 5 minutes. Squeeze out water from the tofu and place slices over 3 layers of paper towels to drain. Pat dry with additional paper towels.
4
Mix ranch dressing, hot sauce, sugar, and black pepper together in a bowl. Pour bread crumbs into a separate bowl. Coat tofu slices with the ranch mixture and roll in bread crumbs until thoroughly coated.
5
Bake in the preheated oven until tofu nuggets are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.