Crispy Popcorn Tofu Bites (Print)

Crunchy, seasoned tofu cubes deliver a bold, satisfying flavor perfect for snacking or appetizers with savory spices.

# What you'll need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ¾-inch cubes

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp onion powder
08 - ½ tsp ground black pepper

→ Breading

09 - ½ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
10 - ¼ cup unsweetened plant milk
11 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1 tsp sweet paprika
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

→ For Baking or Frying

16 - Cooking spray or 2 tbsp neutral oil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F or heat oil in a skillet to 350°F for frying.
02 - Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl, add tofu cubes, and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
03 - Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with plant milk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
04 - Dredge tofu cubes in flour, dip in plant milk, then coat thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs.
05 - For baking, place breaded tofu on parchment-lined sheet, spray lightly, and bake 20–25 minutes, turning halfway until golden and crisp. For frying, cook in hot oil 2–3 minutes per side until evenly golden; drain on paper towels.
06 - Serve hot with preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside, tender inside, with zero guilt because they're completely vegan and made from whole foods.
  • The whole process takes less than an hour, and most of that is hands-off baking or frying.
  • They work as a snack, appetizer, or even crumbled over a salad—one recipe, infinite possibilities.
02 -
  • Press your tofu thoroughly—I mean really press it—because excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness, and it's the difference between bites that shatter and ones that feel soggy inside.
  • Double-coating (flour, milk, breadcrumbs, then dipping again in milk and breadcrumbs) creates an almost impossibly crunchy shell that holds even longer after cooking.
03 -
  • If you're baking and noticing they're not crisping up as fast as you'd like, bump the oven temperature up to 230°C (450°F) for the last five minutes—sometimes that final push is all they need.
  • Make the marinade the night before and marinate your tofu cubes in the fridge overnight if you have time; the flavor deepens beautifully and you've got less to do when hunger strikes.
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