Tofu Tenders Recipe By Tasty

KIDS CAN MAKE: BAKED TOFU TENDERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Generously coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Remove the tofu from the packaging, and drain the excess water. Halve 1 of the blocks crosswise, halve each piece crosswise, then halve each piece again, for a total of 8 pieces 3 1/2 inches long by 1 3/4 inches wide by 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the other block of tofu. Lay the pieces on 2 paper towels, and blot dry with 2 more, gently squeezing out as much moisture as possible. Sprinkle the tofu evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, and let stand.
• Put the cornstarch on a plate. Crack the eggs in a shallow bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and whisk until combined. Put the panko, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in another shallow bowl. Line up the tofu, cornstarch, eggs, panko and the prepared baking sheet.
• Working with 1 to 2 pieces of tofu at a time, coat them in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess, dip in the egg to coat, dredge in the panko, pressing the panko gently into the surface of the tofu, then transfer the breaded tofu to the baking sheet. Generously coat the tops of the tofu with cooking spray. Bake until browned and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through.
• Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and light brown, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the preserves, sesame oil, vinegar and chili sauce until combined and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Season the dipping sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, transfer to a serving bowl and serve alongside the tofu.

TOFU NUGGETS THAT TASTE LIKE CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Drain the tofu, then wrap in a clean dish towel and place a heavy object, such as a cast iron pan, on top. Press the tofu for 20-30 minutes, until the towel is soaked through.
• Place the pressed tofu back in its container and wrap with reusable wrap. Freeze for at least 6 hours, up to overnight.
• Remove the tofu from the freezer and place in a microwave-safe bowl over a clean dish towel. Defrost in the microwave until completely thawed and the dish towel is soaked through, 10-15 minutes.
• Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and press again for another 20-30 minutes, until the dish towel is soaked through and the tofu is half its original thickness.
• While the tofu is pressing, make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, grapeseed oil, hot sauce, soy milk, and apple cider vinegar.
• Tear the tofu into bite-size pieces that resemble chicken tenders or nuggets. Add the tofu to the marinade and stir to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
• While the tofu is marinating, set up the breading station: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch. In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar. In a third shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and olive oil (only if baking the tofu).
• If deep-frying the tofu, heat the canola oil in a medium pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
• Alternatively, if baking the tofu, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• When the tofu is done marinating, coat the pieces first the flour mixture, then in the soy milk mixture, then again in the flour mixture, again in the soy milk mixture, and finally in the bread crumb mixture.
• If deep-frying the tofu, add the tofu to the hot oil in batches and cook for 90-120 seconds, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• If baking the tofu, line a baking sheet with a nonstick mat or parchment paper and grease with nonstick spray. Add the tofu to the baking sheet and spray the tops with nonstick spray, then bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
• Serve with honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
• Enjoy!