Panko Crusted Tofu Nuggets with Honey Lemon Sauce
These panko crusted tofu nuggets are crispy on the outside and soft in the center. This vegetarian spin on chicken nuggets is the recipe you didn’t know you needed. Topped with a simple sauce made from honey, lemon and fresh cracked black pepper, these tofu nuggets are deliciously addicting. Needless to say, you’re in for a real treat.
For an extra punch of flavor, top your nuggets with flaky maldon sea salt. It adds that extra layer of flavor that is hard to resist. I’m going to say it now, McDonald’s can’t hold a candle to these panko crusted tofu nuggets. They really are that good.
About this Panko Crusted Tofu Nuggets with Honey Lemon Sauce Recipe
Tofu is packed with protein and is a great plant based substitute for meat. It’s easy to work with and will take on the flavor of whatever you cook it with. As a result, tofu is the perfect meat substitute for chicken nuggets. What’s great is that this tofu recipe comes together really quickly too. In just under one hour you’ll have these homemade nuggets ready to go.
For this tofu nugget recipe, I made an all natural honey sauce that is melt in your mouth delicious. Honey is known for its powerful antioxidants that research suggests can reduce your risk of heart disease. If you are not a fan of honey, you can dip these tofu nuggets into some more traditional sauces too. Ketchup, bbq sauce, or even spicy mayo would all taste amazing.
The nutritional values below do not include the avocado oil for frying or the honey lemon sauce. One block of tofu makes 9 nuggets, which is about 4-5 nuggets per person.
Storage
Store these tasty nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat, simply microwave these nuggets in a microwave safe dish until heated through. Looking for more tofu recipes? Try my crispy tofu cutlets.
Panko Crusted Tofu Nuggets with Honey Lemon Sauce
Ingredients
Tofu Nuggets
- 1 block super firm tofu, press out any excess moisture
- ½ cup avocado oil, for shallow frying
Breading Station
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- cracked black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, whisked
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Honey Lemon Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- pinch salt
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 3 plates for breading
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu
- Drain the tofu and press out all of the moisture using paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Cut into 9 evenly sized cubes. Set aside.
Set up Breading Station
- Grab three plates. On the first plate you’ll add your cornstarch, table salt and a healthy pinch of cracked black pepper. On the second plate you’ll add the whisked egg.
- On the third plate, you’ll combine the panko breadcrumbs, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
Bread the Nuggets
- Dredge the tofu through the cornstarch, making sure to evenly coat all sides, then through the egg wash, and finally through the panko breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until all tofu nuggets are breaded.
Shallow Fry the Nuggets
- Over medium heat, add your avocado oil to a medium sized skillet. Let the avocado oil get hot before adding the nuggets. If the oil isn't hot enough when you add the nuggets, they will soak up the oil and have a heavy dense texture vs. a light crispy texture. Pan fry all of your nuggets on every side until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
- Place cooked nuggets on a paper towel to soak off any excess oil. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while they are still warm.
- Prepare the honey lemon sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper. Drizzle over your nuggets and enjoy!
Nutrition
One Comment on “Panko Crusted Tofu Nuggets with Honey Lemon Sauce”
These are good enough to make anyone enjoy tofu! And that sauce….AMAZING!