Author: So here's the story: I originally made these baked tofu bites for my Vegan Cobb Salad recipe. I was trying to aim for a simple tofu recipe with a "chicken-ish / chicken nuggets" vibe. Vibe achieved. These bites were easy to make, needed only 5 ingredients, flavourful, and perfect for my Cobb salad. But I also discovered that they were more than just perfect for a Cobb salad. These cube are bursting with flavor and are delicious all on their own. I'm actually surprised any tofu even made it to the salad as I couldn't stop eating them directly baking sheet. There will be no leftovers.
I decided I needed to share this recipe as it's own post so that you too could experience the awesomeness of this baked tofu. These crispy tofu bites have such an amazing texture, are scrumptious all on their own and they are perfect on a salad BUT they are so much more than that. This is one of those easy vegan recipes that, once you make it, you start discovering all of the wonderful ways these tofu bites can be used. New to tofu? Check out my tofu 101 guide!
They are delicious served with buffalo sauce. They are delicious on top of pasta. They are delicious in a taco. They are delicious in a sandwich. They are delicious on nachos... I think you are starting to get it, these tofu bites are completely addictive and they are delicious EVERYWHERE!
I've been making large batches of these glorious tofu nuggets and storing them in the fridge in an air-tight container so they are ready to use whenever hunger strikes.
I like to make a big batch of these using two blocks of tofu at a time, but if you prefer you can cut the recipe in half and just use one block of tofu... But if you do decide to reduce the recipe, you might regret it. You have been warned.
Instructions on How to Make Baked Tofu Bites:
In a bowl (you can use a small bowl or large bowl depending on how many you want to make), mix together the nutritional yeast, olive oil, soy sauce and garlic powder. This is your marinade.
Drain excess moisture from the tofu block and then break into small chunks and add them to the bowl. (No need to press the tofu first).
Toss the tofu well to evenly coat in the sauce mixture. Spread the tofu evenly across the baking sheets and bake about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden.
Serve hot or store in an air-tight container in the fridge to use later, or they freeze well too. Great as main, as nuggets, on salads, on stir-fries, in sandwiches, in tacos, on pasta, on nachos, the options are endless, use these everywhere! Be sure to check out the recipe card for both oven and air fryer cooking instructions.
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Baked Tofu Bites
Servings:
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 blocks (12 oz/ 350 g each) extra-firm tofu, drained
Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.Air-Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Mix the coating: In a large bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the tofu: Use your fingers to break the tofu into bite-sized chunks and add them to the bowl. (No need to press the tofu first.) Toss well to evenly coat each piece. The mixture will just barely coat the tofu, that’s exactly right. Don’t be tempted to thin it out. It’s not a marinade, but a light coating that clings to the tofu and helps it crisp up perfectly in the oven.
- Cook the tofu (choose ONE method):Oven: Spread the tofu evenly over the baking sheets and bake for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden.Air-Fryer: Add the tofu to the air fryer basket and cook for about 20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until lightly golden.
- Serve or store: Enjoy hot, or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Nutrition
⭐ Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love if you left a rating and comment, it helps others find the recipe and makes my day! 💕Bon appetegan!
Sam
Sunny says
Oh Sam, you know us so well "do not thin the coating" it's not a marinade. haha Because that was exactly my temptation as I made the coating mixture but fortunately I read your notes.
Thank you, Sam, your excellent recipe development and writing skills make you exceptional.
I really appreciate all the work you do make being vegan easier and more delicious.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Sunny! Haha yes, that note exists for a reason 😄 Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words. It truly means a lot.
Audrey says
This is my go-to tofu recipe! My mom and I make a huge batch of these every week. They are so savory and umami, perfect on salads!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That makes me so happy to hear, Audrey! Weekly tofu staples are the best 🙌
Natasha says
Its too yummy
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thank you! So glad you loved them! 💛
Techdine Girl says
So glad I found this recipe online. The tofu bites are tasty and very easy to make. The best part was I didn't have to press the tofu dry!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes! Love that you enjoy this recipe so much!! 🙂
Alberto says
I followed the recipe to a tea but the type of pasty, sauce we were supposed to mix the tofu with ended up being super thick and chunky. Although we still put the tofu inside of the thick paste and let them sit in the oven. Once they were done they tasted like normal tofu with nothing on it and stayed the same sponge like consistency tofu usually has. Not recommended
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Alberto, I am so sorry the tofu did not turn out for you, it definitely should not be bland or spongey. The coating is meant to be a thick paste as seen in the step by step photos and the video. Did yours look like the same texture? The flavor should bake onto the outside and give the tofu a lightly crisp seasoned outside that everyone loves, so something definitely went wrong there. Did you check out the step by step photos or video? Hopefully it will be easier to see what might have gone wrong.
Saleezy says
a standard. Add spicy eggplant brinjal pickle or chutney for another variant. Make with a sheetpan of vegetables. Eat hot from oven in Salads and nibbles
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Saleezy, that sounds delicious. I love the idea of adding a spicy chutney or serving these alongside roasted vegetables, salads, or little nibbles. Thanks so much for sharing your variation!
Roberta says
Sam, You don't lie. These bites are everything you say and More! So good hot or cold. And easy, so Easy to make! They are a perfect add-in for stirfrys or soups or stews. I throw them in at last minute whenever I need some sort of protein.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! That's so wonderful Roberta, so happy you love them as much as I do! Thank you for your review and kind words!
L-A says
Love l love this easy tasty recipe. It’s how I was intro tofu and I share it with many people. 💜
I noticed in new revision you have removed the salt which was not needed due to soy sauce. I still add black pepper and tapioca starch to add crunchiness. Maybe cause I use an oven that I need the tapioca starch (corn starch) ?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi L-A! So thrilled you enjoy this recipe and share it around, that's great! I have not made any changes to this recipe, but I do love tofu so I have lots of similar tofu recipes, that all have different ingredients and measurements, so maybe you are referring to one of them? Anyway, glad you enjoy it! 🙂
L-A says
Ohh I now see (on my copy) how the person that shared it with me had added in the pepper and tapioca starch. Regardless I thank you for introducing me to tofu
Emily says
I make these often, like twice or three times a month. They are amazing! And, the recipe is basic enough that it’s easy to try variations (add miso, or vegan Worcestershire, add pepper, or mustard). You know the post you did with a bunch of marinades for tempeh and tofu- I’d love it if you could do something like that but for these tofu bites. I love them soooooo much. You’re the best - thanks Sam!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Emily! So thrilled you love them so much! You could definitely use the marinade recipes on tofu bits and then just toss them in the oven to bake. Enjoy!!
Loren says
I am absolutely obsessed with this recipe. I make it multiple time a week. I feel like I'm being bad but I'm really being so so good, just like these amazing morsels. They good with everything and I don't think it's possible to get sick of them.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
They are good with everything! We agree!
Victoria says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! This, along with your tofu grounds for the chillirecipe, were my favourite vegan recipe from 5-6 years ago when I found it on YouTube and it still is my favourite by and far. And there are MANY vegan recipe writers and YouTubers and bloggers! I remembered the recipe and haven't visited here in ages, I don't know why I thought your blog name was "I can't believe it's vegan" but close enough, Google managed to direct me to your "It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken" site (YouTube failed to though) 😂
So happy the recipe is updated with air fryer instructions. Yay!
Thank you again for your wonderful wonderful recipes that are staples in my family!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Victoria, oh yay! So happy you remembered my recipes and were able to find me again!! Thank you for being a fan for so long, lots more recipes on my blog for you to try out 🙂
Leora Lahat says
I've been using this recipe weekly for years and two of my friends loved it so much they started also making it often at home as well. You can't go wrong with these in so many things. I use them for "chicken" salad sandwiches, in burritos, and just to eat on their own with some dips and fries. Truly wonderful flavor and so so easy to make. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes, we agree! We're so happy you love them, Leora!
Jamie says
I've made this recipe a number of time, because I love them, but must leave a comment now because my very picky 9 year old step-daughter LOVES these. Seriously, she requests them almost every visit. Huge win! So, thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh that's so wonderful! So happy they have become a go-to recipe. Thanks for your review Jamie 🙂
Ariella says
I've been a vegetarian for 30 years and this is hands down the best tofu recipe I've ever tried. I'm obsessed.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh wow! That's amazing! Thank you so much for the rave reviews Ariella!! 🙂
Jen says
I’m in love! New to being Vegan and am lucky that this is the first recipe I made with tofu and couldn’t stop eating them. My husband is not Vegan but also not a huge fan of chicken and he said “I like these so much more than chicken!” Yay! Win win. Making my second batch for this week now. lol. Thank you!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wow, that's a huge win! Thanks for sharing!
Bonnie says
There aren't many times I've rated a recipe but this is an exception. Sam, the Tofu Bites are simple amazing! Although I eat Tofu, I'm not necessarily a huge fan...until now. I've been nibbling the little jewels non-stop since removing from the oven. Thank you so much. I know This will be a staple in our fridge from now on.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Woo! We're so happy to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to share your review, Bonnie!
Anastasiia says
it turned out absolutely amazing 👏 I was looking for a perfect baked tofu recipe for so long, and I've finally found it!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! That makes me so happy! Thrilled you love it Anastasiia! 🙂
Lauren says
The flavor is very good, but unfortunately the method does not work well for me. Unpressed extra-firm tofu separates too easily in the mixture and half of it resembles cottage cheese before it even gets in the oven. I will freeze, thaw, and press next time like I usually do, and possibly add more liquid.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Lauren, different brands of tofu can range in how fragile they are. My go to is Sunrise extra firm tofu which holds up beautifully. If you have a more tender tofu, when tossing, just use a gentle hand, and try folding the tofu into the marinade. Also the crumbly bits are often my favorite part once baked. I hope that helps!
SM says
hi! is there a substitute for the soy sauce to make this baby friendly (avoiding extra salt/sugar where we can!)
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
You could try very mild homemade veggie broth made from simmered carrots, celery, and onion - to give that umami flavor. Alternatively, coconut aminos have a slightly lower sodium content or you could try a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and water it down a little.
Simone says
Every time I make this lemon curd, doubling it is a must. It's a 'lick your bowl clean' kind of curd, vegan or not!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Simone, I think you meant to leave this comment on the Lemon Curd recipe post, but not to worry! So thrilled you love the curd so much 🙂
Steve Boyce says
Hi Sam...
So I've been Veggie for 50 years now... From back in the days when veggies were labelled 'Tree Hugging Hippies'... I've never had a Big Mac or a Whopper (lucky me) as fast food didn't exist in the UK back then... But you know, I've never got on with Tofu... until now... These little bites are delicious... I'm really pleased because the health benefits of Tofu are well documented... I do as you suggested and keep them in a container in the fridge and add them to salads etc...
It just goes to show that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks...
I look forward to your recipes dropping into my inbox... They're refreshing... Thank you for your innovation...
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Steve, oh that is so wonderful!! So impressive that you have been veggie for 50 years!! I am so happy you found me and are enjoying my recipes- especially tofu (my fave) 🙂
Nereida Goldie says
Best Tofu Ever!! I already made them twice this week. I love the simplicity of the recipe but the taste and texture are Amazing!! As a fairly new vegan, this reminds me so much of chicken but wayyy better.
The bites are really versatile, were great on my kale Caesar salad, and straight out of the oven. They also reheat well! I can go on for days about how impressed I am. Just want to really say thank you!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Woo! We're so happy you love them as much as we do!
Rae says
Absolutely fantastic, and once you realize how easy and tasty it is you'll be hooked. I've made this for at least one dinner going on five weeks now, I think? I'm going to have to figure out how to pan fry or make this in the instant pot or something for when the weather gets too warm to use the oven, because there's no way I'm giving it up!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha so happy you love it Rae!! 🙂
Sandy says
Rae, you could always pick up a good, compact toaster oven - just make sure it's a good one. I can't wait to try this in my toaster oven!