Author: So here's the story: I originally made these baked tofu bites for my Vegan Cobb Salad recipe.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
Dave Holly says
Thank you! I love this recipe. Super easy, and I cook tofu almost every day now. I’ve never gone through a bottle of soy sauce so quick LOL
I don’t have any nutritional yeast, but it tastes great anyways. I added some cornstarch to see what would happen, and it kinda gives the tofu a light crust.
This is officially my go to recipe for tofu.
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, awesome! So happy you enjoyed!
Dawn says
Thank you, Sam! I have made this several times since it was first posted. The ONLY reason this makes it off the pan (I literally stood there and ate half the first time I made it!) is so I can make the "Hearty Vegan Tofu Salad" which I sometimes eat on bread, but ... you know ... I have to use a spoon to get it out of the container, so a lot of it just gets eaten that way. 🙂 Love your recipes and your sunny, vegan inspired disposition.
XO,
Dawn
Dawn says
PS - this time I used half the bites for the sandwich and half for the butternut squash pasta. SO GOOD.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you so much, Dawn! Totally flattered and thrilled you love the recipes so much 🙂
Mihaela Bob says
I made this recipe and it was so good and we liked it very much especially my husband. He said it doesn't taste like tofu. A few days ago, I told him to buy some tofu so I can make more of this delicious food and he brought home 7 blocks of tofu so that I have enough. 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
7! Haha! That's awesome!!! Thrilled you loved it so much 🙂
Martin says
This simple recipe is AMAZING! I can't believe it how simple and how tasty!!!! LOVE IT!
Sam Turnbull says
YAY! Thrilled you love it so much, Martin!
Maddie says
Finally got around to making these & it's so good! Along with some barbeque sauce to dip, they're addicting. I love how easy this is thrown together & it's such a simple marinade recipe. The tiny crunchy tofu bits might be the best part, my husband asked if I could make a pan of just the crunchy bits hahaha. Thanks for the recipe, it's another winner!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Awesome! I have similar recipes for tacos, bolognese, and chili where it's pretty much all the crunchy bits! I bet you will love those recipes too 🙂
Angela says
I just made these and I can’t stop eating them - they are so good!!! Thank you for the great recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, thrilled you enjoy them! You're most welcome, Angela 🙂
lena says
oh boy. now i'm addicted. i had to go do work in the basement to get away from the stove!!! 1 1/2 times the marinade and it's soooooooooooo yummy!!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Glad you enjoyed!!
Tabetha says
I’ve made these a few times. They are great as is and easy to play around with other flavors. Today, I made a half batch then added 1/4 cup of Trader Joe’s falafel mix before going in the oven. Very tasty with some tahini, veggies, and pita.
Sam Turnbull says
Awesome! So happy you enjoyed it, Tabetha 🙂
Jennifer says
I resigned myself to the fact that I didn’t like tofu, except when heavily seasoned in a scramble. I had some tofu to use and wanted something different. I gave these a try on a whim and I’m so glad I did. These are absolutely delicious! Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!!! So glad you found another tofu recipe to love, Jennifer 🙂
Kels says
I reduced the oil and made these in the air fryer because I was doing a batch of veggies anyway. Delicious! Plan to make again and to try the variations from another reviewer using aquafaba or broth for the oil. Thanks for another great recipe.
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful!! Thrilled you enjoyed them so much, Kels 🙂
lena says
made this tonight and it was really good. next time, i think i would double the marinade.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed!
Regina says
My husband has always said he did not like tofu. I made these and did not tell him what it was, just that I was trying a new recipe that would be versatile for us. He LOVED it. Could not believe it was tofu. Thank you for this recipe. A new favorite.
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! That's amazing!! Thrilled your found a recipe that you both love so much 🙂
Michael says
What if you froze the tofu first, to give them a chewier texture?
Sam Turnbull says
Freezing tofu gives the tofu a kind of spongey texture, personally, I'm not a big fan of the texture but you are welcome to try it if you are.
Christine Jost says
Sam,
I want to tell you that these are THE best tofu bites I have ever eaten! My husband, daughter (22) & son (14) love them. I can't make them fast enough before they're all gone again. I highly recommend that everyone try these. They will not be disappointed. We've used them in "chicken" salad for sandwiches, Buddha bowls, "chicken" and rice casserole. There is no limit to the different ways to use these golden bites of yumminess.
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh that's so wonderful!!! So very happy you and your family love them so much, Christine 🙂
Lisa Nutbrown says
Hi Sam! Can these be made in an air fryer as well?
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't tried it, but I am sure it would work 🙂
Owenna Nagy says
Add me to the list of those who have fallen in love with tofu bites. They are so good coming out of the oven it's hard to not nibble the batch away before they get into my burritos, taco salad, etc. I make them exactly as directed.
Sam Turnbull says
YAY!!!!!! Thrilled you love them too, Owenna 🙂
Yulca says
Just had them in your hearty vegan tofu salad sandwich - delight!!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!!!
Ginnie says
Sam, these are amazing! I didn't make any extra because I wasn't sure about the storage. You say they work fine in the fridge or freezer? What is the preferred way of reheating them? Thanks!!
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed them, Ginnie! You can enjoy them cold, such as in a sandwich or on a salad, or you could reheat them in the oven or in a frying pan 🙂
Wanda Jenkins says
Sam, let me start by saying I had a root canal done on Friday (it is now Sunday). I have been eating nothing but smoothies for the last two days. I saw your tofu recipe and I had a half of tofu that I had to do something with it. I mixed it up and put it in the oven and it smelled soooo good that I had to taste it. Fortunately, it was soft enough for me to chew, but I had to stop myself. This is so easy to make, and so versatile! Thanks so much! Can't wait to make it hard a crispy, once I can chew again!
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you found some comforting food during your recovery, Wanda 🙂
Elizabeth says
Can this be made without oil?Or is there an oil substitute?
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't tried it without oil yet.
Michelle says
I have made them without oil I used veggie broth one time and another I used Aquafaba both turned out great . I have made them with oil too, these are delicious all around and my toddler loves them too!
Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! Great to know you can enjoy it in so many ways 🙂