Crispy Popcorn Tofu Bites (Printer-friendly)

Crunchy seasoned tofu cubes with savory spices, perfect as a flavorful snack or appetizer.

# 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/Frying

16 - Cooking spray or 2 tbsp neutral oil

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and tender inside—the textural contrast is honestly addictive.
  • The flavor-to-effort ratio is wild; you'll feel like you're serving restaurant-quality food without the stress.
  • They work for everything: a quick snack straight from the cooling rack, an elegant appetizer, or even a protein-packed main over rice.
02 -
  • Pressing your tofu isn't just a suggestion; it's the foundation of everything—skip this and you'll end up with soft, breading-slipping disappointment.
  • Don't overcrowd your baking sheet or your pan; tofu needs space to crisp, and overcrowding creates steam, which is the enemy of crunch.
  • The plant milk-to-flour dip is crucial; skipping the wet step means your breadcrumbs won't adhere properly, and you'll lose all that seasoning.
03 -
  • If your plant milk is thin, whisk in a pinch of cornstarch to make it slightly thicker—this helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and stay on during cooking.
  • Room-temperature tofu is easier to cut into neat cubes than cold tofu straight from the fridge; let it sit out for a few minutes first.
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