Vegan Cornmeal Breaded Tofu Recipe

breaded tofu

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 22 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

This is an easy recipe for cornmeal crusted tofu that kids and adults alike are sure to love. This easy tofu recipe is both vegetarian and vegan and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Pressed tofu is rolled in seasonings and then baked to lightly golden brown perfection. Let the kids join in and help roll the cut pieces of tofu in the seasoned mixture and put them on the prepared baking pan. 

The addition of nutritional yeast in the breading mixture gives this cornbread tofu a nutty and cheesy taste similar to Parmesan cheese, while the chili and cayenne peppers add a depth of spice and heat. 

The rectangular-cut shaped tofu makes it easy and fun for dipping. Serve it with a dipping sauce, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Great for a snack or serve it with rice and veggies for a meal. These are also good to use for vegan tacos, just put them in the wrap or taco shell and include your favorite fixings. 

Ingredients

  • 1 block firm or extra firm tofu, well pressed 

  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup cornmeal

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. First, prepare your tofu. Like most vegan tofu recipes, this one will taste best if you press the tofu first. This allows the tofu to absorb more of the flavorings and seasonings you add to it. In this recipe, the tofu will need to absorb chili powder and cayenne pepper. Note: Not sure how to press tofu? It's simple, and it just takes a few minutes. See this easy step-by-step guide on pressing tofu.

  3. Preheat the oven to 400 F and lightly brush a baking pan with olive oil.

  4. Slice the tofu into rectangular strips, about 1/2 inch thick.

  5. Combine the nutritional yeast, flour, cornmeal, and spices—chili pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper—until well mixed.

  6. Place the tofu in the cornmeal mixture a few pieces at a time and coat well. Place on a baking sheet.

  7. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly golden brown, then flip the tofu over and bake for another 5 minutes.

  8. Enjoy!

Tip

  • The tofu should be well pressed before using in the recipe to ensure that it can absorb the flavorings and seasonings.
  • This cornmeal breaded tofu can also be lightly fried in oil for a few minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
  • Try using this tofu in vegetarian stir-fries, vegan soups, and tossed salads.
  • After cutting the tofu, put it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes for chewy and firmer tofu pieces.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
131 Calories
7g Fat
10g Carbs
10g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 131
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 108mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 219mg 17%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 156mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)