Tofu Nuggets

Name: Tofu Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: ½ block extra firm tofu (about 7-8 ounces), drained and crumbled by hand; ½ medium onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro; ¼ cup besan (gram flour); 1 tbsp rice flour; 2 tsp cumin powder; 2 tsp garlic powder; to taste Salt; ¼-½ tsp red chili powder; Oil spray or a light drizzle of oil

Handhelds

Protein: Tofu
Complete the plate: Serve with tortilla
Turn leftovers into: Sweet Potato Tacos →
Serves: 2
Hands-on · total: 15 min · 30 min (est.)
Walk-away: No

From my
kitchen

Worth knowing

These tofu nuggets are a quick, high-protein snack or meal component that comes together without needing any complicated prep.
Extra firm tofu works best because it has less moisture and naturally helps the nuggets hold their shape.
The onion adds moisture and flavor, while besan and rice flour create the structure and help give the nuggets a lightly crisp exterior.
If using older or very dry tofu, you may need to adjust the amount of besan slightly to get the right texture.
These can also be customized with different spices - try adding garam masala, smoked paprika, chaat masala, or crushed red pepper for different flavors.
They are great on their own, in wraps, grain bowls, or served alongside chutneys and dips.

Day 2 plan

Prep or cook in batches, then reheat in an air fryer or oven to bring back some crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want a crisp exterior.

Tofueasy effortweeknight-friendlyleftover-friendlyprotein-forward

- Cook this meal

Ingredients & method

Prep

15 mins

Cook

15 mins

Total

30 mins

Serves

scaled from 2 servings - quantities marked “to taste” or “as needed” aren’t adjusted

Ingredients

1block extra firm tofu (about 7-8 ounces), drained and crumbled by hand1medium onion, finely chopped½ cupfinely chopped cilantro½ cupbesan (gram flour)2 tbsprice flour4 tspcumin powder4 tspgarlic powderto tasteSalt½-1 tspred chili powder(optional)

Oil spray or a light drizzle of oil(optional)

Instructions

01
Drain the tofu well and crumble it by hand into a mixing bowl. The tofu should resemble a coarse, crumbly texture rather than a paste.
02
Add the finely chopped onion, cilantro, besan, rice flour, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and red chili powder (if using).
03
Mix everything together and mash the mixture with your hands until it begins to clump and hold its shape. The moisture from the tofu and onion should be enough to bind the mixture. If it feels too wet, add a little more besan. If it feels too dry, mash a little longer to release moisture from the tofu.
04
Shape the mixture into small nuggets, balls, or short logs. An egg-shaped nugget works especially well because it cooks evenly and is easy to flip.
05
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the nuggets with oil if desired and place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
06
Air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, moving or flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they are lightly golden and firm on the outside.
07
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, chutney, or as a protein addition to a bowl or wrap.

Worth knowing

These tofu nuggets are a quick, high-protein snack or meal component that comes together without needing any complicated prep.
Extra firm tofu works best because it has less moisture and naturally helps the nuggets hold their shape.
The onion adds moisture and flavor, while besan and rice flour create the structure and help give the nuggets a lightly crisp exterior.
If using older or very dry tofu, you may need to adjust the amount of besan slightly to get the right texture.
These can also be customized with different spices - try adding garam masala, smoked paprika, chaat masala, or crushed red pepper for different flavors.
They are great on their own, in wraps, grain bowls, or served alongside chutneys and dips.

Day 2 plan

Prep or cook in batches, then reheat in an air fryer or oven to bring back some crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want a crisp exterior.