Crispy Tofu Nuggets with Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip

The whole family will love these Crispy Tofu Nuggets! These healthy tofu bites are made with simple ingredients and baked instead of fried. Serve them with a creamy Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch dipping sauce for an easy, high-protein vegetarian snack or kid-friendly main dish.

If you're looking for a plant-based alternative to fried chicken nuggets or frozen fish sticks, I've got you! These baked Tofu Nuggets are so crispy and delicious. They make an ideal vehicle for pretty much any dipping sauce.

Serve them as a satisfying, comfort-food snack or make them a part of a complete meal.

This is one of those recipes that you're going to want to bookmark and make over and over again. The options for serving these protein-rich nuggets are literally endless!

Crispy breaded tofu nuggets on a plate with a bowl of yogurt ranch dip.

Ingredients

Tofu Nuggets:

  • Tofu (extra firm)
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Grapeseed oil (or oil of choice)
  • Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip:

  • Plain Greek yogurt (or skyr or dairy-free yogurt alternative)
  • Fresh chives
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Lemon juice
Tofu torn into bite sized pieces on a plate.

Instructions

Here are the basic steps:

  • Press the tofu
  • Mix the tofu breading and coat the tofu
  • Bake the tofu nuggets
  • Make the yogurt dip

Pressing Tofu

Pressing tofu (basically just placing something heavy on top of it) removes the liquid it's packed in and improves the end-game texture. It takes a little bit of extra effort, but it's totally worth it, especially when you want crispy tofu.

Ready my full tutorial about How to Press Tofu here.

Pressing tofu with a cast iron skillet on top.

Once the tofu is pressed, tear it into bite-sized pieces.

(I like to tear the tofu when I make nuggets instead of chopping the tofu with a knife. The result is a more organic look. You can also use a knife to chop the tofu into squares if you prefer a more uniform shape.)

Instructions

Before you bread the tofu, start preheating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Unbaked tofu nuggets on a baking sheet.

To make the tofu breading, mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Next, add the tofu and the oil to the bowl and gently mix with your hands until the tofu is evenly coated in the breadcrumb mixture. 

Finally, transfer the breaded tofu to the baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy. 

Horizontal image of a hand holding a crispy breaded tofu nugget.

Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip

While the tofu is baking, prep the Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip. If you're planning ahead, you can also take care of this step up to five days in advance.

Unmixed ingredients of Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip in a ceramic bowl.

To make this yogurt ranch dip, just mix plain Greek yogurt (or skyr or dairy-free yogurt alternative), fresh chives, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. 

(By the way, this basic recipe also works great as a salad dressing. Just add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.)

Horizontal image of Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip in a ceramic bowl.

Serving Ideas

I love these with Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip, but there are so many options for dipping sauces and other ways to use this recipe. Feel free to let your imagination run wild with this recipe!

Dipping Sauces

Here are just a few of the sauces you could use as a dip:

Main Dishes

You can also use these tofu nuggets to add protein and crispy texture to so many different plant-based entree recipes.

Try them in:

Hand dipping a tofu nugget into yogurt ranch dip.

Meal Prep and Storage

For the best results, I like to serve these tofu nuggets right after they get out of the oven.

When you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months.

Reheat in the oven until they're warmed through. 

Nutrition Highlights

  • Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein.
  • Whole milk Greek yogurt contains satisfying fats and protein.
  • Lemon contains antioxidants and vitamin C.
Crispy Tofu Nuggets on a plate with a bowl of yogurt ranch dip.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Substitute whole wheat flour for all purpose flour if desired.
  • Use plain dairy-free yogurt alternative (such as cashew or coconut-based yogurt alternatives) for a vegan and dairy-free variation.
  • Instead of chives, substitute fresh parsley.
  • Use your favorite cooking oil if you don't have grapeseed oil.
  • If you don't have lemon, substitute apple cider vinegar.

Pairing

Serve these tofu nuggets with:

Closeup of a hand holding a crispy tofu nugget dipped into yogurt ranch dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make this recipe vegan and dairy-free?

Substitute plain dairy-free yogurt alternative for the Greek yogurt to make the Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip vegan. The tofu nuggets are naturally vegan and dairy-free.

Can you make tofu nuggets ahead of time? What's the best way to store them?

For best results, serve tofu nuggets immediately. When you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through. 

What dipping sauces go with tofu nuggets?

Serve with yogurt ranch dip (recipe below), barbecue sauce, ketchup, hummus, guacamole, hot sauce, tahini sauce, queso, salsa, or peanut sauce.

Can you make these tofu nuggets whole grain?

Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs and whole wheat flour for a whole grain variation.

📖 Recipe

Crispy Tofu Nuggets on a plate with yogurt ranch dip and a halved lemon.

Crispy Tofu Nuggets with Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip

Stephanie McKercher, RDN
Healthier Crispy Tofu Nuggets baked in a panko breading and served with creamy Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch sauce for dipping.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch, Snack
Cuisine vegan option, vegetarian
Servings 4 people
Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Lined baking sheet
  • Oven
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

Tofu Nuggets:

  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour or flour of choice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 block extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and torn into bite-size pieces (see note)
  • ¼ cup grapeseed oil

Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip:

  • ½ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt or skyr, or plain dairy-free yogurt alternative
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu Nuggets:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet.
  • Mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Add tofu and oil to the bowl and use your hands to gently mix until the tofu is evenly coated in the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Prepare the Lemon Chive Yogurt Ranch Dip:

  • Stir yogurt, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Video

Notes

To press tofu: Drain the tofu from the liquid it’s packed in and wrap it in a paper towel or a clean dish towel. Place something heavy (such as a cast iron skillet) on top of the tofu for at least 15 minutes. Pressing tofu removes the excess liquid and improves the final texture.
 
Storage: For best results, serve tofu nuggets immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven.
 
Vegan Variation: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative instead of Greek yogurt.
Keyword breaded tofu, crispy tofu, plant based chicken nuggets, tofu nuggets, tofu tenders, vegan chicken nuggets, vegetarian chicken nuggets

Save this recipe on Pinterest

Image collage with upper left image of breaded tofu on a baking sheet before baking, lower left image of a hand dipping a tofu nugget into yogurt ranch dip, righthand image of finished tofu nuggets on a plate with yogurt ranch dip. Text reads "How to Make Tofu Nuggets."

Related Blog Posts:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 Comments

  1. I've made these several times, and finally I've found a Tofu nugget that my 10 year old likes. Delicious, easy and will now always have them on hand.