Vegan Crispy Tofu Bites

Yes. It is easy to prepare these little tofu nuggets as free from gluten. The main consideration is to use a gluten-free Tamari soy sauce, also check your cornflour [cornstarch] just to be sure that it does not contain any added gluten ingredients.

The oil does provide the crispness and I have purposefully kept the oil to a minimum by only using one tablespoon so I do recommend using the oil.

However, if you don't mind the difference in texture then a few tablespoons of aquafaba (the water from a can of chickpeas) can be used instead of oil.

Also I have found that any bean water from canned beans can be used to help crisp up tofu bites, so you don't have to stick with just chickpea water.

Of course not! Aquafaba can be saved each time you use a can of chickpeas by freezing the aquafaba within ice cube trays.

Once frozen pop these out and place in a freezer-proof container or bag. This way you can build up a good store of aquafaba for whenever you need it.

Also, as aquafaba can be purchased at the store or supermarket as a product in its own right, by saving the aquafaba from our cans of chickpeas we can get it for almost free!

Of course. Simply pan fry the tofu until it is crispy and brown. Stir frequently so that the tofu gets evenly golden.

Our vegan Tofu in a Sweet and Sticky Satay Sauce recipe stir fry's tofu cubes in coconut oil, so do check the recipe out for extra tips.

Also within the recipe notes and FAQ section of our Tofu Satay post we also have a helpful guide on pressing firm tofu, so if you're new to cooking tofu go and have a look, as its vital to press tofu to remove excess liquid which if left in may affect the tofu texture and prevent it from going crispy.

Making crispy tofu bites in an air fryer can be a more convenient and budget-friendly alternative to pan frying or roasting in an oven. Here's a simple method to prepare your crispy tofu bites using an air fryer:

Press the tofu: Start with 350 grams of firm tofu. Drain the tofu and press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid. You can also use a tofu press if available. Let the tofu sit for about 20-30 minutes, occasionally changing the towels if they become too saturated.

Cube the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Marinate the tofu (optional): If you'd like to add more flavor to your tofu, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce or tamari, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other desired seasonings for 15-30 minutes.

Coat the tofu: In a bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch or cornflour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes. Gently toss the tofu cubes in the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Alternatively, you can place the mixture in a large zip-lock bag, add the tofu cubes, and shake gently to coat. Add a tablespoon of oil for a crispier tofu or omit if preferred.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.

Air-fry the tofu: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent the tofu from sticking [although this step may not be required depending on your air-fryer]. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between each piece. You may need to cook the tofu in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the tofu: Air-fry the tofu for 12-15 minutes, gently shaking the basket or flipping the tofu cubes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Serve: Once the tofu bites are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your desired dish.

Although, do adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model and personal preferences for crispiness.

The secret is simply to ensure that the tofu is well pressed to remove as much excess moisture as possible. Some brands of tofu pre-press the tofu which means we don't have to press it rather simply pat it dry before cooking.

Another tip for crispy tofu is to coat the tofu in cornflour [cornstarch] or an alternative such as potato starch or a plain flour [all-purpose flour]. A gluten-free plain flour can also be used. As the tofu cooks the flour coating helps the tofu to become much more crispier.

Lastly, a coating of oil is the best way to achieve a crispy tofu nugget as the hot oil works with the flour to create the best crispy tofu possible. Although for those on an oil-free diet the oil can be replaced with aquafaba or canned bean water, but the result will be a less crispy tofu.

Asian-inspired salads: Combine crispy tofu bites with mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a sesame-ginger or peanut dressing for a delicious and nutritious salad.

Grain bowls: Serve crispy tofu bites over cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or faro, along with sautéed or roasted vegetables, and drizzle with your favorite sauce, such as teriyaki, Thai peanut, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Stir-fries: Add crispy tofu bites to your favorite stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or rice, and toss with a flavorful sauce like soy sauce, hoisin, or black bean sauce. This Stir-Fry Soup recipe would be ideal with a few crispy tofu bites as a topping.

Tacos or wraps: Use crispy tofu bites as a protein source in tacos or wraps, combined with fresh vegetables, avocado, and a suitable sauce or dressing, such as a spicy vegan mayo, cashew cream, or salsa.

Buddha bowls: Create a balanced meal by combining crispy tofu bites with a variety of colorful vegetables, a grain, and a protein-rich legume, such as chickpeas or black beans. Finish with a drizzle of your favorite dressing or sauce.

Noodle dishes: Add crispy tofu bites to your favorite noodle dish, like soba, rice noodles, or udon, and toss with vegetables and a flavorful sauce like peanut sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce. A few crispy tofu bites would be an amazing accompaniment to this tasty Vegan Mongolian 'beef' and Broccoli.

A Buddha bowl is a filling, well-balanced meal that often consists of a variety of healthful grains, vegetables, plant-based protein, healthy fats, and a tasty dressing or sauce. It is offered in a bowl and makes for a vibrant, eye-catching, and fulfilling meal. A Buddha bowl is designed to give a balanced and nutrient-dense meal and is founded on the ideas of healthy eating, portion control, and mindfulness.

The phrase "Buddha bowl" doesn't directly relate to Buddhism or the actual Buddha, and its origins are unclear. The term is probably derived from the image of a bowl overflowing with healthy nutrients, resembling the round belly of a smiling Buddha statue. It might possibly be influenced by the Buddhist custom of collecting alms, wherein monks would accept food gifts in their alms bowls.

Choose a base: Start with a layer of cooked whole grains, like quinoa, brown rice, faro, or barley. Alternatively, you can use cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a lighter, low-carb option.

Add vegetables: Incorporate a mix of raw, roasted, steamed, or sautéed vegetables for different textures and flavors. Think leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula), crunchy veggies (cabbage, carrots, bell peppers), and roasted or grilled vegetables (sweet potatoes, zucchini [courgette], broccoli).

Include protein: Add a plant-based protein source, such as your crispy tofu bites, chickpeas, lentils, edamame, or tempeh.

Don't forget healthy fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats to add richness and make your Buddha bowl more satisfying. Examples include avocado, nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia), or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Top with something crunchy: Enhance the texture of your Buddha bowl with something crunchy, like nuts, seeds, toasted coconut flakes, or baked chickpeas.

Add flavor with a dressing or sauce: A flavorful dressing or sauce is key to tying all the components together. You can use a simple vinaigrette, a creamy tahini or peanut dressing, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even just a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.

Garnish and season: Finish your Buddha bowl with fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil), a sprinkle of spices (paprika, cumin, chili flakes), or a touch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Remember, a Buddha bowl is all about customizing to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to mix and match ingredients, try new combinations, and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal in a bowl!

While a poke bowl and a Buddha bowl are not identical, they do have several things in common. Both are prepared in bowls and frequently contain a variety of foods, including cereals, veggies, and proteins. However, there are important distinctions between the two, namely in the ingredients and their respective cultural backgrounds.

The main protein in a poke bowl is typically raw, marinated fish (such as salmon or tuna), which is a native of Hawaiian cuisine. The fish is often served over a bed of rice with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and toppings including avocado, seaweed, and sesame seeds. The fish is typically marinated in a soy sauce-based concoction. Poke bowls frequently include both traditional Hawaiian and ingredients with a Japanese influence.

A Buddha bowl, on the other hand, is unattached to any one cuisine or culture and concentrates on serving up a nutritious, well-balanced meal with a variety of cereals, veggies, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. Buddha bowls can be made in a variety of ways and with a wide variety of ingredients, frequently to accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets.

You can definitely create a vegan poke bowl using our crispy tofu bites as a substitute for raw fish.

To make a vegan poke bowl, you can follow the general structure of a traditional poke bowl while replacing the fish with your crispy tofu bites and choosing plant-based ingredients for the other components.

Here's a general guideline for assembling a vegan poke bowl:

Base: Choose a base of cooked rice (white or brown), sushi rice, or other grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Protein: Use your crispy tofu bites as the main protein source.

Vegetables: Add a variety of vegetables, such as cucumber, edamame, avocado, shredded carrots, radish, or thinly sliced cabbage.

Fruits (optional): Include some fruits like mango, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds for a touch of sweetness.

Toppings: Add toppings like seaweed, pickled ginger, toasted sesame seeds, green onions [spring onions], or chopped nuts.

Sauce or dressing: Prepare a vegan-friendly sauce or dressing using ingredients like soy sauce, tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, or a plant-based spicy mayo.