Popcorn Tofu Bites (Printable Version)

Golden, crunchy tofu bites with smoky spices and a tender center, ideal for flavorful snacking.

# 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F or heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F for frying.
02 - Whisk marinade ingredients and toss tofu cubes 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 mixture.
04 - Dredge each tofu cube in flour, dip in plant milk, then coat evenly with breadcrumb mixture.
05 - To bake, place tofu on parchment-lined tray, spray with cooking spray, bake 20–25 minutes, turning halfway until crisp and golden. To fry, cook in hot oil 2–3 minutes per side until evenly golden; drain on paper towels.
06 - Serve warm accompanied by preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're dangerously addictive—crispy outside, silky inside, and you can eat a whole batch without feeling heavy.
  • The marinade infuses the tofu with enough flavor that they work equally well as a snack, appetizer, or served over rice as a main.
  • Baking or frying works beautifully depending on your mood, and both methods deliver that signature crunch.
  • They're vegan and usually gluten-free friendly, so they fit almost any table.
02 -
  • Don't skip pressing the tofu—it's the single biggest difference between bites that shatter when you bite them and ones that stay chewy inside.
  • The marinating time matters less than the drying time; even 5 minutes of marinating works if the tofu has been properly pressed.
  • If your first batch doesn't get crispy enough, your oil or oven probably wasn't hot enough, or your tofu still had too much moisture.
03 -
  • If you find your pan of oil heating unevenly when frying, test the temperature with a small bread cube first—it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
  • Leftover bites reheat beautifully in an oven or air fryer, but a microwave will make them disappointingly soft.
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