Asian Breaded Tofu Nuggets. Crispy fried panko breaded tofu bites that are so delicious. These are so easy to make and serve well as a main dish or side. Ready in 30 minutes!
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What are Asian Breaded Tofu Nuggets?
These Asian Breaded Tofu Nuggets featuring extra firm tofu seasoned in garlic powder and are breaded with Japanese panko breadcrumbs then pan fried in some oil.
They are best served with a sweet and easy homemade Tonkatsu sauce. This is a great Japanese-inspired main or side dish that can be served with steamed rice and veggies. If you're a tofu lover, this is a fantastic way to get in more plant based protein.
I love making this tofu dish for my husband who isn't too keen on eating meat. It's a fun way to enjoy tofu as the exterior is so crispy and golden brown and the tofu interior is nicely seasoned with that garlicky flavor.
After cooking with tofu for over 15+ years, it's become second nature to me and I had to share this crispy tofu dish with my readers.
Ingredients
Please scroll down to below recipe card for exact measurements.
- Firm to Extra firm Tofu: I wouldn't suggest using medium or soft tofu for this recipe or it'll be difficult to work with.
- Cornstarch: or potato starch
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Neutral oil: like avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid olive oil, coconut oil or any heavy scented oils.
Note: Most Asian grocers will carry these ingredients. You may find some at your select grocery store or online, like on Amazon.
How to make Asian Breaded Tofu Nuggets
Dice & Pat Dry Tofu
Slice your tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry each piece on both sides with paper towel. This is important or your coating will fall off.
Season Tofu
Then generously season tofu cubes with a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, onion powder on both sides.
Bread Tofu
First coat each tofu cube into corn starch first.
Secondly, coat diced tofu in beaten egg.
Lastly, coat tofu in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat all sides ensuring no bald spots.
Heat Oil
Next heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat. To test if oil is hot enough, place a wooden chopstick into the oil and if bubbles form then it’s ready for frying.
Fry Tofu Until Golden Brown
Fry on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
After remove the tofu and transfer to a wire rack or a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. The excess oil makes the crispy tofu soggy.
Create Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Katsu sauce ingredients. Enjoy with tofu!
Storage & Reheating
This dish will last up to 4 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, microwave for 2-3 minutes or reheat on the stovetop in a pan on medium heat until hot.
FAQ
No, I would suggest using firm to extra firm textures. Any softer and it will be hard to work with because they will easily crumble.
Yes, I would only recommend it if they're not seasoned with Italian seasoning because the flavors can compete with the katsu sauce.
📖 Recipe
Quick & Easy Asian Breaded Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra firm tofu
- ½ cup cornstarch or potato starch
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs add more if needed
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Katsu Sauce
- 5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or sub with vegetarian stir fry sauce
- 2 teaspoon white granulated sugar
Instructions
- Slice your tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry each piece on both sides with paper towel. This is important or your coating will fall off.
- Generously season tofu cubes with a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, onion powder on both sides.
- First coat each tofu cube into corn starch first. Then coat it in beaten egg. Lastly, coat tofu in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat all sides ensuring no bald spots.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat. To test if oil is hot enough, place a wooden chopstick into the oil and if bubbles form then it’s ready for frying.
- Fry on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the cooked tofu and transfer to a wire rack or a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. The excess oil makes the crispy tofu soggy.
- In a small bowl, combine Katsu sauce ingredients. Enjoy with tofu.
Molly
I made these the other night and they are very crispy and delicious! Thank you for this recipe!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
This breaded tofu looks so yummy!! I don't know that I've ever had breaded tofu, but you make me want to try it!! I love those crispy edges!
Sherri
Love this breaded tofu recipe and the pairing of the katsu sauce! So much flavor! 🙂
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
This looks so tasty good and you've really made it so easy to prepare! Yum!! ❤️
Jorge Goto
O molho desta receita esta presente também na receita de Tofu Katsu.
Dúvida: qual o nome correto: Molho Tonkatsu ou Molho Katsu?
christieathome
They're the same thing. Katsu sauce is the shortened name for Tonkatsu sauce.