Bite-sized tofu chunks are breaded and baked to crispy perfection for a vegan update on the original Shake and Bake dinner trend.

I grew up on Shake and Bake Chicken. It was one of my mom’s go-to weeknight dinners and one of my favorite meals to make with her. Is it just me or is there something super satisfying about shaking up your dinner in a bag?!!

As I was recently reminiscing about some of my favorite childhood meals, I got to thinking about how I could veganize this dish for my family. I remember several flavor variations in those blue and red bannered boxes, (barbecue, extra crispy, and parmesan to name a few), but my favorite was always “original”. That’s what I recreated and daresay, I love it more than the store-bought original!

Why I Love This Recipe

Shake and Bake, how I love thee – let me count the ways!

No mess and easy clean up. Everything literally goes in a bag.
You get to shake your dinner! It’s a great way to get the kids involved and have a little fun while you’re prepping your meal.
All you need are two ingredients: the seasoning/breadcrumb blend and your protein.
It takes less than 10 minutes to get it in the oven.
While it’s baking, you can prep or reheat sides, or just relax!

This recipe makes me so happy because it checks so many boxes on my weeknight dinner checklist: easy prep, almost no clean up, short ingredient list and fun to make. It is a literally a recipe for dinner success.

What is Shake and Bake?

Shake and Bake refers to a popular method of coating and preparing chicken for baking. It typically involves using a pre-packaged coating mix to quickly and easily add flavor and texture to the chicken.

The Shake ‘n Bake” brand was introduced in 1965 by General Foods, and was originally marketed to mimic the flavor of Southern Fried Chicken.

Ingredients & Substitutions for Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets

I’ve obviously swapped tofu for chicken in this recipe, and have created a custom coating that only requires a few ingredients:

Tofu

You’ll need firm or extra-firm tofu. You can slice into strips, nuggets or “cutlets”, depending on how you want to serve it.

Coating Mix

You can create your own coating mix using ingredients like breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed crackers. Season the coating mix with your choice of spices and herbs for flavor. Common seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or oregano.

Liquid Binder

To help the coating adhere to the tofu, you’ll need something to act as a binder. You can use a mixture of plant-based milk and flour or cornstarch, or a flax egg mixture.

Oil

For crispier nuggets, brush or spray the tofu with a little oil before baking.

Substitutions

Instead of regular breadcrumbs, you can sub gluten-free breadcrumbs, Panko, crushed crackers, chips or cornflakes.

Other options for nuggets include tempeh or Pumfu.

Any combination of flour and water or plant milk works well for a liquid binder (such as almond flour instead of chickpea flour).

How to Make Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets

Press the tofu:

To remove excess moisture from the tofu and help it absorb flavors better, you should press it (unless you’re using extra-firm tofu). Place the tofu between clean kitchen towels or paper towels, then place something heavy on top (like a plate with a can or two on it). Let it press for about 15-30 minutes.
Cut the tofu:

Cut the tofu into your nugget shape of choice (such as cubes, strips, or triangles).
Prepare the coating:

In a shallow dish, mix your chosen coating mix with the seasonings of your choice. Stir well to combine.
Coat the tofu:

Dip each piece of tofu first into the liquid mixture to wet it, then place it in a bag with the coating. Seal the bag and shake it until it’s evenly coated. You can do this one piece at a time or in batches.
Bake the tofu:

Place the coated tofu pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat. If desired, you can lightly brush or spray the tofu with oil to help it brown and crisp up during baking.
Serve with your favorite dipping side:

Serve your nuggets alongside ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Buffalo sauce, or your favorite dip.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Choose the right tofu:

Use firm or extra-firm tofu for making tofu nuggets. These types of tofu hold their shape better and have a firmer texture. I used Trader Joe’s extra-firm tofu.

Seasoning variations:

Experiment with different seasoning blends. You can make some nuggets spicy with chili powder or add a smoky flavor with paprika and cumin.

Cool completely:

Allow the baked tofu nuggets to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make them soggy.

Use airtight containers for storage:

You can also line the container with a paper towel or parchment paper to help absorb any excess moisture and maintain crispiness.

Refrigerate:

Store the tofu nuggets in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in an oven for best results:

To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven to help retain the crispy texture. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again.

Shake and Bake Tofu Nugget Seasoning Blends

The options are limitless as to what to put in your shake and bake blend. Try one of these combinations:

Classic Herb & Garlic

Dried basil
Dried oregano
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and black pepper

Smoky BBQ:

Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt

Spicy Cajun:

Cajun seasoning blend (or make your own with paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and garlic powder)
Cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred level of heat)
Salt and black pepper

Lemon Herb:

Lemon zest
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper

Sesame Ginger:

Toasted sesame seeds
Ground ginger
Soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
Garlic powder
Salt

Ranch-Style:

Ranch seasoning mix (or make your own with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder)

Italian-Inspired

Dried Italian seasoning blend (includes herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and black pepper

Lime and Chili

Lime zest
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Garlic powder
Salt

Herb and Parmesan

Grated Parmesan cheese

Dried basil
Dried parsley
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper

Curry Spice

Curry powder
Ground turmeric
Ground coriander
Ground cumin
Salt

@thestephaniedreyer Bite-sized tofu chunks are breaded and baked to crispy perfection for a vegan update on the original Shake and Bake dinner trend. Full recipe up on our blog 👇🏼 #shakeandbake #tofurecipes #vegandinnerclub ♬ original sound - thestephaniedreyer

FAQs

How do I press the tofu for Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets?

To press tofu, wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top, like a plate with cans or a cast-iron skillet. Leave it for 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture.

What type of tofu should I use for tofu nuggets?

It's best to use firm or extra-firm tofu for tofu nuggets, as they hold their shape better and have a firmer texture.

Can I make Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating mix.

Can I freeze Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze tofu nuggets. Freeze them on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.

How do I reheat frozen tofu nuggets?

To reheat frozen tofu nuggets, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy.

What dipping sauces go well with Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets?

Dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or a simple tahini-based sauce can complement the flavors of Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets.

How long can I store leftover tofu nuggets in the refrigerator?

Leftover tofu nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I use an air fryer to cook Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets?

Yes, you can air fry tofu nuggets. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the nuggets in a single layer, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until they are crispy and heated through, flipping halfway through.

Shake and Bake Tofu Nuggets

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