Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried snacks. These tofu strips are coated in a light, crunchy batter and finished with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, making them perfect for dipping or as a main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 block Extra Firm Tofu (Drained and pressed)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour)
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika Powder (Optional)
• 3/4 cup Water (Adjust as necessary for batter consistency)
• 1 cup Panko or Japanese Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil for Coating (For brushing or spraying)
• 1/4 cup Agave or Maple Syrup (Can use any liquid sweeteners)
• 1/4 cup Yellow or Dijon Mustard (Choose based on personal taste)
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 dash Pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the honey mustard sauce by whisking together neutral oil, agave or maple syrup, and yellow or Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, then set aside.
2. Step 2: Drain the extra firm tofu and wrap it in a kitchen towel. Press gently to remove excess moisture for about 10 minutes, then slice into 1-inch strips.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and optional paprika powder. Gradually add water, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
4. Step 4: Dip each tofu strip into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer to the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere well.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the coated tofu strips on a lined baking tray. Brush or spray them lightly with neutral oil to promote crispiness.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to brown evenly.
7. Step 7: Remove the tray from the oven and brush the tofu tenders generously with the honey mustard sauce. Return them to the oven for another 5-8 minutes to set the sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Pressing the tofu thoroughly is key for crispiness—use a tofu press or place a heavy object on the wrapped tofu for better results.
• Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Adjust the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce by adding more or less syrup depending on your taste preference.
• For extra flavor, add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the batter mixture.

Storage

Store leftover tofu tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or medium tofu for this recipe?

Extra firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape better when coated and baked. Softer tofus are likely to fall apart during the process.

Is it necessary to bake the tofu instead of frying?

Baking produces a crispy texture with less oil, making the dish healthier and easier to prepare, but if you prefer, you can shallow fry the tenders for a crispier exterior.

Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

These Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders offer a deliciously crunchy exterior with a flavorful honey mustard glaze. Perfectly baked for a healthier alternative to frying, this recipe combines a crispy panko coating with a tangy and sweet mustard sauce, making it a great plant-based appetizer or snack.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Tofu Tenders

• 1 block Extra Firm Tofu (Drained and pressed)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour)
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika Powder (Optional)
• 3/4 cup Water (Adjust as necessary for batter consistency)
• 1 cup Panko or Japanese Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil for Coating (For brushing or spraying)

Honey Mustard Sauce

• 1/4 cup Agave or Maple Syrup (Can use any liquid sweeteners)
• 1/4 cup Yellow or Dijon Mustard (Choose based on personal taste)
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 dash Pepper
• 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the neutral oil, agave or maple syrup, and yellow or Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Set this sauce aside for later use.
2. Press and Slice Tofu: Drain the extra firm tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Press gently to remove excess moisture for about 10 minutes. Once pressed, slice the tofu into 1-inch thick strips to prepare for coating.
3. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and optional paprika powder. Gradually add water while stirring until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter consistency that can coat the tofu evenly.
4. Coat Tofu in Batter and Breadcrumbs: Dip each tofu strip into the batter, ensuring full coverage. Then transfer the battered tofu strips to a plate or bowl of panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently on each side to firmly adhere the breadcrumbs to the tofu.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated tofu tenders evenly on the tray, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Brush or Spray with Oil: Lightly brush or spray the tofu tenders with neutral oil. This step helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior during baking.
7. Bake the Tofu: Place the tray in the oven and bake the tofu tenders for 30-35 minutes. At the halfway mark (around 15-17 minutes), flip the tenders carefully to ensure even browning on all sides.
8. Brush with Honey Mustard Sauce: Once baked, remove the tofu tenders from the oven and generously brush them with the prepared honey mustard sauce.
9. Final Bake to Set Sauce: Return the sauced tofu tenders to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes. This step allows the sauce to set and caramelize slightly, enhancing flavor and stickiness.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu adequately removes excess water, helping the batter and breadcrumbs adhere better and resulting in crispier tenders.
• You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the honey mustard sauce by modifying the amount of syrup or mustard to your preference.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• If you prefer extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Store leftover tofu tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.

Keywords: tofu tenders, baked tofu, honey mustard tofu, crispy tofu, vegetarian snack, plant-based appetizer, baked tofu recipe