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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/crispy-baked-honey-mustard-tofu-tenders-recipe/