Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken tenders. With a crunchy coating and a tangy-sweet sauce, they make a perfect snack or main dish for anyone craving bold flavors without the meat.

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 sweetener)
• 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 the neutral oil, agave or maple syrup, and yellow or Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and dash of pepper, then set aside.
2. Step 2: Drain the extra firm tofu, wrap it in a kitchen towel, and press for about 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice the tofu into 1-inch strips.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and optional paprika powder. Gradually whisk in water until you have a smooth batter.
4. Step 4: Dip each tofu strip into the batter, then transfer to the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the tofu is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated tofu pieces on a lined baking tray, brush or spray them lightly with neutral oil.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping the tofu tenders halfway through for even crispness.
7. Step 7: After baking, brush the tenders with the prepared honey mustard sauce. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes to set the glaze.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, freeze the pressed tofu for 1 hour before slicing and battering.
• Try swapping the neutral oil with avocado or light olive oil for a different flavor profile.
• Add garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle kick.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover tofu tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or silken tofu instead of extra firm?

Extra firm tofu is best for this recipe because it holds its shape and crisps up well. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and will not create the same texture.

Is it necessary to press the tofu?

Yes, pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which helps it absorb the batter better and achieve a crispy coating when baked.

Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders are a delicious and healthy plant-based alternative to traditional chicken tenders. Made with extra firm tofu coated in a light, crispy batter and panko breadcrumbs, these tenders are baked to golden perfection and finished with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they offer a satisfying crunch and rich flavor without frying.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course, Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the 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)

For the 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)
• 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 dash Pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the 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 the sauce aside for later use.
2. Press and Slice the 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 wide strips to resemble tenders.
3. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and optional paprika powder. Gradually add water and mix until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms. Adjust water quantity as needed for desired consistency.
4. Coat the Tofu: Dip each tofu strip into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, transfer the battered tofu to a plate with panko breadcrumbs and press gently to adhere the crumbs evenly on all sides.
5. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the baking tray.
6. Bake the Tofu Tenders: Place the coated tofu tenders on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly brush or spray the tenders with neutral oil to promote crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure even browning.
7. Brush with Honey Mustard Sauce and Finish Baking: After the initial baking, remove the tray from the oven and generously brush the tofu tenders with the prepared honey mustard sauce. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier coating.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the honey mustard sauce by varying the amount of syrup and mustard to your taste.
• Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower for coating and sauce to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Serve with extra honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
• Leftover tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: tofu tenders, baked tofu, honey mustard tofu, crispy tofu, plant-based tenders, vegetarian snack, vegan option