These crispy baked tofu sticks are the perfect crunchy, dippable snack or meal! They’re golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and totally kid-approved. No frying needed—just simple ingredients and a hot oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a winner.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or soy)
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife & cutting board
- 3 shallow bowls
- Tongs or a fork
- Oven
Pro Tips
- Press the tofu well! Extra moisture makes the coating soggy. Wrap it in paper towels and place something heavy on top for 15 minutes.
- Panko = extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko makes them extra crispy.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. Tofu is mild, so those spices bring the flavor!
- Use tongs for dipping. Keeps your hands clean and helps the coating stick better.
- Space them out. Crowding the pan can make them bake unevenly—give them room!
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free? Use GF panko and flour.
- Dairy-Free? Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- Spicy? Add cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Extra Crispy? Spray lightly with oil before baking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prep the tofu sticks up to 24 hours in advance. Store them coated but unbaked in the fridge.
How to Make Crispy Baked Tofu Sticks
1️⃣ Press and Cut the Tofu
Drain and press the tofu for at least 15 minutes. Then, slice it into sticks (about ½ inch thick).
2️⃣ Marinate the Tofu
Place the tofu sticks in a bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and olive oil, tossing gently to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Set Up the Breading Stations
In three separate shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Plant-based milk
- Bowl 3: Panko, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper (mixed together)
4️⃣ Coat the Tofu
Dip each tofu stick into the flour, then the milk, and finally the panko mixture. Press gently to coat evenly.
5️⃣ Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated tofu sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6️⃣ Bake Until Crispy
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
7️⃣ Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!
Let the tofu sticks cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or air fry for extra crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze after baking, then reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Time to Dig In!
That’s it! Crispy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, these baked tofu sticks are an easy win. Try them out, switch up the seasonings, and let me know how they turn out in the comments! Happy cooking! 😊