Description
These Dill Pickle Tofu Bites are a crispy, tangy snack perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets. Made with extra firm tofu marinated in dill pickle brine and coated with a seasoned cornstarch mixture, the bites are baked to golden perfection, offering a deliciously crunchy texture. Serve them with vegan ranch dressing or add them as a flavorful topping to salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 2 (14 ounce) blocks extra firm tofu, pressed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Marinade and Cooking
- 1/4 cup dill pickle brine
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another high-heat cooking oil)
To Serve
- Vegan ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Tear the pressed tofu into bite-sized chunks for a natural, meat-like texture or cut into small cubes if you prefer uniform shapes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, garlic powder, dried dill, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside for later coating.
- Coat the Tofu: Place the tofu pieces into a medium mixing bowl. Add the dill pickle brine and avocado oil, then use a spatula to gently toss the tofu until each piece is evenly coated with the brine and oil. Next, sprinkle the cornstarch seasoning mixture over the tofu and toss again, ensuring all pieces are fully coated with the flavorful crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated tofu pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not touch each other to allow proper crisping during baking.
- Bake Tofu: Bake on the top rack of your oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, carefully flip each tofu piece using tongs or a spatula to crisp all sides evenly. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes until the tofu turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the tofu bites warm. They are excellent as a snack with vegan ranch or as a protein-packed addition to grain bowls, salads, or wraps.
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To restore their crispiness, reheat using an air fryer, toaster oven, or conventional oven.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is essential to remove excess moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
- Tearing the tofu into irregular chunks mimics the texture of fried chicken bites.
- Using avocado oil or any high-heat oil ensures the tofu crisps well without burning.
- Make sure tofu pieces are spaced out on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.
- Reheating in an air fryer or oven helps maintain crispiness better than microwaving.
