Baked Tofu Sticks are a simple and tasty way to enjoy tofu with a crispy outside and a soft, juicy inside. These sticks get a nice golden color in the oven and have a little crunch that makes them fun to eat. The seasoning is mild but flavorful, making this a great snack or side dish.
I love making these because they’re so easy to prepare and you don’t have to deep-fry anything to get that crispy texture. I usually cut the tofu into even sticks, toss them in some seasoning and a bit of oil, then bake until they’re just right. It’s a great option when I want something light but satisfying.
To serve, I like dipping them in a bit of soy sauce or a spicy mayo. They also go well with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a quick meal. These tofu sticks always disappear fast when I bring them out, which tells me they’re a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape when baked. If you can, press it well to squeeze out water. This helps the tofu get crispy instead of soggy.
Flour: All-purpose flour is fine, but for gluten-free, chickpea flour is a great swap. It adds a bit of extra flavor and protein too.
Plant-based milk: Use unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk. It helps the coating stick without overpowering the taste.
Panko breadcrumbs: These crumbs make the crust light and crunchy. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can replace panko if needed. Adding nutritional yeast gives a nice cheesy taste but it’s optional.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add a gentle kick and smoky flavor. Feel free to adjust these or add your favorites like onion powder or chili flakes for heat.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Baked Tofu Sticks?
The secret to crispy tofu sticks lies in removing moisture and coating carefully. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Press your tofu: Wrapping it in a towel and setting a weight on top squeezes out water. The drier the tofu, the better it crisps up.
- Use a three-step breading: First coat sticks in flour, then dip in the flavored plant milk, and finally press in panko breadcrumbs. This layered coating helps the crust stick well.
- Don’t skip the oil brush: Brushing the coated tofu sticks with olive or coconut oil before baking helps them brown and crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Bake at a high temperature: 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes is just right. Flip halfway through so they crisp evenly on all sides.
Following these steps reliably gets you crunchy tofu sticks without frying, making it a lighter and easy-to-make snack or meal addition.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for spreading out tofu sticks so they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Parchment paper – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Kitchen towel or tofu press – essential for pressing out tofu’s extra moisture for better crunch.
- Three shallow bowls – useful for the flour, plant milk mix, and breadcrumb coating steps.
- Pastry brush or spoon – handy for brushing oil onto tofu sticks to help them brown.
- Sharp knife – needed to cut tofu evenly into sticks for uniform baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap smoked paprika for chili powder or curry powder to give the sticks a spicy or exotic twist.
- Add grated parmesan or nutritional yeast to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy flavor boost.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the coating for a fresh, bright taste.
- Try dipping tofu sticks in various sauces such as sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or tahini for different flavor options.
Baked Tofu Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tofu Sticks:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil (for brushing)
- Optional dipping sauce: ketchup, barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35-40 minutes total. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes pressing and prepping the tofu, then about 25-30 minutes baking until the sticks are crispy and golden. Prep and bake at your own pace!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Tofu:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into sticks about 1-inch wide and 3-4 inches long.
2. Setting Up the Breading Station:
Place the flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast (if using).
3. Coating The Tofu Sticks:
Dip each tofu stick into the flour, coating all sides lightly. Then dip into the seasoned milk mixture. Finally, press the sticks into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Baking:
Brush or spray the tops of the tofu sticks lightly with olive oil or melted coconut oil to help them crisp and brown. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy all over.
5. Serving:
Remove the tofu sticks from the oven and allow them to cool a little before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce for an easy and tasty treat!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tofu! Just thaw it completely and press out as much water as possible before cutting into sticks. Freezing actually changes the texture, making it firmer and chewier, which some people love for crispy tofu sticks.
How Should I Store Leftover Tofu Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them again at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until crisp, or heat gently in an air fryer or oven toaster.
Can I Make These Tofu Sticks Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prep and bread the tofu sticks, then keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces for Baked Tofu Sticks?
Classic ketchup, tangy barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce all pair beautifully. You can also try creamy vegan mayo mixes, sriracha mayo, or a simple tahini dressing for variety.
