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Vegetarian, Meal soups and plant based

Tofu nuggets with sweet potato fries

This tofu nuggets with sweet potato fries recipe makes a vegetarian dinner for 4, ready in 50 minutes, rated easy, for €1.90 per person. The key is pressing the tofu well and breading it in three steps, flour, egg, breadcrumbs, so the coating stays put in the oven.

Kids will love these, crispy baked tofu nuggets with sweet potato fries.

Tofu nuggets with sweet potato fries
Total time
50 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€1.90
Calories per person
720 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter, Spring
The kids
They generally like it

Well pressed tofu turns firm under a golden breadcrumb crust, while the sweet potato fries come out of the oven soft inside and slightly caramelized at the edges thanks to the paprika. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the tender sweet potato makes for a dinner that feels different from regular nuggets without losing their comforting pull.

It's a solid pick for a weeknight when the whole family sits down together, especially with kids around, since they can dip their own nuggets into ketchup or yogurt. Mon Chou also suggests it as a simple vegetarian meal, no meat or fish, for when you want something easy to cook but still satisfying.

The ingredients

4 people

Dairy

  • Firm tofu 400 g
  • Egg 2
  • Plain yogurt 2

Fruits and vegetables

  • Sweet potato 900 g

Pantry

  • Flouroften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Breadcrumbsoften in the pantry 100 g
  • Paprikaoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Ketchupoften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Gluten, Eggs, Soy

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the sweet potatoes into sticks, toss them with 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, and paprika.

    The thinner the sticks, the crispier they get.

  2. Bake the fries at 210°C, flipping them halfway through. 30 min

    Keep them well spaced on the baking sheet, otherwise they'll steam and go soft.

  3. Press the tofu, cut it into large chunks, and salt them. 10 min

    Pressing the tofu keeps the nuggets from turning out mushy.

  4. Coat each piece in flour, then in beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining oil.

    Use one hand for the dry ingredients and the other for the wet ones, so your fingers don't get gunked up.

  5. Bake the nuggets on a baking sheet at 210°C, flipping them halfway through, and serve with ketchup and yogurt. 18 min

    Set them on a rack over the baking sheet so they crisp up on both sides.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pat the tofu pieces dry with paper towels before breading them, moisture stops the breadcrumbs from sticking.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for the fries, it keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • If you have an oven rack, set the fries on it instead of directly on the sheet, air can circulate and they crisp up on every side.

The variations

  • Swap the tofu for tempeh, its firmer texture holds up well to breading and baking.
  • For an egg free version, replace the beaten egg with a flour and water mixture, the coating still sticks fine.
  • For younger kids in a hurry, cut the tofu into smaller sticks, they'll cook faster and be easier to eat with fingers.

What to serve it with

  • A green salad with lemon dressing
  • Steamed seasonal vegetables
  • Extra plain yogurt for dipping

Storage

The nuggets and fries keep for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container. They don't freeze well once cooked, the coating loses its crunch. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes rather than the microwave to bring back the texture.

Questions about this dish

Can you prep the nuggets ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the tofu a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it right before dinner so the coating stays crispy.

Does it have to be firm tofu?

Yes, that's the key ingredient, silken or soft tofu wouldn't hold up to cutting or breading. Firm tofu keeps its shape even when pressed and cut into pieces.

Can you bake the fries and nuggets at the same time?

You can, if your oven fits two well spaced baking sheets. Otherwise, start the fries since they take longer, then add the nuggets for their last few minutes.

How do you make the coating extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs if you have them, they crisp up more than regular breadcrumbs. Press firmly on each piece of tofu so the coating sticks all the way around.

How long does it take to make tofu nuggets with sweet potato fries?

Count 50 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in tofu nuggets with sweet potato fries?

About 720 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does tofu nuggets with sweet potato fries cost?

About €1.90 per serving, or €7.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, eggs, soy. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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