Coconut Tofu Tenders

Vegan Coconut Tofu Tenders are a delightful snack recipe that blends the creaminess of tofu with the crunch of coconut flakes. They provide a tasty and fulfilling substitute for traditional chicken tenders. These tenders are a great option for those who are health-conscious because they are not only tasty but also nutrient-dense. They are an excellent choice for people with dietary restrictions because they are free of gluten, animal ingredients, and other common allergens. Vegan Coconut Tofu Tenders is a good way to achieve fiber, protein, and carbs. You may serve them as a main meal with a side of colorful veggies or low-fat dipping sauce. Let’s start the recipe.

EQUIPMENT:

Chopping board
A sharp knife
Oven
Baking tray
Air fryer
Three mixing bowl
Serving plate

INGREDIENTS:

Block extra firm tofu 14 oz.
Grated coconut 2/3 cup
Crushed rice crispy cereal 1/4 cup
Half a cup of coconut milk
1/4 tsp of salt, or to taste
One-fourth teaspoon tsp of crushed black pepper

For the sauce:

Tahini 2 tbsps
Lemon juice half a teaspoon
Hot sauce 1 tsp
Gluten-free tamari sauce 1/2 tsp
Water, as required

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preparation of tofu tender:

1. Shift the firm tofu on a chopping board and place a paper towel over it.
2. Next, rest the tofu block for at least twenty minutes after placing a heavy weight on it.
3. After pressing, cut the tofu into thin strips. Put aside.
4. Now, add rice cereal, crushed black pepper, grated coconut, and salt to a bowl.
5. Stir well all ingredients. Set aside the bowl.
6. Next, add coconut milk to a deep surface and a vacant bowl.
7. Then, dip the tofu pieces into the coconut milk.
8. After that, coat it with rice cereal mixture.
9. Coat each piece of tofu with the same procedure.

Oven:

1. Raise the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to warm the oven.
2. Next, move the tofu pieces to a nonstick baking dish.
3. Place all pieces into a sequence. Bake it for twenty minutes.
4. Then, turn it over and bake it again for an additional twenty minutes.
5. The tasty and crunchy baked tofu tenders are ready.

Air Fry:

1. Arrange the tofu tenders into the air fryer.
2. Now, preheat the air fryer to four hundred degrees (400 Fahrenheit).
3. Simmer it for seven to eleven minutes or until crunchy.
4. Flip during cooking so that it cooks properly.
5. After that, check the tenders. If it’s done, place the tofu tenders on a plate.

Preparation of the sauce:

1. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, gluten-free tamari sauce, and tahini to a small bowl.
2. Mix everything together and add water as necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
3. The creamy sauce is ready.

Serving:

1. Place the baked coconut tofu on a serving plate.
2. Serve the creamy sauce along with the tofu.
3. Enjoy Vegan Coconut Tofu Tenders are ready!

VARIATIONS:

There are several ways to alter the flavors of these coconut tofu tenders.

• Mix some aromatic herbs with the coating items for a herby flavor. You may use Thai, basil, or coriander.
• Try this recipe with unique flavors like chopped peanuts, untoasted sesame seeds, or cashews.
• Sweet chili sauce enhances the nutty flavor and texture of the coconut tenders. But peanut sauce also complements this dish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve the tasty tofu tenders with sweet chili sauce, vegan ranch, Thai peanut sauce, or low-fat marinara sauce.
• Add the tofu tenders to salads to increase the protein content.
• Wrap the baked tofu in a tortilla or pita bread.
• Enjoy it with fruity peach salsa.
• Add the tenders to a Buddha bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and salsa.

TIPS:

• We used good-quality and hard-form tofu because it holds up well to baking.
• Place all the tofu tenders in one row.
• Remove extra water content by pressing the tofu between kitchen towels.
• Slice the tofu block into thin strips.
• Try this recipe with different breadcrumbs such as panko breadcrumbs or chopped cereal.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

Fridge:

• Store the tofu tenders in a closed plastic dish and refrigerate it for three to eight days.

Freezer:

• Save the baked or unbaked tenders in a sealed bag. Freeze the baked tenders for only forty to sixty days, while freeze the unbaked tofu tenders for six to seven months.

Reheat:

• We can rewarm the chilled and baked tofu in a microwave oven or unbaked in an oven.

FAQs:

What kind of coconut is used in the recipe?

• Shredded and unsweetened coconut is used in the recipe to give the tenders a crunchy coating and a delightful coconut flavor.

How long can I marinate the tofu?

• You can leave it for a maximum of three hours or for several hours in the refrigerator to help the flavors penetrate deeper into the tofu.

Can other kinds of tofu be substituted with extra firm tofu?

• The texture of silken tofu is too fragile and will not bake well. The ideal kind of tofu for this dish is extra-firm tofu.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING:

Serving size 5 tofu strips
Yield 4 servings
Total quantity 8 servings
Total Calories 237 kcal
Carbohydrates 13 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Protein 10 g
Sugar 8 g
Total Fat 17 g
Sodium 289 mg
Iron 3 mg