Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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This Panko Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry or bake for a healthy appetizer or main dish. Gluten-free and oil-free options, crispy and healthy, with a lightly sweetened tangy sauce. This egg-free vegan recipe uses crushed cornflakes or panko for the crust.

this RECIPE

Everyone will enjoy these crispy panko tofu bites! Plus, you can make this recipe without oil or gluten without compromising on flavor or texture. It's a great recipe to keep in your back pocket as it's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. Pair panko tofu with my easy dipping sauce for serving.

This panko tofu recipe was inspired by my Sesame Tofu recipe, as well as this Tofu Korean Kimchi Fried Rice recipe.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🧄 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Panko Tofu
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2)
  • Extra firm or super firm tofu
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame oil (optional)
  • Rice vinegar
  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  • Garlic powder
  • Panko or crushed cornflakes

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧄 Substitutions

  • Garlic powder - use one minced clove of fresh garlic instead
  • Ginger - add one tablespoon of grated ginger to the marinade for more flavor
  • Soy sauce - use gluten-free tamari instead for no gluten
  • Panko - substitute with gluten-free panko, or crushed cornflakes for gluten-free
  • Cornstarch - use arrowroot instead as desired
  • Tofu - use superfirm tofu which is pre-pressed to save time (Nasoya or Wildwood brands)

Try my Best Tofu Chili recipe with 35 grams of protein the next time you crave something comforting. For more tofu recipes, visit my Tofu Recipes page on this site.

📖 How to Make Panko Tofu

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (3)

Step 1. Marinate:Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish. Mix well. Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (4)

Step 2. Set up the tofu coating station with panko or cornflakes, cornstarch, and aquafaba.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (5)

Step 3. Coat the tofu:Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (6)

Step 4. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (7)

Step 5. Dip the tofu into the panko. Press gently to coat evenly. Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (8)

Step 6. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil.

Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

💡 Expert Tips

  • Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the panko tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
  • For cooking: Either bake, air fry, or pan fry panko tofu. Spread the tofu in a single layer with enough space between the pieces for hot air to pass through. This way, the tofu will brown evenly.
  • Serve the easy dipping sauceat room temperature. Make it right before serving or ahead of time. It is quick and easy to make. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Panko Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I pan-fry panko tofu?

To pan-fry, add oil to a medium skillet. (The oil should reach about halfway up the sides of the tofu.) Heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully transfer the tofu to the pan. Place the pieces about 2 inches apart. (Work in batches as needed). Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.

Why is my tofu not crispy?

Tips for extra-crispy panko tofu: 1. Make sure to press the tofu long enough before marinating, or use superfirm tofu and skip this step. 2. Bake or pan-fry the tofu cubes briefly before coating them with panko. This will create a firmer texture and help the panko adhere better. 3. Use coarser panko. If the panko breadcrumbs are too fine, they may not provide the desired crunch. 4. After coating the tofu, let it rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the panko to adhere well. 5. Use oil to coat the tofu pieces and the panko crumbs. You can also try brushing a bit of oil on the panko-coated tofu before baking.

Which brand of air fryer is best?

This Ninja air fryer has performed well for over one year now. It is the air fryer I used for this panko tofu recipe. I also use it as my oven for small-batch cooking. (I receive a small commission from Amazon if you purchase using this link.)

  • Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked)
  • Easy Marinated Tofu Salad
  • Easy Tofu Marinades (3 ways, 10 minutes)

👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Leave a review for my Panko Tofu recipe and share your creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (13)

Panko Tofu

Nisha Melvani

This Panko Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry or bake (oil-free option). Gluten-free option, crispy, & healthy, with a delicious sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 4 people

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

For the tofu marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Tofu and Breading:

  • 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu or superfirm tofu, pressed and drained
  • ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • ¼ cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

Optional Easy Dipping Sauce for serving:

  • ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon sriracha (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 1 large clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  • Make the marinade:Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish, about 8x8 inches. Mix well to combine.

  • Slice and marinate the tofu: Cut the tofuinto about 8 (½-inch-thick)squares or rectangles (2x2 or 2x3 inches).

    Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

  • Preheat the ovento 400ºF.

  • For coating:Transfer the cornstarch, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl or rimmed dish. Transfer the aquafaba to a shallow bowl. Transfer the panko to rimmed dish or shallow bowl.

  • Coat the tofu:Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dip the tofu into the panko. Press gently to coat evenly.

  • For baking:Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil. Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

  • For air frying:Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray the pieces lightly with cooking oil. Place them in an air fryer basket in a single layer. (You may have to cook them in batches.) Cook for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Prepare the easy dipping sauce (optional). Whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.

  • Servethe tofu with easy dipping sauce.

Notes

    • Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
    • Make the sauce (if using) right before serving. It is quick and easy to make.
    • Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Panko Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.
    • For the sauce, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 310mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Crystal

    Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (18)
    and I didn't use oil if anyone is curious how it turns out without it.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  2. Crystal

    Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (19)
    Our family LOVED this, thank you! Used (organic) corn flakes...so crispy and YUM.
    Sauce is very tasty too!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Yay! Makes me so happy to read this. I'm so glad it was a hit!

      Reply

  3. Patti

    I think the name of this is Agedashi Dofu in Japanese. It looks really yummy and I would love to try your version since it doesn't need to be deep-fried.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you. I hope you try it!

      Reply

  4. Karen

    How much ginger do you use please..?

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      For the marinade, you. an add 2 teaspoons grated ginger.

      Reply

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2024)

FAQs

Why isn't my tofu getting crispy in the oven? ›

First off, you may have not baked your tofu at a high enough temperature. High heat is important for getting your tofu to turn out nice and crispy. Aside from that, I think it's important to coat the tofu in something to help it crisp up.

Why is my panko not sticking to my tofu? ›

If your panko is not sticking, the crumbs might be too big.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Why is my baked tofu rubbery? ›

Why does tofu get rubbery? Because it was probably overcooked, it was probably exposed to too much heat. I don't know if it was roasted baked air fried or sauteed, but when it becomes, uh, overcooked, it's gonna get very, very tough.

Do you have to press tofu before baking? ›

Do You Need to Press Tofu? Not all types of tofu need to be pressed. For example, Japanese-style silken tofu and Chinese-style soft tofu are not pressed. Firm and extra-firm tofu, which is typically sliced or cubed, should be pressed.

Does panko need to be seasoned? ›

In the US, panko breadcrumbs are available unseasoned or seasoned; most recipes call for unseasoned panko breadcrumbs and ask you to add your own spices, herbs and flavorings.

Do you need flour to use panko? ›

  1. When making fried chicken with a dry coating like panko, a small amount of flour is usually used to help the coating adhere to the chicken. ...
  2. To use less flour, you can try patting the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it with flour.
Mar 9, 2023

How to make tofu crispy like a restaurant? ›

There are a few tricks to perfect tofu. First, tossing cubed tofu with cornstarch will help you get a crispier exterior when baking or stir-frying. Pressing the block of tofu to eliminate excess moisture also helps. And you'll want to make sure you're using high enough heat.

Why is restaurant tofu better? ›

This difference in taste is largely due to one key ingredient: salt. In the culinary world, salt is a key flavor enhancer that unlocks and elevates the natural tastes of food. When it comes to tofu, which is naturally quite mild-tasting, salt becomes a critical component in transforming it into something delicious.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze. But having one isn't necessary.

Why can't you eat a lot of tofu? ›

Still, tofu and other soy products also make some people wary because isoflavones function like a weak form of the hormone estrogen. But concerns that soy can cause infertility or other problems in men are "not based on science at all," Sun said. Similarly, the American Cancer Society sees no dangers from eating soy.

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

While people with inflammation should generally avoid dairy, soy protein products like tofu and tempeh have been found to reduce pain in joints according to a study from Oklahoma State University. An easy way to add soy to your diet is using soy protein powder. Spices.

How do you bake tofu to dry it out? ›

Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. If you want a tougher texture, cook it for 30-35.

How to fix soggy tofu? ›

Put a weight — a plate will be just fine — on the tofu. Leave it there for 15–30 minutes. You will see a big pool of water squeezed out. The tofu will now have a lot less water in it, and may pan-fry much better.

How do you dry tofu in the oven? ›

The best way to get your tofu nice and crisp, without the need for any flours or coatings or frying, is to just bake in a hot oven for 25-30 minutes, depending on brand. It almost dehydrates the tofu a bit making the outside nice and firm. Easy right?!

How do you get moisture out of tofu in the oven? ›

My favorite is simple: you just need a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and a cast-iron skillet. Wrap the tofu block in the kitchen towel, and place it on a flat surface. The towel will absorb much of the excess liquid the tofu releases. To capture all of it, place the wrapped tofu on a rimmed baking sheet.

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