Description
Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and glazed with a tangy, sweet honey mustard sauce. Made with extra-firm tofu coated in a light panko breadcrumb crust, these protein-packed tenders are perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks. This easy, flavorful recipe bakes to golden perfection without frying, offering a versatile and satisfying plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Honey Mustard Glaze
- 3 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu. Press the extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when baked. After pressing, slice the tofu into tender-sized strips for even cooking and easy biting.
- Make the Honey Mustard Glaze. In a bowl, whisk together honey (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder, lemon juice (natural), olive oil, and the natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined, to create a tangy, sweet, and thick glaze.
- Coat the Tofu. Dip each tofu strip fully into the honey mustard glaze ensuring even coverage, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs (plant-based) mixed with paprika for color and smoky flavor.
- Bake to Perfection. Arrange the coated tofu tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping gently halfway through to ensure golden brown crispiness on both sides.
- Serve and Enjoy. Allow the tofu tenders to cool slightly after baking, letting the glaze set and the crust firm up for a perfect crunchy texture before serving.
Notes
- Press your tofu well to remove excess moisture for optimal texture and flavor absorption.
- Use tongs when coating tofu for even coverage and to keep hands clean.
- Flip gently with a thin spatula halfway through baking to maintain the crust’s crispiness.
- Adjust honey quantity based on your preferred glaze sweetness.
- Let tenders rest a few minutes before serving for better texture and ease of handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 tenders)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Baked Honey Mustard Tofu Tenders, crispy tofu, plant-based protein, vegan appetizers, gluten-free tofu recipe, honey mustard glaze