Snack or Entree?

I would like to just share a quick recipe that I have fallen in love with recently, and it involves tofu. So many members of my family are repulsed by tofu, and most of them have never tried it before. I don't understand why people are so afraid. I mean, I can understand if you've tried it and didn't like the texture, but tofu can taste like whatever you want it to. Case in point: Roasted Tofu Nuggets. 

This recipe is so simple, and so fast it will make your head spin. Please note, that the spices you put on are totally your prerogative, there are no rules. I prefer mine with some spicy or savory seasonings, but you may prefer breadcrumbs or grated cheese. 

Roasted Tofu Nuggets

Extra-firm tofu, patted dry (any amount works)

Pam/olive oil spray

Garlic powder

Cumin 

Curry powder

Chili powder

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 

2. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes, or whatever size you prefer (bigger pieces will take longer). Spray baking sheet with cooking spray and place cubes on top. Sprinkle with seasonings, then flip cubes over and season the other side. 

3. Place in oven and cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how soft/crunchy you want your nuggets. 

I've eaten these nuggets by themselves, on salads, and I've made bigger slices for sandwiches. Every time I make them, my mother always notes how good the kitchen smells, and then she is always shocked to hear that it's tofu. Hopefully one day her curiosity will drive her to give tofu a try. 

Something to think about:

Is there a food your afraid to try because you think it will taste bad?

"Wow, that doesn't even look like tofu!"

Observed my lovely mother as I assembled my lunch this afternoon.


I'm definitely considered the adventurous eater in my family. While the rest of my family scoffs and pretends to gag at the thought of eating "vegetarian" or "healthy" options as apposed to london broil and mashed potatoes, I'm always willing to try something new.


When I began experimenting with different foods, like tofu, I made a lot of stir-fry because it was a quick fix to just throw everything in a pan rather than trying to follow an elaborate recipe I saw online. But after a while, eating tofu the same way gets very old, very fast.


It took me a few months to realize that tofu could also be used for the protein portion of sandwiches. I mean, who knew tofu could be used for more than just vegetable stir-fry? Clearly not me six months ago.

Sandwiches make for the perfect lunch. This Crispy Tofu Sandwich is sure to satisfy any vegetarian, and even an adventurous carnivore! Baking the seasoned tofu adds great texture to the usual soft and squishy bean curd. 

Crispy Tofu Sandwich

• 1/5 of a block of extra-firm tofu
• 2 Slices of whole-grain bread (I used Ezekiel), toasted 
• Small handful of spring mix (or romaine leaf)
• 1 Red onion slice
• 1-2 Tomato slices (all I had were plums!)
• 1 T. Veganaise (or your favorite condiment)
• Ground Seasonings to taste (today I used garlic, cumin, chili powder, and pepper)
• Oil cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 450. Take serving of tofu and cut it in half so you have two thin slices. Pat dry to remove some of the water. Add seasonings and place on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with oil. Tofu will about 30 minutes to bake (adjust to your taste of crispiness), so flip the slices half-way through baking time.

2. After tofu is done baking, assemble your sandwich and enjoy!

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Nutrition: (one sandwich) Calories: 400, Total fat: 17g, Sat fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 276mg, Total carbs: 38g, Fiber: 8g, Sugars: 3g, Protein: 21g

I had my sandwich with a small salad and slices of red bell pepper. Needless to say, I will have no need to snack between now and dinner.