If you are looking for a vegan dish then you might like this healthy dish. Though it's meant for vegan people, anyone can have it. The tricky question is that vegans don't eat any animal product but the name of the dish indicates that there is chicken. So, what's the catch?
These are tofu nuggets which are cooked in the air frying. Thus, they are a healthier choice than the chicken nuggets that you find in stores. These nuggets are crispy, juicy, and delicious. The main ingredients include tofu, dill pickle juice, and soy sauce. Tofu is used here as it gives the firm structure that chicken nuggets have. You must wash the tofu and press it for 20 minutes to remove water. Tofu is soft and can retain water easily. So, removing water this way ensures that the dish's flavor is not affected. The pickle adds tanginess and sweetness to the diet.
Ingredients
● Extra firm tofu – 1 block
● Dill pickle juice – 2 tablespoons
● Tamary soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
● White sugar – ½ teaspoon
● Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
● White flour – 1 tablespoon
● Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
● Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
● Smoked paprika- ½ teaspoon
● Salt – to taste
● Oil spray
Process of making vegan chicken nuggets
1. Get rid of the water from the tofu by pressing hard. Use a paper towel to clean them.
2. Using hand break the tofu into nugget-like pieces.
3. Combine dill pickle juice, oil, sugar, and soy sauce. Toss the tofu into this paste. Marinade in the fridge for an hour.
4. Put garlic powder, salt, pepper, flour, and smoked paprika in the air fryer, and then add tofu.
5. Air fry for 20 minutes. Make sure you flip the tofu halfway through.
6. You can spray some olive oil to ensure they don't stick to the surface.
7. After air frying if your nugget is not yet crispy then air fry again for some time.
8. If you don't have an air fryer you can bake the tofu in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees C.
Variations
● You can make a dish with oyster mushrooms or cauliflower instead of tofu.
● You can use flour of your choice to coat the nuggets. For example, instead of wheat flour, you can use chickpea flour.
● Instead of dill pickle juice, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Preparing dill pickle juice
You can easily prepare this pickle using cucumber. Slice Persian cucumber lengthwise into quarters. Fill up a jar. Add fresh dill, garlic cloves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds. Next, you need to make brine. Mix white vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Heat brine on the stove till sugar and salt dissolve. Pour it over the jarred cucumbers. Let the jars come to room temperature and then chill in the fridge.
Health benefits of tofu
● Contains essential amino acids
● Good for bones
● Supports heart health
● Helps in weight loss
● Maintains blood sugar level
● Lifts mood
● Reduces the chance of cancer
Tofu nugget is an excellent alternative to chicken nuggets. You will get a similar taste. If you don't have an air fryer you can fry. But baking would be a healthier option. Enjoy these vegan nuggets with your favorite sauce and pickles!
