Easy Popcorn Tofu Recipe
These popcorn tofu nuggets are a good alternative to chicken. The unique preparation method involves a brining process in zesty pickle juice, imparting a burst of flavor and tenderness to the tofu. Once marinated, the tofu is coated in a seasoned pancake mix that adds a delightful crunch when fried to golden perfection. The result is a taste reminiscent of the popular Chick-Fil-A nuggets, making these popcorn tofu nuggets a flavorful and cruelty-free option for those seeking a plant-based twist on a classic favorite.


Popcorn Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Tofu drained
- 2 cups peanut oil
Breading
- 2 cups dry pancake mix
- ยผ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 ยฝ tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp cayenne pepper
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp basil
Brine
- Pickle Juice
Instructions
- Soak tofu in pickle juice and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large container and set aside.
- When it is time to fry, place peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet and heat the oil to 350 degrees.
- Drain the tofu and coat each piece with dry batter.
- Fry for approximately 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
Nutrition

Be sure to come back and tell us how your tofu nuggets turned out!
I have never tried tofu. Looks tasty..
I haven’t cooked with Tofu in a long time — we try to avoid most soy for a lot of reasons. BUT…. you coat it with Chicfila batter and that would change. ๐
I should do something similar with the block of extrafirm tofu I have in my fridge right now.
I like tofu occasionally. They really do look like chicken nuggets!
Photos like those are why I only purchase eggs and chicken that is organic, cage free and free range. You truly can taste the difference! I like the idea of popcorn tofu, but too much soy can be harmful as well, so only in moderation.
There are certain things that we actually really like tofu in, but I’ve never tried it in a recipe where I substitute it for chicken. I’m actually really curious to try it now, it looks yummy!
No, I’ve never had tofu, but you made it look so good. I had to do a double take, it looks so much like chicken popcorn, good job.
I would love to give this a try. I felt the same way about eating beef when we drove into Dodge City, Kansas, and all the way there we saw and smelled the fields and fields of cattle packed into small pens waiting to be butchered.
I’m not a fan of tofu, but am all over the cloned chicken nuggets ๐ And if I figure correctly, the Tofu package is about 5 or 6 weight watchers points….
Looks yummy! I like tofu & while I still eat some chicken, I always buy cage free eggs & chicken.
I enjoy tofu but have to remove from my diet since baby is allergic. However we choose to only eat organic and humanely raised and handled poultry, meats, fish and so on.
You go girl! I think we (people in the US in general) have become so far removed from the food system – we turn a blind eye. So sad. I hope your baby’s allergies miraculously go away.
I seriously am trying to become a vegetarian because pictures like that just make me disgusted.
Tofu is usually a good substitute since it takes on the taste of what you are cooking. Thanks I will have to give it a try.
I am pretty amazed by this. Yours looks like the real deal.
WOW!!!! They look just like the real thing! I have never eaten tofu, but if I was going to try it, this would be the recipe.
Very interesting! I’ve never tried tofu, but I may have to give this a whirl sometime!