Thanksgiving Tofu features crispy breaded tofu, made flavorful with seasonal herbs and nutty pecans. Baked herb tofu is a tasty vegan Thanksgiving dish!
This is not just your average tofu for Thanksgiving - the breading is made with ground pecans and loads of poultry seasoning, for Thanksgiving-forward vibes.
I am loving this method of creating a super flavorful breaded tofu. Nuts in the breading make so much of a difference in the overall flavor.
And Thanksgiving is not complete without gravy, so of course we're serving this baked herb tofu with my mushroom gravy. So good!
Jump to:
Why I love this Thanksgiving Tofu
- Dietary needs - this dish is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and sugar free
- High protein - tofu is packed with plant-based protein!
- Minimal prep time - it literally takes 10 minutes to prep the tofu and get it in the oven
- Crispy, crunchy, delicious - everything you want in a good tofu recipe!
- Thanksgiving flavors without the turkey - if you want a vegan protein option for Thanksgiving, this dish is perfect for you. You get protein from the tofu and all the fall flavors from poultry seasoning and rich, nutty pecans
- Oil-Free Tofu - you can pan-fry the tofu if you want, but this tofu is delicious baked in the oven without any oil
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Super Firm Tofu: super firm tofu is a vacuum-packed tofu that does not require any pre-pressing - if you like a solid, firm tofu, look for super firm. Extra firm also works - you can press it if you want, or just make the recipe as-is. Personally, I love the soft texture of the extra firm in this recipe.
- Cornstarch: cornstarch helps to give an extra crunch
- Non-Dairy Milk: any unsweetened non-dairy milk will work
- Ground Pecans: blend up pecans in your food processor or a spice grinder, until they form a fine crumb. Pecans add such a delicious nuttiness to the breading, they are worth this extra step! If you don't have a food processor or spice grinder, you can use a coarse almond flour or more breadcrumbs.
- Breadcrumbs: gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs work here. Check to make sure the one you buy is vegan!
- Poultry Seasoning: poultry seasoning adds a lot of flavor to an otherwise basic tofu recipe.
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Mushroom Gravy: to serve
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Place the non-dairy milk in a second shallow bowl.
Step 3. In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, pecans, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4. Cut the tofu into 4 rectangles by slicing the block in half across the middle and then cutting each rectangle in half height-wise.
Step 5. Coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch, then non-dairy milk, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently on each side to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 6. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 7. Serve with mushroom gravy, if desired.
FAQ & Expert Tips
When using extra firm tofu, I prefer making this recipe with tofu that hasn't been pressed - it has a lighter texture that compliments the heavier texture of the breadcrumbs.
You definitely can press the tofu if you want. Or you can use a super firm tofu that doesn't require any pressing.
I often use gluten-free breadcrumbs when breading tofu - they sub 1:1 for regular. When purchasing gf breadcrumbs, check the ingredient list. Some gluten-free breadcrumbs contain eggs!
To avoid making a complete mess, use the wet-hand dry-hand method when coating your tofu. Use one hand to pick up the uncoated tofu and dip it in cornstarch and milk. Transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture then use the other hand to coat in breadcrumbs. Keeping one hand "dry" and the other "wet".
If you don't have poultry seasoning, grab 2 teaspoons each of ground thyme, rosemary, and sage. Then throw in a pinch of nutmeg and black pepper.
Store the tofu the refrigerator. Leftovers will last in the fridge for 5-7 days.
For the crispiest results when reheating tofu, place back in the oven at 350°F or an air fryer at 300°F and heat for a few minutes until warm. Otherwise, just microwave!
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this nourishing meal. Thank you for the food on this table, allow it to fuel and fill our bodies to do Your work. Amen.
More vegan Thanksgiving recipes
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📖 Recipe
Thanksgiving Tofu (Easy Baked Tofu For Thanksgiving)
Ingredients
- 2 16 Ounce Blocks Super Firm or Extra Firm Tofu
- ¾ Cup Cornstarch
- ¾ Cup Non-Dairy Milk
- ½ Cup Ground Pecans* or walnuts
- ½ Cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons Poultry Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Mushroom Gravy to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Place the non-dairy milk in a second shallow bowl.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, pecans, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the tofu into 4 rectangles by slicing the block in half across the middle and then cutting each rectangle in half height-wise.
- Coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch, then non-dairy milk, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently on each side to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with mushroom gravy, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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