Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks (Crispy & Flavorful!)

Breaded Tofu Steaks

If you’ve been searching for a plant-based dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying, these Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks are about to become your new favorite recipe.

Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, these tofu “steaks” are versatile enough to serve as a main dish, tuck into sandwiches, slice over salads, or even transform into vegan “chicken” fingers for the kids.

What I love most? They’re simple to make, budget-friendly, and you can bake or air-fry them—no deep-frying required!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make these golden, crunchy tofu steaks:

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu – Extra-firm is key for holding its shape. Firm tofu can work but will be softer. For a chewier texture, freeze the tofu overnight, thaw, and press before using.
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch – Helps create a dry base for the breading to stick. Substitute with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour.
  • ¼–½ cup unsweetened soy milk – Or use oat, almond, cashew, or any unsweetened plant milk.
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs – Italian seasoned works great, but plain, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs are all excellent choices.
  • Optional for serving: BBQ sauce, Buffalo sauce, vegan ranch, marinara, lemon wedges, or fresh herbs.
Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks

Helpful Tools

  • Tofu press – To remove excess water. A DIY version works too (two plates + a heavy can on top).
  • Sharp knife – To cut even tofu “steaks.”
  • Mixing bowls – For your breading station (cornstarch, milk, breadcrumbs).
  • Baking sheet or air fryer – Both methods yield crispy tofu.

How to Make This Breaded Tofu Steaks Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Tofu

Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes (or boil in salted water for 5 minutes). Optional: freeze and thaw for a meatier texture. Slice into 3 even “steaks” or slabs.

cutting the tofu into slices on red cutting board

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

  • Bowl 1: Cornstarch
  • Bowl 2: Plant milk
  • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs
Coating ingredients in decorative bowls on a kitchen countertop for cooking preparation.
Colourful bowls containing shredded coconut, milk, and seasoned breadcrumbs ready for cooking.

Step 3: Bread the Tofu

Dip each tofu slice in:

  1. Cornstarch (coat fully)
  2. Plant milk (quick dip)
  3. Breadcrumbs (press firmly so they stick)
battering the tofu steaks
tofu steaks breaded on baking sheet

Step 4: Bake or Air-Fry

  • Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Air fryer: Air-fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
baking the breaded tofu steaks
Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks on baking sheet

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Cool slightly, then serve whole or sliced with your favorite sauces and sides.

baked breaded tofu steaks on baking sheet

Tips & Tricks


Benefits of Breaded Tofu Steaks

  • High in protein and calcium
  • Plant-based alternative to breaded chicken
  • Budget-friendly
  • Adaptable for almost any cuisine
Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks recipe

Why You’ll Love This Breaded Tofu Recipe

  • Quick & easy
  • Crispy outside, tender inside
  • Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining
  • Works as a main dish or snack

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve whole with dipping sauces (BBQ, marinara, tahini)
  • Slice for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers
  • Top a salad (especially Caesar-style!)
  • Pair with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies
  • Serve over pasta with tomato sauce or pesto
  • Cut into strips for tofu “fingers” (party platter style!)
  • Use as a vegan chicken replacement in curry or stir-fry

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer until crisp (avoid microwaving—it softens the crust).
  • Freezer: Breaded (uncooked) tofu steaks can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Custom Flavor Variations

  • Buffalo-style: Toss in hot sauce after baking.
  • Lemon-herb: Mix lemon zest and dried herbs into the breadcrumbs.
  • Garlic-parmesan: Add garlic powder and vegan parmesan to the breading.
  • Spicy Cajun: Season with Cajun spice blend or smoked paprika.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the coating. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Yes! Heat a little oil in a skillet and cook each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. They’ll be a little richer but extra crispy.

For maximum crisp, use panko breadcrumbs, spray lightly with oil, and bake/air-fry until deeply golden.

Cooked tofu steaks keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

No, silken tofu is too soft and will fall apart. Always use firm or extra-firm tofu for breaded steaks.

Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks recipe

Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks

Golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside—these simple breaded tofu “steaks” are satisfying, high-protein, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're layering them on a sandwich, slicing over a salad, or serving with dipping sauce, they’re a delicious plant-based main that’s both healthy and crave-worthy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Lunch, Main, Main Course, Topping
Cuisine American
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼-½ cup cup unsweetened soy milk sub another milk
  • ¾ cups breadcrumbs I used Italian seasoned

Optional for Serving

  • Your favourite sauce: BBQ, Buffalo, Ranch, Marinara etc.
  • Lemon Wedges & Fresh herbs

Instructions
 

Prep the Tofu

  • Press the tofu or boil it for a few minutes with salt to remove excess water.
  • (Optional: For a meatier texture, freeze the tofu beforehand and thaw before using.)
  • Then slice into 3 even "steaks" or slabs.

Set Up Your Breading Station

  • In one bowl: add the cornstarch.
    In a second bowl: pour the plant milk.
    In a third bowl: add the breadcrumbs.

Bread the Tofu

  • One at a time, coat each tofu slab in cornstarch, then dip into the plant milk, and finally coat evenly in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs on to ensure they stick.

Bake or Air-Fry

  • Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or spray a baking sheet and arrange tofu steaks in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  • Air-Frying: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray tofu with oil. Air-fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
  • Let cool slightly, then slice or serve whole. Enjoy with your favorite sauce or side (See notes for ideas on how to serve). Enjoy!

Notes

  • For Extra Flavor: Marinate tofu in vegetable broth or chicken-less broth for 15–30 minutes before breading for more flavor inside. Optional, but a great upgrade!
  • Breadcrumb Options: Use Italian-style, plain, gluten-free, or panko breadcrumbs. You can even mix in nutritional yeast, paprika, or garlic powder to customize the flavor.
  • Crispier Finish: Lightly spraying or brushing the tofu with oil before baking or air-frying helps it turn out extra golden and crispy.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Breaded tofu slabs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated (uncooked) for up to 1 day. Cook when ready to serve.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve whole with a dipping sauce (vegan ranch, marinara, BBQ, or tahini sauce)
    • Slice and layer into sandwiches or burgers
    • Add to a wrap with lettuce, slaw, and creamy dressing
    • Slice over a grain bowl or salad (especially great in a kale Caesar!)
    • Serve on top of pasta with tomato sauce or pesto
    • Pair with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner
    • Dice and toss into a stir-fry for extra crunch
    • Use in place of chicken in a vegan katsu-style curry
    • Cut into strips for tofu “fingers” perfect for kids or party platters
Note: Nutritional information is approximate values and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 120g | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Conclusion: Breaded Tofu Steaks

These Easy Breaded Tofu Steaks are crispy, versatile, and perfect for turning a simple block of tofu into a mouthwatering meal. Whether you bake, air-fry, or even pan-fry them, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your plant-based kitchen.

Try them with different sauces, stack them in sandwiches, or pair them with roasted veggies for a complete dinner. However you serve them, one thing’s for sure—they won’t last long on the table!

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