Vegan chicken nuggets have gained popularity as a delicious alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, appealing to both vegans and those looking to reduce meat consumption. Here’s a look at various recipes and options for making or enjoying vegan chicken nuggets.

Homemade Vegan Chicken Nuggets

1. Vegan McNuggets Recipe

This recipe captures the essence of traditional McNuggets using plant-based ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Vital Wheat Gluten
• 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• 2 tsp Onion Powder
• 3/4 cup Vegetable Broth
• 1 Onion, chopped
• Tempura Breading (including flour, garlic powder, and onion powder)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add the vegetable broth and chopped onion, knead until combined.
3. Shape into nugget forms.
4. Prepare a tempura batter and coat the nuggets before frying.
5. Serve with sweet and sour sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and yields approximately four servings, each containing about 391 calories.

2. Crispy Tofu Nuggets

These nuggets are made primarily from tofu, offering a crunchy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb block of firm tofu (pressed)
• Marinade: Soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
• Batter: Plant milk, apple cider vinegar, gluten-free flour
• Crumb Mixture: Gluten-free breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, seasonings

Instructions:

1. Press and marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the batter and crumb mixture.
3. Dredge marinated tofu pieces in flour, then in the batter, followed by the crumb mixture.
4. Fry or bake until golden brown.

These nuggets are noted for their flavor and texture, making them a great meal prep option.

3. Vegan McNuggets with Szechuan Sauce

This version includes a spicy twist with Szechuan sauce.

Ingredients for Nuggets:

• Gardein Chick’n Scallopini or firm tofu
• Wet dredge: Plant milk, apple cider vinegar
• Dry dredge: Flour, cornstarch, spices

Instructions:

1. Cut the chick’n into nugget shapes.
2. Prepare wet and dry dredges separately.
3. Heat oil to frying temperature.
4. Dredge nuggets in dry first, then wet, and fry until crispy.

Serve these with a homemade Szechuan sauce for an extra kick.

Store-Bought Options

Beyond Chicken Nuggets

Beyond Meat offers chicken nuggets made from pea protein and other plant-based ingredients. These nuggets are pre-cooked and can be heated quickly in an air fryer or oven. They provide 14 grams of protein per serving and contain no GMOs or cholesterol.

McDonald’s Plant-Based Nuggets

In Germany, McDonald’s has launched plant-based McNuggets made with pea protein and surrounded by a crispy tempura batter as part of their collaboration with Beyond Meat. This marks a significant step in offering vegan options at fast-food chains.

These various recipes and products demonstrate the versatility of vegan chicken nuggets, catering to different tastes while providing nutritious alternatives to traditional meat-based options.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the best sauces for vegan chicken nuggets, tips for achieving crispiness without frying, gluten-free options, creative marinades, and a nutritional comparison with traditional chicken nuggets.

Best Sauces to Pair with Vegan Chicken Nuggets

1. Vegan Chick Fil A Sauce: A creamy and sweet sauce made with vegan mayonnaise, mustard, BBQ sauce, and agave nectar. It pairs well with nuggets for a familiar fast-food flavor.
2. Vegan Honey Mustard: This sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for dipping and adds a delightful flavor contrast to the nuggets.
3. Vegan BBQ Sauce: A classic choice that complements the savory taste of nuggets. It can be homemade or store-bought.
4. Vegan Buffalo Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, this spicy sauce is ideal for adding a kick to your nuggets.
5. Szechuan Sauce: This spicy and flavorful sauce can enhance the experience of eating vegan nuggets, offering a unique twist.
6. Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic dip that works well as a spread or a dip for nuggets.

Making Vegan Chicken Nuggets Crispy Without Frying

To achieve crispy vegan chicken nuggets without frying, consider these methods:

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat the nuggets in breadcrumbs or panko and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
• Air Frying: Use an air fryer set to 400°F (200°C). Cook the nuggets for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Broiling: After baking, switch to broil for the last few minutes to achieve extra crispiness.

Gluten-Free Options for Vegan Chicken Nuggets

For gluten-free vegan chicken nuggets, consider using:

• Chickpea Flour or Almond Flour: These can replace wheat flour in recipes.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs or Panko: Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well for coating.
• Store-Bought Options: Brands like Gardein and Beyond Meat often have gluten-free products available.

Creative Marinades for Vegan Chicken Nuggets

1. Spicy Marinade: Combine hot sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and a touch of maple syrup for a sweet and spicy kick.
2. Teriyaki Marinade: Mix soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor.
3. Lemon Herb Marinade: Use lemon juice, olive oil, dried herbs (like thyme and oregano), and garlic for a fresh taste.
4. BBQ Marinade: Combine your favorite BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar and a bit of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

Nutritional Comparison of Vegan Chicken Nuggets vs. Traditional Ones

Nutritionally, vegan chicken nuggets often contain:

• Lower Calories: Many vegan options are lower in calories compared to traditional chicken nuggets.
• Less Fat: Vegan nuggets typically have less saturated fat since they don’t contain animal products.
• Protein Content: While traditional chicken nuggets are high in protein from meat, many vegan alternatives use ingredients like pea protein or soy to provide comparable protein levels.
• No Cholesterol: Vegan nuggets are cholesterol-free, making them heart-healthier than their meat counterparts.

In summary, vegan chicken nuggets can be paired with various delicious sauces, made crispy using baking or air frying techniques, created gluten-free with alternative ingredients, marinated creatively for added flavor, and offer several nutritional benefits compared to traditional chicken nuggets.