Drain the tofu, then wrap in a clean dish towel and place a heavy object, such as a cast iron pan, on top. Press the tofu for 20–30 minutes, until the towel is soaked through.
2. Step
Place the pressed tofu back in its container and wrap with reusable wrap. Freeze for at least 6 hours, up to overnight.
3. Step
Remove the tofu from the freezer and place in a microwave-safe bowl over a clean dish towel. Defrost in the microwave until completely thawed and the dish towel is soaked through, 10–15 minutes.
4. Step
Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and press again for another 20–30 minutes, until the dish towel is soaked through and the tofu is half its original thickness.
5. Step
While the tofu is pressing, make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, grapeseed oil, hot sauce, soy milk, and apple cider vinegar.
6. Step
Tear the tofu into bite-size pieces that resemble chicken tenders or nuggets. Add the tofu to the marinade and stir to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
7. Step
While the tofu is marinating, set up the breading station: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch. In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar. In a third shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and olive oil (only if baking the tofu).
8. Step
If deep-frying the tofu, heat the canola oil in a medium pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
9. Step
Alternatively, if baking the tofu, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
10. Step
When the tofu is done marinating, coat the pieces first the flour mixture, then in the soy milk mixture, then again in the flour mixture, again in the soy milk mixture, and finally in the bread crumb mixture.
11. Step
If deep-frying the tofu, add the tofu to the hot oil in batches and cook for 90–120 seconds, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
12. Step
If baking the tofu, line a baking sheet with a nonstick mat or parchment paper and grease with nonstick spray. Add the tofu to the baking sheet and spray the tops with nonstick spray, then bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
13. Step
Serve with honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
