15 Vegan Nugget Recipes

Sometimes all you want is a bit of fun finger food to indulge in. Maybe you have a football party going on, a family picnic, or a potluck in your backyard. Whatever the case, some good old ‘junk-like’ food is just what you need.

The thing with these vegan versions of classic nugget recipes is that they tend to be quite a bit healthier than their deep-fried, meaty counterparts without compromising on indulgence or flavor.

Here are 15 creative OGP recipes that conjure nuggets from everything from tofu and beans to cauliflower and lentils. Get your dips at the ready!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy! And, don’t forget to check out our Bean Archives!

1. Quit-the-Cluck Nuggets with Mustard Chive Sauce

Source: Quit-the-Cluck Nuggets with Mustard Chive Sauce

You probably guessed it—these Quit-the-Cluck Nuggets with Mustard Chive Sauce by Celine Steen & Tamasin Noyes were inspired by the typical fast food nuggets. That’s as far as the similarity goes! This healthy version makes a wonderful light meal or snack. They are full of protein, terrific tasting, and compassionate, too.

2. Tofu Chick’n Nuggets

Source: Tofu Chick’n Nuggets

Try these crispy, extremely flavorful, vegan Tofu Chick’n Nuggets by Taavi Moore. This recipe is layered with flavor and crunch. The trick to an ultra-flavorful tofu nugget? Marinate that soybean block overnight.

3. Homemade Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Source: Homemade Vegan Chicken Nuggets

If you are a vegan that misses the taste of chicken nuggets then you will love these Homemade Vegan Chicken Nuggets by Haley Gallerani. They are made with wholesome ingredients, and they taste great! These homemade vegan chicken nuggets do take a while to make. This recipe makes a lot of chicken nuggets though, so you can make it once, and then store them in the freezer for months.

4. Bean Nuggets

Source: Bean Nuggets

This recipe for Bean Nuggets by Aaron Calder is basic, cheap, and great to make during busy weeks. Ideal for kids to make when they’re bored and it will get them eating more veg.

5. Lentil Nuggets with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Source: Lentil Nuggets with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Craving chicken nuggets? Make the swap to these Lentil Nuggets with Sweet and Sour Sauce by Natalie Martin MS, RD and Lexie Staten MS, RD. Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, they’re a great finger food for kids. Enjoy fresh out of the oven or as a leftover (even cold!)

6. Tahini-Glazed Tempeh Nuggets

Source: Tahini-Glazed Tempeh Nuggets

These Tahini-Glazed Tempeh Nuggets by Amy Height are super easy to make! They’re perfect for tossing into your favorite salads or grain-based power bowls. When left plain, they have a slightly garlicky-tasting coating. However, with coating, they will take on whatever flavor you toss them in.

7. Crispy Protein Chickpea Nuggets

Source: Crispy Protein Chickpea Nuggets

You could mix shredded veggies into this but this recipe is for lazy people who just need to start dipping nuggets into something delicious. If you have a bag of chickpea flour and have no idea what to do with it then this recipe for Crispy Protein Chickpea Nuggets by Melanie Sorrentino is for you!

8. Cauliflower Nuggets

Source: Cauliflower Nuggets

This recipe for Cauliflower Nuggets by Kennedy Kitchings is packed full of veggies and delicious flavor! Pair these nuggets with any one of your favorite plant-based dips.

9. Chickpea Nuggets

Source: Chickpea Nuggets

For a quick snack, these Chickpea Nuggets by Aria Massoudifar are perfect! You can even enjoy them as a dinner, and dip them in your favorite dressing or even guacamole. These little nuggets are crispy and come together without much effort.

10. Sweet Potato Curry Nuggets With Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Source: Sweet Potato Curry Nuggets With Tangy Yogurt Sauce

These Sweet Potato Curry Nuggets With Tangy Yogurt Sauce by Agnes Potier-Murphy are a staple dish, not only because they are super easy to make, but also because they are highly customizable and can even be turned into a full-size burger if the mood strikes. The tangy yogurt sauce pairs particularly well with the sweet and spicy flavors of these nuggets!

11. Crispy Cabbage Nuggets

Source: Crispy Cabbage Nuggets

These Crispy Cabbage Nuggets by Melanie Sorrentino could be made with an Asian or Indian flare! But any flavor would work. Just such a great snack!

12. Crispy Red Lentil Nuggets

Source: Crispy Red Lentil Nuggets

These Crispy Red Lentil Nuggets by Melanie Sorrentino are so delicious and full of protein! You’ll love them!

13. Cauliflower Nuggets

Source: Cauliflower Nuggets

These Cauliflower Nuggets by Yana Chistyakova are a healthier option with low saturated fat content since the main ingredient is cauliflower. They have a creamy and smooth texture inside and are crispy on the outside. To add a touch of different flavor and to mask a little the flavor of the cauliflower, there are spices and grated vegan cheese.

14. Crispy Turmeric Tofu Nuggets

Source: Crispy Turmeric Tofu Nuggets

All that’s between you and these Crispy Turmeric Tofu Nuggets by Priscilla Soler are a few ingredients! When you need to make a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone, go for these crispy delights. These are great served on a bed of lettuce, or with a few simple sides and some dipping sauce.

15. Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Source: Crispy Tofu Nuggets

These Crispy Tofu Nuggets by Attila Hildmann are a vegan twist on a traditional favorite. If you don’t want to deep fry them, you can also fry them in a skillet until golden brown. The curry ketchup is a unique dipping sauce that packs a punch and perfectly complements the dish. It also goes great with your morning tofu scrambled eggs! Try making these delicious vegan tofu nuggets!! They’re super crispy and can beat the fast food and non-vegan variety any day!

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