High Protein Vegan Dino Nuggets

Bring some nostalgia to your plant-based plate with these High Protein Vegan Dino Nuggets, a fun and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Crafted from wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, firm tofu, and nutritional yeast, these nuggets are packed with protein and brimming with flavor. Essential seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add a savory kick, while panko breadcrumbs create an irresistibly crispy coating. Shaped into adorable dinosaur forms using cookie cutters, they're perfect for kids and adults alike! These vegan nuggets bake to golden perfection in just 25 minutes and are gluten-free adaptable for dietary needs. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a protein-rich, crowd-pleasing meal or snack that's as fun as it is healthy.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 block firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water)
• 0.75 cups oat flour (certified gluten-free, if needed)
• 0.5 cups vital wheat gluten
• 0.25 cups nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.75 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 cups panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or spraying)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, pressed tofu, oat flour, vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Process until the mixture comes together into a smooth, dough-like texture.

Step 3

Transfer the mixture onto a clean surface and knead it gently for 2-3 minutes. This activates the gluten and gives the nuggets their meaty texture.

Step 4

Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters to cut out nugget shapes. Gather any scraps, knead them back together, and cut out additional shapes until all dough is used.

Step 5

Prepare two shallow bowls: one with the unsweetened plant-based milk and the other with the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 6

Dip each nugget shape into the milk, then press it lightly into the breadcrumbs to coat evenly on all sides. Place the coated nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7

Brush or spray the nuggets lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.

Step 9

Let the nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dips, such as ketchup, vegan ranch, or barbecue sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1031.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2353.0

Total Fat 67.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3209.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 267.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.3g	0%
Total Sugars 22.6g
Protein 175.7g	0%

Vitamin D 50IU	0%
Calcium 2124.7mg	0%
Iron 28.5mg	0%
Potassium 2299.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.5%

Protein: 29.5%

Carbs: 45.0%