Vegetarian Nuggets: the Recipe for the Vegetarian Alternative to Classic Nuggets, Perfect for Your Dinner!

Vegetarian Nuggets are a crunchy and delicious main course, a vegetarian and light variant of the classic chicken nuggets, the ones loved by adults and children. In this genuine and homemade recipe, the nuggets will be prepared with chickpea flour, spices, some milk and then breaded in cornflakes and breadcrumbs. Once the nuggets have been formed and breaded, they'll be fried in hot oil. The final result will be some truly delicious vegetarian nuggets, to be served with a fresh mixed salad or seasonal vegetables, perhaps accompanied with your favorite sauce.  Its flavor is reminiscent of Middle East and classic falafel, but made with chickpea flour, therefore even simpler to prepare.

What Are Vegetarian Nuggets?

Chicken nuggets were invented in the 1950s by Robert C. Baker, a professor at Cornell University. Baker's creation was revolutionary because he developed a way to keep ground chicken together without using chicken skin, which had previously been the binding agent. His method involved a combination of vinegar, salt, and cereal binder that allowed the nuggets to be shaped, coated in batter, and then frozen without falling apart. This invention made it easier to mass-produce chicken nuggets and maintain their shape and texture. They quickly gained popularity, especially after being introduced by fast food chains such as McDonald's in the 1980s.

The rise of plant-based and vegetarian nuggets is a more recent development, reflecting increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical food options. Vegetarian and plant-based nuggets typically use ingredients like chickpeas, soy, wheat gluten, and pea protein to mimic the texture and flavor of traditional chicken nuggets. Early versions of vegetarian nuggets appeared in the 1990s, catering mainly to health-conscious and vegetarian consumers. However, advancements in food technology over the past two decades have led to significant improvements in taste and texture. Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have popularized plant-based meats, making them more mainstream.

Tips to Make the Best Vegetarian Nuggets

• When mixing the chickpea flour with milk, oil, and spices, ensure the dough is smooth and well-kneaded. If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of milk; if it’s too wet, add a bit more chickpea flour.
• Form the nuggets into uniform sizes and shapes to ensure even cooking. Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon can help you create consistent portions.
• Make sure the oil is properly preheated to around 180°C (350°F). This will help achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature if possible. After frying, place the nuggets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will keep them crispy and prevent them from becoming greasy.
• For extra flavor, lightly season the nuggets with a pinch of salt right after frying while they’re still hot.

Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead of Chickpea Flour?

Yes, you can! Before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients, however, you need to blend them into a smooth paste and reduce a bit the amount of milk and oil.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes, absolutely! You can replace the milk with plant-based alternatives, such a soy, almond or oat milk. Make sure that breadcrumbs and cornflakes are also free of any animal products, as some may contain milk or eggs.

Can I Cook These in The Oven or the Air Fryer, Instead?

Of course! If you're using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and bake the nuggets on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway to ensure they're crispy on both sides. If you're using an air fryer, cook the nuggets at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the nuggets halfway through.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?

Yes, you can! You can add veggies like carrots, zucchini or bell peppers by chopping them finely or grating them and mixing them into the dough before shaping the nuggets.

What Can I Serve With These Nuggets?

You can pair these Vegetarian Nuggets with various dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, a classic mayonnaise or a yogurt-based sauce. For a little twist also try a sriracha mayo or a homemade avocado dip. You can also pair these nuggets with green salad, roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them with quinoa, couscous or a simple vegetable stir-fry.

More Nuggets Recipe To Try

Classic Chicken Nuggets

Vegan Chickpeas Nuggets

Baked Zucchini Nuggets

Salmon Nuggets

How to Store Vegetarian Nuggets

Store these Vegetarian Nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the nuggets for up to 2 months.

How to Make Vegetarian Nuggets

In a medium bowl whisk the chickpea flour with the paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Pour in the milk and oil and start mixing with a fork.

Once a small dough has started to form, start kneading with your hands until it all comes together.

Form nuggets shapes with the dough, shaping them with your hands and placing them on a surface lined with baking paper.

Crush the cornflakes into crumbs and mix them up with the breadcrumbs.

Coat each nugget in the crumbs.

Fry them in a pan with boiling hot oil, frying them 2 minutes on each side, or until golden crispy.

Season them with salt and serve immediately. Enjoy!