Buffalo Tofu is a delicious vegetarian alternative to buffalo chicken wings. It involves crispy tofu pieces that are tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavours but want a plant-based option.
Buffalo Tofu can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve it as an appetizer with a side of celery sticks and a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. It also makes a great main dish when paired with a fresh salad, some roasted veggies, or even on top of a rice bowl.
When serving Buffalo Tofu, you’ll want drinks that balance its spicy kick. A cold beer, like a light lager or pale ale, is a classic choice. Iced tea, whether sweetened or not, can be refreshing and cooling. For a fun twist, you can use it to make buffalo tofu wraps or tacos with your favourite toppings.
Overview: How To Make Buffalo Tofu Recipe?
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
- Drain and press a block of firm tofu to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Cook the Tofu
- Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix hot sauce with melted butter or a plant-based alternative. Adjust the spice level to your taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss the crispy tofu cubes in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce or over a salad. Enjoy your flavorful Buffalo Tofu!
Why I Love This Recipe?
I love this recipe because it transforms simple tofu into a flavorful, crispy delight that’s perfect for both appetizers and main dishes. The tofu bites, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt, get a wonderful crispy texture thanks to the cornstarch coating.
Baking them ensures they are perfectly cooked without excess oil. The buffalo sauce, made with Frank’s Red Hot, dairy-free butter, and a touch of agave, adds a spicy, tangy kick that’s incredibly satisfying.
The versatility of this dish is another reason I love it—serve the tofu bites with celery sticks and ranch for a classic appetizer or over rice with veggies for a wholesome meal.
The ease of preparation and the ability to reheat leftovers without losing the crispiness make this recipe a go-to for delicious, plant-based buffalo bites.
Buffalo Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Bites:
- 2 14-16 ounce Blocks of extra firm tofu, pressed
- 3 tbsp Avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/3 cup Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Celery sticks for serving optional
- Ranch for serving optional
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Franks Red Hot
- 3 tbsp Unsalted dairy-free butter
- 2 tsp Agave
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 420°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until evenly combined. Tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks for a more meat-like shape and texture, or cut it into small cubes. Add the tofu to the bowl and gently toss with a spatula until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch on top and toss again.
- Transfer the tofu to the baking sheet, spreading out the pieces so they aren’t touching. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through.
- In a small pot or saucepan, mix the buffalo sauce and agave. Warm over medium heat, then turn off the heat once the sauce begins to gently steam. Add the dairy-free butter and stir until fully dissolved.
- Once the tofu is golden brown and crisp, transfer it to a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the buffalo sauce and mix well with a spatula. You can add the remaining sauce if you wish, or serve it on the side as a condiment.
- Serve the buffalo tofu as desired. They pair perfectly with a side of celery and ranch dip (see recipe notes) as an appetizer, or over rice with veggies as a main dish. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to get the tofu crispy again.
Notes
- Press Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste. You can use it all for extra flavor or save some as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 295 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sodium | 1353mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Iron | 2mg |
Tips You May Find Helpful!
- Press the Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb the buffalo sauce better and ensures a firmer texture when cooked.
- Cut Tofu Evenly: Cut the tofu into even-sized pieces or cubes. This ensures that all the pieces cook evenly and have a consistent texture.
- Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: Coat the tofu pieces lightly with cornstarch before baking or frying. This helps create a crispy exterior that holds up well to the buffalo sauce.
- Bake or Air Fry for a Healthier Option: For a healthier version, bake or air fry the tofu instead of deep-frying. This still gives a crispy texture without the extra oil.
- Toss in Sauce After Cooking: Toss the tofu in buffalo sauce after it has been cooked. This ensures that the tofu stays crispy and doesn’t become soggy from the sauce.
What To Serve With Buffalo Tofu Recipe?
Frequently Asked Questions for Buffalo Tofu Recipe!
Can I Use A Different Type Of Tofu?
Yes, you can use different types of tofu, but extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe. Extra-firm tofu holds its shape well and has a meatier texture that works perfectly with the Buffalo sauce. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking for the best results.
How Do I Make The Tofu Crispy?
To make the tofu crispy, press it well to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, cut it into cubes and coat it lightly with cornstarch before baking or frying. This will give you a nice, crispy texture. Baking at a high temperature or pan-frying in a little oil can also help achieve that crispiness.
Can I Use Store-Bought Buffalo Sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought Buffalo sauce to save time. However, making your own Buffalo sauce at home allows you to adjust the spiciness and ingredients to your taste. A simple homemade version can be made by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and a bit of garlic powder.
What Are Some Good Sides To Serve With Buffalo Tofu?
Buffalo Tofu pairs well with various sides. You can serve it with celery sticks and carrot sticks, which are traditional accompaniments for Buffalo flavours. It also goes great with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a salad, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of rice or quinoa.
