Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Buffalo Tofu is a flavorful, spicy, and crunchy plant-based treat perfect for a snack or a meal topping. Paired with a fresh Caesar salad, it offers a delicious twist on classic buffalo flavors with a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 16 ounce package of tofu (firm or extra firm)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
• Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or paper towels, then gently press to remove excess moisture. This should take less than a minute.
2. Step 2: Cut the tofu into bite-sized chunks. Toss the pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tofu chunks in the basket and air fry for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu, then air fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until golden and crispy. (For baking, see notes below.)
4. Step 4: Melt the butter and whisk in the hot sauce to create the buffalo sauce. Toss the crispy tofu in this sauce until all pieces are coated well.
5. Step 5: Serve the buffalo tofu dipped in your favorite sauce or add it on top of a wrap, bowl, or a salad like avocado kale Caesar—delicious and satisfying!

Tips & Variations

• For baking: Place tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
• Use different dressings such as ranch or bleu cheese for varied flavor profiles.
• Press the tofu longer if you want extra crispiness by removing more moisture.
• Try swapping avocado oil with olive oil or sesame oil for a different aroma.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the tofu soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of tofu works best for this recipe?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal because it holds its shape and crisps up well during cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can keep the recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Buffalo Tofu recipe offers a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo chicken, featuring crunchy tofu bites tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce. Paired perfectly with a vibrant Caesar salad, it makes for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu and Coating

• 16 ounce package of firm or extra firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Buffalo Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)

Salad

• Salad greens with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (suggested: avocado kale Caesar salad)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean dish towel or several paper towels and gently press to remove additional moisture, spending less than a minute to avoid breaking the tofu.
2. Cut and Season: Tear or cut the tofu into bite-sized chunks. In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the coated tofu chunks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8 minutes, then shake or toss the tofu to turn. Continue air frying for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
4. Make Buffalo Sauce: While the tofu is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, whisk in the hot sauce thoroughly to combine into a smooth buffalo sauce.
5. Coat Tofu in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the crispy fried tofu chunks to a bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until all pieces are evenly coated.
6. Serve: Enjoy the crispy buffalo tofu as a snack or meal dip, or add it on top of your favorite salad such as an avocado kale Caesar salad, or inside a wrap or bowl for a delicious meal.

Notes

• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tofu in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
• Pressing tofu to remove moisture is key to achieving crispiness.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
• This recipe pairs well with creamy dressings like Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese to balance the heat.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based butter alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: buffalo tofu, crispy tofu, buffalo sauce, air fryer tofu, vegan appetizer, vegetarian buffalo, spicy tofu, tofu salad topping