This Buffalo Tofu is INCREDIBLY SIMPLE! A two-ingredient sauce mixed with air-fried crispy tofu, positioned on top of a kale Caesar salad.
I’ve Prepared This Tofu 3 Times This Week.
Sometimes devoured in a rush as a finger food around 5pm, but typically placed atop a creamy kale Caesar salad as shown here – it’s a blend of bar food and wholesome fare.
This buffalo tofu is astoundingly easy. Just ridiculous.
No batters or breading, no cutting boards to clean. Just a two-ingredient hot sauce + butter mix and a quick air fry or bake for the crispy tofu foundation.
You can toss this tofu into a wrap or bowl, but recently what I’ve been really loving is just a big, heaping scoop of this saucy tofu right on top of a Caesar salad. My favorites:
- The pre-packaged Caesar from Trader Joe’s
- The vegan Caesar dressing available at Trader Joe’s (found in the refrigerated section)
- This avocado kale Caesar
The buffalo sauce is too fiery for my kids, so I save a few pieces without the sauce for them to dip in ranch or ketchup. And they enjoy it.
I made this last night for dinner and thought, I need to recommend doubling the recipe – we’re a family of four, with two young kids who don’t eat much, and there are absolutely ZERO leftovers among us. I honestly believe just Bjork and I could consume the entire block of tofu together.
It’s simple and delicious. I hope you try it!
And if you love buffalo flavors, you have to try these buffalo chicken burgers with whipped feta – and don’t miss out on these buffalo cauliflower tacos with avocado crema. AMAZING. So good.
Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad
Total Time:
17 minutesYield:
2–4 servings (I create this for me and my husband + 2 young children) 1x
Description
This Buffalo Tofu is INCREDIBLY SIMPLE! A two-ingredient sauce mixed with air-fried crispy tofu, positioned on top of a kale Caesar salad.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crispy Tofu:
Buffalo Sauce:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or several paper towels, and gently squeeze out some excess moisture. I usually spend less than a minute on this.
- Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Toss it with cornstarch, soy sauce, oil, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Once everything is well-coated, air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Shake or toss, then air fry for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. (Refer to notes for baking instructions.)
- Melt the butter and whisk it with the hot sauce. Toss the crispy tofu in the sauce to coat.
- Serve with your choice of sauce or add to a wrap, bowl, or salad! So delicious!
Equipment
Air Fryer
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Notes
To bake this in the oven: This should work at 400 degrees for 20 minutes! Be sure to line the pan with parchment paper and toss it halfway through.
Tofu: I’ve been using the tofu from Costco for this (the Fountain of Health brand, extra firm). However, I’ve made this with other brands (firm or extra firm) and it works just fine – they might be slightly wetter so may require 2-4 more minutes in the air fryer for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tofu recipe, buffalo tofu, buffalo caesar, air fryer tofu
Commonly Asked Questions About Buffalo Tofu
How spicy is it? Can my kids have it?
The buffalo sauce is too spicy for my daughters, so I reserve a few pieces without the sauce for them to dip in ranch or ketchup.
What air fryer do you recommend?
I adore the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL (affiliate link). It’s a perfect size and I appreciate the basket style for a dish like this!
Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, tossing it midway.
Can I substitute chicken for tofu?
Certainly! For the air fryer, I’d prepare this air fryer chicken and swap out the spices for those in this recipe, then toss with the sauce. Alternatively, for stovetop cooking, refer to the recipe for buffalo chicken in this guide.
Three Additional Tofu Recipes I Adore
**Crispy Buffalo Tofu Accompanied by Caesar Salad: A Tasty Plant-Based Treat**
In recent times, plant-based diets have seen a substantial rise in popularity, appealing not only to vegetarians and vegans but also to individuals aiming to integrate more plant-based dishes into their meals. A delightful pairing is Crispy Buffalo Tofu along with Caesar Salad. This dish provides an ideal fusion of flavors and textures, making it a fulfilling option for anyone.
**Crispy Buffalo Tofu: A Tasty Protein Substitute**
Tofu, derived from soybeans, is a multipurpose ingredient that readily absorbs flavors, making it a fantastic choice for diverse cuisines. In this recipe, tofu is transformed into a crispy, spicy treat with a buffalo sauce coating. The preparation starts with pressing the tofu to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a firmer texture. After pressing, the tofu is sliced into cubes or slabs and coated in a mixture of cornstarch and seasonings that help attain the desired crispness when cooked.
The buffalo sauce—typically a zesty and spicy combination of hot sauce, vegan butter, and a hint of garlic powder—is then combined with the crispy tofu. This sauce imparts a robust flavor to the tofu, reminiscent of classic buffalo wings, albeit without any meat. For those who prefer a milder flavor, the quantity of hot sauce can easily be adjusted to suit individual tastes.
**Caesar Salad: A Timeless Accompaniment**
Complementing the spicy buffalo tofu is a cool, creamy Caesar salad, creating a perfectly harmonious pairing. Traditional Caesar salad is recognized for its luscious dressing, made from ingredients such as egg yolks, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. However, for a plant-based alternative, these components can be swapped for vegan substitutes.
A vegan Caesar dressing might use cashews or silken tofu for creaminess, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, capers or olives for a hint of brininess, and lemon juice for acidity. This dressing is then mixed with crunchy romaine lettuce, crispy croutons, and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese, forming a refreshing salad that pairs impeccably with the spicy tofu.
**Serving Suggestions and Variations**
Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad can serve as a main dish or as part of a larger feast. For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating toppings such as sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or roasted chickpeas into the salad. For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness, drizzling a bit of maple syrup or agave nectar over the tofu can create a delightful contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
This dish is not only scrumptious but also nutritious, providing a good source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a superb choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal minus animal products.
In conclusion, Crispy Buffalo Tofu served with Caesar Salad is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cooking. Whether you’re an experienced vegan or simply trying out new culinary adventures, this dish will undoubtedly impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Relish this delightful combination as a wholesome meal that meets both your taste preferences and nutritional requirements.