This Buffalo Tofu is incredibly SIMPLE! A two-ingredient sauce combined with air-fried crispy tofu, served atop a kale caesar salad.
I’ve Prepared This Tofu 3 Times This Week.
Sometimes devoured quickly as a snack at 5pm, but mostly served over a rich kale caesar salad like this – it’s bar food blending with wholesome cooking.
This buffalo tofu is just too simple. Almost a crime.
No coatings or breading, no cutting boards to clean. Just a two-ingredient spicy sauce + butter mixture and a quick air fry or bake for the crispy tofu foundation.
You can toss this tofu into a wrap or a bowl, but lately what’s been really appealing to me is just a big mound of this saucy tofu on top of a Caesar salad. My top picks:
- The packaged Caesar from Trader Joe’s
- The pre-made vegan Caesar dressing from Trader Joe’s (found in the refrigerated aisle)
- This avocado kale caesar
The buffalo sauce is too hot for my girls, so I reserve a few pieces for them without the sauce to dip in ranch or ketchup. And they enjoy it.
I prepared it last night for dinner and thought to suggest you double the recipe – we’re a family of 4, with two little ones who don’t eat a lot, and we finished it all with zero leftovers. Honestly, I think even just Bjork and I could consume the entire block of tofu by ourselves.
It’s straightforward and it’s scrumptious. I hope you enjoy it!
And if buffalo flavors excite you, these buffalo chicken burgers with whipped feta are fantastic – as are these buffalo cauliflower tacos with avocado crema. DANG. So delicious.
Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad
Total Time:
17 minutesYield:
2–4 servings (I prepare this for myself and my partner + 2 young kids) 1x
Description
This Buffalo Tofu is incredibly SIMPLE! A two-ingredient sauce combined with air-fried crispy tofu, served atop a kale caesar salad.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crispy Tofu:
Buffalo Sauce:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Encase it in a clean dish towel or a few paper towels, and gently press out some of the extra moisture. I take less than a minute for this.
- Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Coat with cornstarch, soy sauce, oil, paprika, and garlic powder.
- When thoroughly 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 with the hot sauce. Coat the crispy tofu in the sauce to cover well.
- Dip in your favorite sauce or add to a wrap, bowl, or salad! So delicious!
Equipment
Air Fryer
Buy Now →
The equipment section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.
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 give it a toss halfway through.
Tofu: I’ve been using the tofu from Costco (the Fountain of Health brand, extra firm). However, I’ve also prepared this with other brands (firm or extra firm) and it still turns out well – they are just a bit wetter so they might require an extra 2-4 minutes in the air fryer to become crispy.
- 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
Common Questions About Buffalo Tofu
How spicy is it? Can my kids have it?
The buffalo sauce is too spicy for my daughters, so I save a few pieces for them without the sauce to dip in ranch or ketchup.
Which air fryer do you recommend?
I adore the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL (affiliate link). It’s a fantastic size and I appreciate the basket style for a recipe like this!
Can I bake this in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes and toss it halfway through.
Is it possible to use chicken instead of tofu?
Certainly! For the air fryer, you could use this air fryer chicken recipe and substitute the spices with those in this recipe, then coat with the sauce. Or for stovetop, you could follow the buffalo chicken recipe in this recipe.
Three Additional Tofu Recipes I Adore
**Crispy Buffalo Tofu Served with Caesar Salad: A Nutritious and Delicious Meal**
In the world of plant-based cooking, tofu frequently shines due to its versatility and flavor-absorbing ability. One of the most enjoyable methods of preparing tofu is by making it crispy and pairing it with intense flavors. Introducing the Crispy Buffalo Tofu served with Caesar Salad—a dish that fuses the spicy zest of buffalo sauce with the creamy, savory nuances of a traditional Caesar salad. This meal is not only fulfilling but also brimming with nutrients, making it an excellent option for those pursuing a balanced and flavorful dining experience.
**The Highlight: Crispy Buffalo Tofu**
Tofu, derived from soybeans, is a high-protein essential in numerous vegetarian and vegan diets. For this dish, extra-firm tofu is preferred as it maintains its form well during cooking. The secret to achieving that sought-after crispy texture is removing excess moisture. Begin by pressing the tofu to eliminate the water, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Coat the cubes in cornstarch or arrowroot powder to create a crispy outer layer when pan-fried or baked.
The buffalo sauce, a mix of hot sauce, vegan butter, and a hint of garlic powder, imparts a fiery kick to this tofu. Once the tofu turns crispy, toss it in the buffalo sauce until each piece is thoroughly coated. The outcome is a spicy, tangy, and crispy treat that will satisfy any buffalo wing craving, without any meat.
**A Timeless Pairing: Caesar Salad**
To counterbalance the heat of the buffalo tofu, a Caesar salad serves as an ideal side. Typically, Caesar salad includes romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a rich dressing. For a plant-based alternative, replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan, which provides a cheesy note without dairy.
The dressing is crucial to a Caesar salad. A vegan Caesar dressing can be crafted using ingredients such as cashews, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and capers, blended until smooth. This dressing delivers the rich, umami taste characteristic of a classic Caesar, devoid of anchovies or eggs.
**Combining Everything**
To put the dish together, start with a generous layer of crisp romaine lettuce. Add the vegan Caesar dressing and toss until the leaves are evenly coated. Garnish the salad with homemade croutons, which can be prepared by baking bread cubes with olive oil and garlic powder until they’re golden brown. Finally, place the crispy buffalo tofu on top, letting the spicy pieces mingle among the dressed greens.
For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider topping with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. These elements not only elevate the visual appeal but also add more nutrients and flavors to the dish.
**Nutritional Advantages**
This meal is a nutritional powerhouse. Tofu provides a complete protein source, vital for muscle recovery and growth. It is also rich in calcium and iron, essential for bone strength and oxygen transport in the body. The romaine lettuce and added salad components contribute a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate.
Furthermore, the healthy fats from the avocado and the dressing’s cashews support heart health, while the fiber from the vegetables and whole-grain croutons aids in digestion. This mix of ingredients ensures the dish is not just tasty but also nourishing.
**Final Thoughts**
Crispy Buffalo Tofu served with Caesar Salad is a testament to the creativity and flavor possibilities of plant-based cuisine. It melds the heat of buffalo sauce with the cool, creamy aspects of a Caesar salad, resulting in a balanced and gratifying meal. Whether you’re a devoted vegan or simply seeking to integrate more plant-based dishes into your diet, this recipe is destined to become a favorite. Relish the delightful contrast of textures and flavors, knowing that you’re indulging in a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.