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- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot) - 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted - Fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing (or vegan alternative) for serving Getting the right ingredients is key for crispy buffalo tofu bites. First, you need a block of firm tofu. Press it to remove excess water. This step helps it get crispy. Next, gather all-purpose flour and spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika add great flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. For the wet part, unsweetened plant-based milk is needed. This helps the breading stick. For the crunch, panko breadcrumbs work best. They give that perfect crispiness. Finally, blend hot sauce with melted vegan butter for that classic buffalo flavor. This adds a spicy kick that makes these bites irresistible. You can serve them with fresh celery sticks and a dip, like blue cheese dressing. This combo balances the heat nicely. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you will need to press the tofu. This step removes excess water. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place something heavy on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the tofu not stick and make cleanup easy. Now, let's get to the fun part: the breading! In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour in the plant-based milk. This will help the coating stick. For the last bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Take each tofu cube and dip it into the flour mix first. Make sure it's well-coated. Next, dip it into the plant-based milk, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. Place the coated tofu bites on the baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out and not touching. This helps them get crispy. Bake them for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. While the tofu bakes, mix the hot sauce and melted vegan butter in a large bowl. Once the tofu bites are ready, toss them in the hot sauce mixture. Make sure they are coated well. Serve the crispy tofu hot. Pair it with fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your tasty bites! To get crispy tofu, pressing is key. Pressing removes moisture and helps the tofu absorb flavors. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place something heavy on top. Leave it for at least 15 minutes. Next, coat your tofu well. Start by dipping each cube in the flour mix. Make sure it’s fully covered. Then, dip it in the plant-based milk. Finally, coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs on lightly for better sticking. When baking, space the tofu bites apart on the baking sheet. This helps them crisp up evenly. Flip them halfway through the baking time for an even crunch. Adding spices can take your tofu to the next level. Consider mixing in a little smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. You might also try adding chili powder for extra heat. For hot sauce, Frank's RedHot is a classic choice, but you can switch things up. Try sriracha for a sweet and spicy kick. Or, use a garlic-based hot sauce for added depth. Experiment and find what you like best! Pro Tips Press Your Tofu: To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure to press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, enhancing the texture of the bites. Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add other spices like smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavor. Serve Immediately: The tofu bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they're still hot and crispy. Serve them right away for the best experience! {{image_2}} You can change the sauce on your tofu bites. Try BBQ sauce for a sweeter kick. Or use a sriracha mix for extra heat. If you want a tangy burst, mix in some ranch. For non-vegan bites, add cheese. Use shredded cheddar or blue cheese for a rich flavor. Melted cheese on top makes these bites even better. Pair your crispy tofu bites with dips. Classic choices are ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a fresh twist, try a spicy avocado dip. It adds a creamy touch. When it comes to plating, think fun and colorful. Arrange your tofu bites on a big platter. Place celery sticks around the edges. Add a small bowl for the dipping sauce in the center. You can also sprinkle chopped herbs on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty creation! To keep your crispy tofu bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. This prevents moisture from making them soggy. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. For reheating, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tofu bites on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. First, ensure the tofu bites are completely cooled. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move them to the fridge overnight. For reheating, follow the same method as for leftovers. This will keep your tofu bites crispy and delicious! Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make these bites gluten-free. Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs as well. This way, you keep the crunch without the gluten. How do I make them spicier or milder? To adjust the spice level, change the cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or include hot sauce in the coating. To tone it down, reduce the cayenne or skip it entirely. You can also use a milder hot sauce for fewer heat levels. Caloric content and dietary considerations This recipe yields about 4 servings. Each serving has around 200 calories. It is high in protein from tofu and lower in carbs. You can enjoy these bites as a snack or a main dish. Allergen information and substitutions These bites are vegan, which is great for many diets. They contain soy from tofu and may have allergens from the hot sauce. If you need to avoid soy, try chickpea tofu or another firm alternative. Always check labels for allergens in your sauces and other ingredients. In this post, I shared how to make crispy buffalo tofu bites. We covered ingredients, preparation, and baking tips for perfect crunch. You learned variations, storage options, and even answered common questions. These bites are easy to make and can suit any taste. Final thoughts: Enjoy finding the right flavor for you. Experiment with sauces, and have fun serving these bites!

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites

Delicious and crispy tofu bites tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g. almond, soy)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • as needed fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing (or vegan alternative) for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the plant-based milk into another bowl.
  • In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Dip each tofu cube first into the flour mixture, ensuring it's well coated, then into the plant-based milk, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
  • Place the coated tofu bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • While the tofu is baking, mix the hot sauce and melted vegan butter in a large bowl.
  • Once the tofu bites are done, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the hot sauce mixture until coated.
  • Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.
Keyword appetizer, buffalo, tofu, vegan