Crispy Fried Buffalo Tofu Bites

These Crispy Fried Buffalo Tofu Bites are an incredible vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. And it is super, SUPER easy to make – just 8 ingredients and 30 minutes (including pressing your tofu!)

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’m a huge fan of tofu, but I don’t have nearly enough tofu recipes on Kitchen Treaty! Quick & easy tofu bacon is a massive fave, and I love this tofu fried rice that’s a cross between a tofu scramble and fried rice. But we NEED MORE TOFU! So … I’ve commited to more tofu recipes, and you’ll be seeing a few more this year.

To kick us off, I have these buffalo tofu wings to share with you today – and it’s a gooooood one!

I love the idea of a spicy buffalo situation with ranch and/or blue cheese to cool things off. Celery (and maybe even carrot) sticks mandatory!

But as a vegetarian, Buffalo wings are a no-go. I’ve tried Buffalo cauliflower, and it’s great! But I wanted something that had more main-dish cred, with more protein than cauliflower can offer. Enter stage right: Tofu! (*applause!*)

I wanted the tofu to start out crispy, so I took a cue from my salt and pepper crispy tofu and decided to toss it in cornstarch then pan-fry it. And it was excellent. But tearing the tofu into hunks was the clincher for this buffalo tofu! Tearing it into chunks gives us lots of crispy, craggy edges that get golden and perfect and really hold on to the buffalo sauce. I like, too, that the nuggets differ in sizes. Makes this buffalo tofu more interesting to eat!

My first bite of this crispy Buffalo tofu was one of wide-eye, just, YES. And then quickly a drink of water to cool things down. Because yes – they’re spicy.

Ingredients

Tofu – You’ll want a block of extra-firm tofu.

Cornstarch – Tossing the tofu with cornstarch helps soak up any additional moisture and gives crispy tofu its crispiness!

Garlic powder – The garlicky touch pairs nicely with the spicy sauce.

Smoked paprika – For a smoky note.

Salt & pepper – For flavor!

Vegetable oil – To fry the tofu. You can use another favorite neutral high smoke-point oil such as canola oil, or avocado oil is a great option if you’re looking for a non-seed oil.

Buffalo sauce – I go with a classic usually: Frank’s Red Hot. But Primal Kitchens makes an excellent one, too.

Butter – Melted into the Buffalo sauce.

For serving – Scallions for garnish, ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping, carrot and/or celery sticks served alongside

Adaptation/Variation

Vegan/dairy-free tofu buffalo wings: Make sure your buffalo sauce is vegan and use your favorite vegan butter instead of dairy butter. And make sure your dipping sauce is dairy/egg free, too.