Baked Buffalo Tofu Bites
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- pinch salt
To Toss
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
Freeze and Defrost the Tofu (optional but recommended)
- A day or two ahead of time, place the tofu in the freezer. (It can be frozen directly in the package.) Once frozen, let it defrost fully (either on the counter or overnight in the fridge.) This step is optional, but will give it a slightly firmer and chewier texture that works well in this recipe.
Press the Tofu
- Pressing your tofu is highly recommended to help the breading crisp up more easily. You can use your favorite method to press the tofu (such as a tofu press), or use the following instructions to quick-press your tofu.
- Drain the block of tofu and cut it into cubes, roughly 1” in size. (Or you can tear it up into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.)
- Lay out a clean, lint-free kitchen towel. Arrange the tofu cubes on one half of the towel, then fold the other half over the top of the tofu. Gently press down on the tofu to blot it, then allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to wick off excess moisture.
Batter and Bread the Tofu
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Into a large mixing bowl, add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk together.
- Add 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and 1/4 cup water. Whisk to form a batter. (If using an alternative flour, you may need to add more water depending on its absorbency.)
- Toss the cubed, pressed tofu in the batter to coat.
- Pour 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs into a bowl. Toss the battered tofu pieces in the breadcrumbs, working a few at a time, then transfer to a baking sheet.
Bake and Sauce the Tofu
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Give the tofu a toss around the 20 minute mark to ensure that it browns evenly.
- A few minutes before the tofu is done baking, pour 1/2 cup buffalo sauce into a mixing bowl. You can heat it carefully in the microwave (a few seconds at a time — it tends to splatter) or stovetop if you like.
- When done, remove the breaded tofu from the oven and transfer it directly to the bowl. Toss to coat.
- Serve immediately! (Or, optionally, you can spread the tofu back out on the baking sheet and pop it back in the oven for about 3-5 minutes to “bake” the sauce into the tofu.)