Buffalo Tofu from the Pantry

This crispy Buffalo Tofu makes a fun appetizer, snack or dinner option! This method is straightforward to make with chunks of tofu coated in buffalo sauce, breaded and then baked (or fried) to perfection. These tofu nuggets are completely vegan, easily made gluten free, kid-friendly and adult approved!

My love for all things buffalo sauce runs deep! I’ve made everything from buffalo cauliflower to buffalo tempeh “wings”, and now we have crispy, crunchy, flavor-packed buffalo tofu. These vegan nuggets might only be my go-to way to enjoy tofu! This earns a repeat them served with crisp celery sticks and my vegan ranch or a blue cheese dressing for dipping!

The first time I tested this method I was pleasantly surprised by simply how reliable these turned out. Whether baked or fried, these bites cook up tender on the inside, crispy on the outside and have the most welcome flavor. Buffalo tofu is a great vegan appetizer to serve for holiday gatherings, potlucks and game day!

Ingredients

This method is made with simple ingredients, most of which you probably have in your kitchen right now. Here’s what you need:

• Tofu. Tofu is a great meat alternative and when pulled apart in chunks, it’s particularly much like chicken. For go-to results use firm or extra firm tofu for this dish.
• Buffalo sauce. My regular brand of hot sauce is Frank’s Red Hot, but any kind works. Want to go the kitchen-made route? Try my simple recipe that can be found HERE!
• Cornstarch. Helps to achieve the crusty, crisp outside layer of the nuggets.
• Panko breadcrumbs. The breading is made with Panko breadcrumbs to make these babies nice and crispy. Feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs, if desired.
• Neutral oil. If your cooking method is frying, you’ll need some type of neutral oil. Canola oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil all work great!

How to cook this dish

Follow the instructions below and you’ll have a satisfying, zesty plant based protein to enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Please see the recipe card for the full, printable recipe with all of the details.

1. Prep tofu. Break the tofu into nugget-sized chunks and place in a shallow container. Cover with the buffalo sauce. Toss to full cover in the sauce and place in the refrigerator to marinate for an hour (or even overnight).
2. Coat in breading. Place the Panko in a shallow bowl and the cornstarch in a separate shallow bowl. One piece at a time, remove the chunks of tofu from the buffalo sauce and cover in cornstarch. Dip it back in the buffalo sauce to coat and then toss to cover in the Panko breadcrumbs.
3. To bake. Preheat the oven and place the tofu pieces on the prepared baking sheet and spritz the top with cooking oil spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re done when they’re golden brown on each side
4. To fry. Heat 1 inch of neutral oil in a large heavy skillet and place the tofu pieces carefully into the HOT oil and fry on each side until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Serve and enjoy! Feel free to lightly brush a little bit of extra buffalo sauce onto the buffalo tofu bites and then serve with your regular dipping sauce!

Tips for the dependable results

Follow the suggestions below for dependable tofu nuggets every time!

• The key to extra crispy tofu is using either firm or extra-firm tofu for this method. These options of tofu have most of the water pressed out, so they are less delicate and will be chewier when cooked.
• Make sure that your tofu pieces are all about the same size, so that they’ll cook at the same rate.
• If you’re sensitive to spice, be sure to grab a buffalo sauce that is labeled “mild”.

Serving options

Not only is this buffalo tofu great served as a meal option with a few sides, it’s truly versatile and can be enjoyed a variety of ways. The possibilities are endless! Here’s some ideas:

• Serve it as an appetizer for game day and parties.
• Use it as a topping over a salad.
• Roll a few nuggets in a wrap with veggies and ranch sauce.
• These nuggets also make a good sandwich filling. Toast some of your regular bread, add lettuce, tomato, buffalo tofu, then drizzle on some vegan ranch dressing for one epic lunch!

Storing leftovers

These nuggets are dependable served fresh, and honestly, you probably won’t have any leftovers anyway. They’re that good! But, if you do, simply place them in an airtight container and store in your fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or in an air fryer.

More good tofu recipes:

Looking for more ways to enjoy tofu? Try some other favs!

• The GO-TO Tofu recipes around!
• Tofu Coconut Curry
• Tofu Satay
• Sesame Tofu Bowls
• Pan Fried Tofu
• Crispy Baked Tofu
• Cashew Tofu Stir Fry
• Tofu Kebabs
• Grilled Tofu