Who needs chicken? These Baked Buffalo Tofu Strips are a great vegetarian alternative to the long time favorite of buffalo chicken. They’re breaded in panko and baked to perfection. That’s right, no frying needed! It’s truly one of my most favorite ways to eat tofu.
The panko seasoning is the star of the show. Tofu doesn’t have any real flavor so you have to put it with a lot of boldness to get anything out of it. That’s why I seasoned the hell out of the breading mixture. But, feel free to add more to it and adjust accordingly to your tastes. Just keep in mind that this is where the MOST of your flavor is going to come from. It should taste very spicy and very salty!
I paired my Baked Buffalo Tofu Strips with a simple salad with a light ranch dressing and had a perfectly simple and satisfying meal that boarded on the lighter side of things.
It’s important to note that tofu naturally doesn’t get quite as firm as chicken tends to be, and since we’re baking these and not frying them, they aren’t quite as crispy as their deep fried brother. But! These are sure to curb your buffalo chicken cravings just the same.
TheSkinnyFork.com Battered and baked, these buffalo tofu strips are easy to make and a great vegetarian and healthy alternative to buffalo chicken! Prep Time: 10 Minutes • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 4 Strips • Calories: 348 • Fat: 22 g • Saturated Fat: 7 g • Carb: 24 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 16 g • Sugar: 1 g • Sodium: 325 mg
Tofu:
• 1 Lb. Extra Firm Tofu, Liquids Pressed Out
• 1/2 C. Cornstarch
• 1/4 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk
Breading:
• 1 1/2 C. Panko
• 3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3/4 Tsp. Paprika
• 3/4 Tsp. Buffalo Seasoning
• 3/4 Tsp. Salt
Sauce:
• 6 Tbsp. Buffalo Sauce
• 3 Tbsp. Butter
• 1/8 Tsp. Garlic
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat for easy clean up.
Cut the tofu into 24 strips and set aside.
In a shallow dish, mix together the 1 1/2 C. panic, 3 Tbsp. oil, 3/4 Tsp. paprika, 3/4 Tsp. buffalo seasoning, and 3/4 Tsp. salt until well blended.
Set up a dredging station with the 1/2 C. cornstarch in one shallow dish, the milk in another, and finally the seasoning breading mixture.
Toss each strip of tofu into the cornstarch, then dip into the milk, and finally press into the breading to coat evenly on all sides.
Place the breaded strip onto the prepared baking dish, then rinse and repeat for the remaining strips.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping the tofu about halfway through the cook time.
While the tofu is baking, place the 6 Tbsp. buffalo sauce, 3 Tbsp. butter and 1/8 Tsp. garlic into a small sauce pan to heat over medium heat for a few minutes or until just starting to simmer.
Once the tofu is done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the sauce over the top of the buffalo strips.
Serve warm right away to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Photos:
Nutritional Claims: Sugar Conscious • Kidney Friendly • Egg Free • Peanut Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free • Alcohol Free • No Sugar Added