These easy vegan Buffalo tofu bites are a tasty vegan option for game day or when you just want saucy, spicy, crispy goodness.
Saucy, spicy, crispy Buffalo tofu bites are my new go-to vegan snack.
This recipe starts with my Best Crispy Fried Tofu recipe as the base. My secret ingredient for crispy tofu? Sweet potato starch! As I mentioned in my crispy tofu post, sweet potato starch is derived from sweet potatoes. I prefer it over cornstarch because it develops these little crispy bubbles around the tofu, which creates the lightest, crispiest texture for crunchy tofu. The crunchiness even holds up when they’re tossed in a rich, spicy vegan Buffalo sauce!
How to make vegan Buffalo tofu bites
You only need a few ingredients, so this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or game-day snack!
What you need
- Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe.
- Seasonings: I season the tofu with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you want even more kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne to the tofu.
- Sweet potato starch: You can use cornstarch or potato starch instead of sweet potato starch, but I strongly recommend sweet potato starch!
- Frank’s RedHot Hot Sauce: I keep it classic with Frank’s RedHot Hot Sauce, but your favorite cayenne-based hot sauce will work well here.
- Vegan butter: I use Miyoko’s unsalted butter. I don’t recommend salted vegan butter, as Frank’s is pretty salty. If you don’t keep vegan, use dairy-based butter.
- Vegan honey: I use vegan honey, but I’ve also made this with maple syrup. If you don’t keep vegan, use traditional honey.
How to make it
- Step 1: Press the tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the sweet potato starch and toss gently to coat. It’s okay if they look a little raggedy.
- Step 3: Heat neutral oil in a skillet. Add the cubes of tofu and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. The tofu should release easily from the skillet, which is how you know it’s ready to be turned!
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine the hot sauce, vegan butter, and vegan honey in a saucepan. Simmer until the butter melts. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Step 5: Transfer the crispy tofu to a bowl and pour the sauce over the tofu. Toss to coat.
- Step 6: Transfer to a plate and sprinkle minced scallions on top. Dig in while they’re hot, and enjoy!
Vegan Buffalo Tofu Bites
These easy vegan Buffalo tofu bites are a tasty vegan option for game day or when you just want saucy, spicy, crispy goodness.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 267kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup sweet potato starch
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Hot Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons vegan honey (more or less to taste, depending on heat preference)
- 2 scallions (trimmed and minced)
Instructions
Prepare the tofu:
- Place the cubed tofu in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt.
- Pour the sweet potato starch on top and gently coat it with the flour using a rubber spatula. Avoid breaking the tofu too much. You can also shake the bowl around to ensure the tofu is coated.
Fry the tofu:
- Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Turn the heat to medium once the oil shimmers. Be sure to allow the oil to preheat for 5 minutes.
- Add the tofu in an even layer–frying in batches if needed–and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes per side. Turn only when the tofu releases easily from the bottom of the skillet. If your oil was nice and hot when you added the tofu, it shouldn’t stick. Cook until all the tofu is golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the sauce:
- While you wait for the oil to preheat, combine Frank’s RedHot Hot Sauce in a saucepan with vegan butter and honey. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a low boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauce the tofu bites:
- Transfer the tofu to a large bowl and pour the sauce on top. Toss gently to combine.
To serve:
- Transfer the tofu bites to a large plate. Sprinkle with minced scallions, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 1619mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 1mg
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