Crispy Buffalo Tofu Wings Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Wings Recipe: Spicy Plant-Based Delight

Sizzling and packed with zesty flavor, these buffalo tofu wings bring a plant-based twist to a classic comfort food favorite.

Crispy golden cubes dance in a fiery buffalo sauce that packs serious punch.

Vegans and meat-lovers alike will devour these spicy bites without hesitation.

The secret lies in pressing and coating tofu to achieve that perfect crunchy exterior.

Each bite delivers a bold, tangy explosion of heat and texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Serving these wings at gatherings guarantees rave reviews and empty plates.

Get ready to spice up your meal with this irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 85 minutes

Calories: 307 kcal

Servings: 5

Buffalo Tofu Wings Ingredient Highlights

For Base Ingredient:
  • Tofu: Protein-packed plant marvel that creates a meaty texture, choose extra-firm for best structural integrity and maximum moisture removal.
For Batter Ingredients:
  • Flour, Plant-Based Milk, Spices: Magical binding trio that creates a crispy, flavorful exterior, select unbleached flour for richer taste and non-dairy milk with neutral profile.
For Coating Components:
  • Breadcrumbs: Crunchy golden layer providing irresistible texture, opt for panko style for maximum crispiness.
For Sauce Ingredients:
  • Buffalo Sauce, Vegan Butter: Fiery, tangy combination delivering bold kick and silky smoothness, choose organic hot sauce for authentic zesty flavor.
For Garnish/Optional Enhancement:
  • Herbs, Green Onions: Fresh finishing touch adding brightness and visual appeal, select vibrant, crisp herbs for maximum flavor pop.

Kitchen Tools for Buffalo Tofu Wings Prep

  • Tofu Press or Heavy Weight: Essential for removing moisture from tofu, ensuring crispy texture.
  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for even cooking and achieving golden-brown tofu wings.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two bowls needed for batter and breadcrumb coating.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, milk, and spices smoothly.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for slicing tofu into neat strips.
  • Clean Kitchen Towel: Helps press and drain excess liquid from tofu.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for heating buffalo sauce and vegan butter.
  • Tongs or Spatula: Helpful for flipping tofu and coating with sauce.

How to Cook Tofu Wings with Buffalo Sauce

  • Tofu Preparation

Get your block of tofu and gently squeeze out extra liquid using a clean kitchen towel, creating a firm texture ready for transformation.

  • Wing Shaping

Slice the tofu into hearty strips that resemble classic chicken wings, giving them a satisfying chunky look.

  • Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty batter using plant-based milk and seasonings that will make your tofu wings irresistibly delicious and crispy.

  • Crispy Exterior

Roll each tofu strip through breadcrumbs, ensuring a golden, crunchy coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Oven Magic

Bake the wings until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, developing a crisp exterior that promises incredible texture.

  • Spicy Transformation

Drench the baked wings in tangy buffalo sauce, coating each piece to guarantee a flavor explosion that’ll make your mouth water.

  • Final Touch

For extra crunch, return the sauced wings to the oven for a quick blast, creating a caramelized, spicy exterior that’s utterly addictive.

Ideas for Sauce Intensity or Vegan Variations

  • Sprinkle nutritional yeast into breadcrumbs for added protein and cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by mixing different hot sauce brands or adding cayenne pepper for extra kick.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes, panko, or gluten-free alternatives for unique textures and crunch.
  • Pat tofu extremely dry before coating to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy wings.
  • Experiment with vegan ranch, blue cheese alternatives, or cool yogurt-based dips to complement spicy buffalo flavor.

Serving Tofu Wings for Game Night or Dinner

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange buffalo tofu wings on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, and honey mustard for a stunning presentation.
  • Sidekick Sensations: Pair with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, and cool cucumber slices to balance the spicy buffalo kick and add fresh crunch to the meal.
  • Game Day Goodness: Serve these wings during sports events, movie nights, or casual gatherings as a crowd-pleasing vegan appetizer that rivals traditional chicken wings in flavor and texture.
  • Picnic Perfect Protein: Pack these wings in a portable container for outdoor meals, potlucks, or lunch boxes as a protein-rich, satisfying plant-based option that stays delicious at room temperature.

Refrigeration Plan for Buffalo Tofu Wings

  • Meal Planning & Storage Magic
  • Batch Prep Power: Whip up multiple batches of buffalo tofu wings during weekend meal prep, storing them in airtight containers for quick weekday snacks or protein-packed lunches.
  • Refrigerator Revival: Sealed containers keep leftover wings fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat in air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture and maintain delicious flavor profile.
  • Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual wings in parchment paper, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and warm in oven for a quick meal solution.
  • Smart Serving Suggestions: Pair with cool ranch dip, celery sticks, or crisp salad for balanced meal planning. Perfect for game day gatherings, movie nights, or spontaneous plant-based protein cravings.
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Crispy Buffalo Tofu Wings Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Wings Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 85 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy buffalo tofu wings deliver crispy, tangy protein perfection from plant-based kitchens. Hungry diners savor zesty bites that satisfy classic wing cravings with delicious vegan magic.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block extra-firm tofu
  • ½ cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) plant-based milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Eliminate moisture from tofu by wrapping in a kitchen towel and applying gentle pressure with a weighted object for 20-25 minutes, creating a firmer texture for optimal coating and crispiness.
  2. Tofu Transformation: Slice the pressed tofu into uniform rectangular strips, ensuring consistent dimensions to promote even cooking and attractive presentation.
  3. Oven Preheating: Activate the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing the cooking surface for maximum crunch and minimal sticking.
  4. Coating Creation: Develop a seamless wet batter by combining flour, plant-based milk, and aromatic spices, whisking until achieving a silky, homogeneous mixture without lumps.
  5. Breading Station: Establish a breadcrumb coating zone, seasoned and ready to envelop each tofu strip in a crispy exterior.
  6. Coating Process: Immerse tofu strips in the liquid mixture, then roll comprehensively in seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage for a consistent crunch.
  7. Baking Technique: Arrange coated strips on the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing, promoting air circulation and achieving all-over golden browning.
  8. Initial Roasting: Bake for 25 minutes, midway rotating the pieces to guarantee uniform crispness and color development.
  9. Sauce Preparation: Simultaneously craft the buffalo sauce by blending sauce and vegan butter, creating a glossy, flavor-packed coating with vibrant heat.
  10. Final Transformation: Brush or toss crispy tofu strips with buffalo sauce, ensuring complete flavor saturation, then return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to caramelize and intensify the exterior.
  11. Serving: Plate immediately while piping hot, accompanied by optional cooling dips like vegan ranch or fresh celery sticks to balance the spicy wings.

Notes

  • Optimize Tofu Drainage: Press tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy texture and better sauce absorption.
  • Master Uniform Cutting: Cut tofu into consistent rectangular strips for even cooking and appealing presentation.
  • Coat with Precision: Dredge tofu strips carefully through wet batter and breadcrumbs, creating a complete, even layer for maximum crunchiness.
  • Enhance Crispiness Technique: Rotate tofu halfway through baking and finish with a quick second bake after saucing to develop a perfect caramelized exterior.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 307
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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