Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites with Whole Grain Coating
These Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites are a delicious and satisfying vegan adaptation of a classic favorite. Replacing traditional chicken tenders with extra-firm tofu, this recipe embraces wholesome ingredients by incorporating whole wheat panko and nutrient-dense flax seeds into the breading for added texture and flavor. The tofu is marinated in zesty Frank's Red Hot sauce to infuse it with a spicy kick, before being baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender center. Serve these bites as an appetizer or a main dish alongside crunchy cucumber, carrot, and celery sticks for a perfect balance of heat and freshness. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence that celebrates healthy cooking!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
1 lb (drained and pressed)
Frank's Red Hot sauce
1 cup (for marinating)
whole wheat panko
1.5 cups (for breading)
flax seeds
1/4 cup (for breading)
Wasa multigrain crackers
2 (crushed for breading)
garlic powder
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (to taste)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining and pressing the extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
Pour the Frank's Red Hot sauce over the tofu cubes, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
3
While the tofu marinates, prepare the breading mixture. In a blender or food processor, combine the whole wheat panko, multigrain Wasa crackers, and flax seeds until you achieve a coarse crumb texture.
4
Season the breading mixture with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt according to your taste preference, mixing well to combine the flavors.
5
After marinating, remove the tofu from the fridge and carefully take each piece out of the hot sauce, allowing excess sauce to drip off. Place the tofu cubes in the prepared breading mixture and gently toss until all sides are evenly coated.
6
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread the breaded tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the tofu bites are golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through the baking time for even crispiness.
8
Serve hot with a side of fresh cucumber, carrot, and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in this recipe?
The main protein source is one pound of extra-firm tofu, which is drained and pressed before cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tofu, flax seeds, and whole wheat grains.
What type of sauce is used to marinate the tofu?
The tofu is marinated in one cup of Frank's Red Hot sauce to provide a zesty and spicy buffalo flavor.
How long should the tofu be marinated?
You should marinate the tofu for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
What ingredients make up the whole grain breading?
The breading is made from a blend of whole wheat panko, flax seeds, and crushed Wasa multigrain crackers.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake the tofu bites?
The tofu bites take approximately 18 to 20 minutes to bake until they are golden brown and crispy.
Should the tofu be flipped during the baking process?
Yes, it is recommended to flip the tofu cubes halfway through the baking time to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
What tools are needed to prepare the breading?
A blender or food processor is used to combine the panko, crackers, and flax seeds into a coarse crumb texture.
What spices are used to season the breading?
The breading is seasoned with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt according to your taste preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Is the tofu fried or baked?
These tofu bites are baked on a lightly greased baking sheet, making them a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
What should I serve with these buffalo tofu bites?
They are best served hot with fresh cucumber, carrot, and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.
Why is it important to press the tofu?
Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which helps the cubes absorb the marinade and achieve a better texture.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and the duration of the marinade.
What kind of crackers are used in the breading?
The recipe specifies using two Wasa multigrain crackers, crushed into the breading mixture.
Are flax seeds included for nutrition or texture?
Flax seeds are included for both added texture and to make the breading more nutrient-dense.
How should the tofu be cut?
The tofu should be cut into bite-sized cubes for even baking and easy serving as an appetizer.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is a healthy adaptation of buffalo chicken that uses whole grains, plant-based protein, and baking instead of frying.
Does the recipe use whole wheat panko?
Yes, it uses 1.5 cups of whole wheat panko to provide a wholesome and crispy exterior.
How do I prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan?
Lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray before spreading the tofu cubes in a single layer.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to drain and press the extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture.
Can this recipe be served as a main dish?
Yes, while it works great as an appetizer, it can also be served as a main dish.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to the breading mixture to taste for seasoning.
What texture should the breading mixture have?
The breading should have a coarse crumb texture after being processed in a blender or food processor.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, depending on your taste.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a spicy and zesty flavor from the buffalo sauce combined with a savory, crunchy whole-grain coating.
Are there any fresh vegetables mentioned?
Yes, cucumber, carrot, and celery sticks are recommended as fresh sides.
Is this a plant-based recipe?
Yes, it is a plant-based recipe that celebrates healthy cooking using tofu and whole grains.
Can I use regular hot sauce?
The recipe specifically recommends Frank's Red Hot sauce for the classic buffalo flavor profile.