Crispy Buffalo Tofu on Caesar Salad

Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

## Quick Answer
Crispy Buffalo Tofu tossed in buffalo sauce served on a bed of Caesar salad makes for a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for festive gatherings.

As I watch the vibrant autumn leaves swirl down the streets of New York City, I can't help but be filled with excitement for all the festive gatherings coming up. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I'm always on the lookout for dishes that are not only crowd-pleasers but also a little comforting and a tad adventurous, which is why the Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad has become a staple in my kitchen.

## A Festive Flavor Combination
This Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad not only satisfies those craving comfort food but also offers an adventurous twist that will impress both plant-based eaters and meat lovers alike.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This dish combines the crispiness of baked tofu with the rich flavors of buffalo sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• The Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Perfect for both plant-based eaters and meat lovers seeking a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
• Ideal for festive gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to create this delicious Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad:

For the Crispy Buffalo Tofu:

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (like almond or oat)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (I love using Frank's RedHot for its perfect heat)

For the Caesar Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress!

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Start by slicing your pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. As you slice, the delicate texture of the tofu should feel soft yet sturdy. This is where the goodness begins!

Step 2: Breading Station

Set up a three-part breading station. In one bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour in the plant milk, and in a third, add the breadcrumbs. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs as they add an extra crunch that perfectly contrasts with the smoothness of the tofu.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu

Take each tofu piece, dredge it in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the plant milk, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure your tofu bites are generously covered-this is key to achieving that perfect crispy layer.

Step 4: Bake the Tofu

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your breaded tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Bake for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and crispy. The aroma of that baking tofu will have you lingering in the kitchen.

Step 5: Buffalo Sauce Finish

Once your tofu is crispy, remove it from the oven and toss it in a large bowl with the buffalo sauce. The bright orange sauce glistens and transforms the tofu bites into flavor-packed nuggets.

Step 6: Prepare the Caesar Salad

While your tofu is baking, rinse and chop the romaine lettuce. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce with the Caesar dressing, stirring well to coat every leaf. Add in the grated Parmesan and season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 7: Serve Together

On a large plate, create a bed of Caesar salad and generously place the crispy buffalo tofu on top. Squeeze a few fresh lemon wedges over the dish for a zesty kick-it elevates each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Pressing Step: Do not skip pressing your tofu! This crucial step ensures a firmer texture and better absorption of flavors.
• Inadequate Breading: Make sure each piece of tofu is thoroughly coated in flour, milk, and breadcrumbs. Insufficient coating will lead to a soggy texture.
• Crowding the Baking Sheet: Arrange your tofu on the baking sheet without overcrowding. Overlapping pieces can steam instead of bake properly, affecting the crispiness.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For added crunch, consider double-breading your tofu by repeating the dipping process once more after the initial coat.
• To make this meal in advance, you can bread the tofu earlier in the day and bake it just before serving.
• Serve with a side of celery sticks for a classic pairing with buffalo flavors and a cooling ranch dip.

Variations

• Use tempeh instead of tofu for a different texture and flavor.
• Switch the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a milder flavor profile.
• Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to keep it vegan.
• Try a different type of lettuce, like kale or mixed greens, in your salad.

How to Serve

• Place crispy buffalo tofu on top of a generous bed of Caesar salad.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty finish.
• Serve with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
• Garnish with additional Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Bread the tofu earlier in the day and bake just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover crispy buffalo tofu and Caesar salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Reheating: Reheat the tofu in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze the crispy buffalo tofu for best texture.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

Experimenting with this recipe taught me the balance of flavors. The crispiness of the tofu paired with the creamy Caesar dressing and the tang of buffalo sauce creates a delightful harmony that's perfect for any festive gathering. Plus, I love how this dish caters to both plant-based eaters and those looking for something hearty and satisfying!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 plate

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 15g protein · 40g carbs · 18g fat

FAQs

Can I make the buffalo tofu ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the tofu earlier in the day and bake it just before serving for optimal crispiness.

What can I substitute for the Caesar dressing?

If you're looking for a vegan option, you can use a homemade cashew-based dressing or a store-bought vegan Caesar dressing.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the crispy buffalo tofu and Caesar salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tofu will stay crispy for about 1-2 days, while the salad should be consumed within a day for best flavor.