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Crispy Buffalo Tofu Caesar Salad Recipe with Spicy Kick

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Caesar Salad - featured image

A quick and delicious salad featuring crispy buffalo-coated tofu on a bed of romaine lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter or regular butter, melted
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup vegan or regular Caesar dressing
  • ¼ cup vegan Parmesan or traditional grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup crunchy croutons
  • Optional: sliced cherry tomatoes or avocado

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and set something heavy on top for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss gently in a bowl with cornstarch or arrowroot powder until lightly coated.
  4. Prepare the baking sheet by drizzling olive oil or spraying lightly with cooking spray. Place tofu cubes spaced out or on a wire rack to allow air circulation.
  5. Bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  6. While tofu bakes, combine hot sauce, melted butter, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Adjust heat to taste.
  7. Once tofu is out of the oven, immediately toss cubes in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. In a large bowl, toss lettuce with Caesar dressing and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  9. Plate the dressed lettuce, sprinkle remaining Parmesan and croutons on top, then crown with the crispy buffalo tofu cubes.
  10. Optional: Add sliced cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra creaminess and freshness.

Notes

Press tofu well to remove moisture for crispiness. Use a light dusting of cornstarch to avoid chalky texture. Baking at high heat ensures even crispiness. Toss tofu in buffalo sauce immediately after baking to lock in flavor and maintain crunch. Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Store tofu and salad separately to keep tofu crispy. Reheat tofu in oven or air fryer to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo tofu, crispy tofu, Caesar salad, vegan salad, spicy salad, tofu recipe, healthy salad, plant-based