Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Vegan buffalo wings

Kate’s Buffalo Tofu Wings

Pan-fried tofu wings with rosemary panko breading, dunked in buttery buffalo sauce. Inspired by the legendary Kate's Joint in NYC's Alphabet City. Bonus vegan ranch recipe included.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 Wings

Ingredients
  

FOR THE TOFU

  • 1 14- ounce block extra-firm tofu sliced into 16 rectangles (see note above)
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup cold unsweetened soy milk
  • 1 tablespoon tamari
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs use gluten-free if you’d like to make this gluten-free!
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Safflower oil for frying

FOR THE SAUCE

  • 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce Frank’s Red Hot
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter melted (I like Miyoko’s)

FOR SERVING

  • 2 cups carrot sticks
  • 2 cups celery sticks

FOR VEGAN RANCH

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more if needed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup vegan mayo prepared or homemade

Instructions
 

  • Press each tofu rectangle with a kitchen towel to quickly dry it. Place in a single layer on a small baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and drizzle with the olive oil and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Let rest while preparing everything else. You will be using this same tray for the breaded tofu.
  • Now make the slurry and breading: Scoop the cornstarch into a wide-rimmed bowl, add half the soy milk along with the tamari, and stir well until it’s a thick smooth paste. Mix in the remaining milk. On a large rimmed plate, mix together the panko, rosemary, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Dip a piece of tofu into the the slurry with one hand, letting the excess drip off. Transfer to the panko bowl and use the other hand to sprinkle a handful of breadcrumbs over the tofu to coat it completely. Return it to the tray and bread all the other pieces in the same way. Make sure you use one hand for the wet batter and the other for the dry batter, or you’ll end up with a clumpy hand.
  • Preheat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Pour in a layer of oil, about ¼ inch thick. Fry the tofu in the hot oil until golden on the top and bottom, working in batches if necessary; it will take about 8 minutes total. The sides will get fried in the process, but add a little more oil if needed. Use a thin metal spatula to flip.
  • While the tofu is frying, make the sauce: Simply mix the melted butter with the buffalo sauce. You can melt the butter in a large ceramic bowl in the microwave then mix in the hot sauce to save on doing dishes.
  • Lift each wing from the oil and dunk it into the buffalo sauce to coat.Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately with the carrots, celery, and ranch.

BONUS RECIPE - To make your own vegan ranch!

  • In a small mixing bowl, add the parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Drizzle in the lemon juice and give it a stir. Let sit for about 5 minutes, soaking up the flavors and wilting the herbs.
  • Add the mayo and stir well. Depending on the kind of mayo you used, you may need to add a little water to thin it out. Do this by the tablespoon until the consistency seems correct, thick but pourable. Taste again for salt and seasoning.The flavors enhance as it sits, so it’s even better the next day! Seal in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Keyword comfort food, Fake Meat, Gluten Free, Recipe, sauces, sides, Super Bowl, Tofu, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe