1 14-ounceblock extra-firm tofusliced into 16 rectangles (see note above)
1teaspoonsaltdivided
3tablespoonsolive oil
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
3tablespoonscornstarch
1cupcold unsweetened soy milk
1tablespoontamari
2cupspanko breadcrumbsuse gluten-free if you’d like to make this gluten-free!
3tablespoonschopped fresh rosemary
1/2teaspoonsalt
Safflower oilfor frying
FOR THE SAUCE
3/4cupbuffalo hot sauceFrank’s Red Hot
1/4cupvegan buttermelted (I like Miyoko’s)
FOR SERVING
2cupscarrot sticks
2cupscelery sticks
FOR VEGAN RANCH
2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh parsley
2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh dill
2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh chives
1 1/2teaspoonsonion powder
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/4teaspoonground black pepper
1/2teaspoonsaltplus more if needed
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
3/4cupvegan mayoprepared 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.