Buffalo Ranch Tofu Nuggets
Crispy on the outside, tender within, these Buffalo Ranch Tofu Nuggets pack a spicy punch with a cooling ranch drizzle that'll make your taste buds dance.
Total: 40 minPrep: 20 minCook: 20 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegan buttermilk (or regular buttermilk)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter (or regular butter)
- 1/2 cup vegan ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Oil for frying
Steps
- 1 Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- 2 In a bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3 In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
- 4 Dip tofu cubes into the buttermilk mixture, then coat in the cornstarch mixture.
- 5 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 6 Fry tofu in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 7 Toss fried tofu in melted butter.
- 8 Whisk together vegan ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, and dried dill.
- 9 Serve tofu nuggets with ranch drizzle.
- 10 Enjoy immediately!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for a classic Buffalo flavor.
Substitutions
- Use almond flour instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute with dairy ranch dressing if preferred.
Pairings
- Blue cheese dip
- Crispy fries
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
20g fat
Carbs:
25g carbohydrates
Protein:
12g protein
Fiber:
1g fiber
Sugar:
2g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- Ensure tofu is well-drained for a crispier texture.
- For extra spice, add more hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze cooked nuggets on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a healthier option.
- Pair with your favorite beer or a crisp iced tea.
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.