Description
This Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad is a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian main course featuring golden, oven-baked tofu tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, paired perfectly with a classic Caesar salad made with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make dish that balances heat and freshness, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tofu
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
For the Caesar Salad
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Tofu Coating: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the pressed and cubed tofu with cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt until every piece is evenly coated. This step helps the tofu get crispy when baked.
- Add Olive Oil and Bake: Drizzle the olive oil over the coated tofu cubes and mix lightly to distribute the oil. Spread the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to promote even crisping.
- Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Once golden and crispy, remove the tofu from the oven and transfer it to a bowl. Gently toss the tofu cubes with the buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated in spicy flavor.
- Prepare Caesar Salad: While the tofu bakes, combine chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan, and croutons in a large bowl. Toss everything together to evenly coat the lettuce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the dressed Caesar salad and top it with the warm buffalo tofu cubes. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, air fry the tofu at 400°F (204°C) for 15–18 minutes instead of baking.
- Use dairy-free Caesar dressing and vegan Parmesan cheese to make this dish fully vegan.
- Pressing tofu well before cooking helps remove moisture for a firmer texture and better crisping.
- If you prefer less spicy, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder sauce option.
