# Buffalo Tofu: An Effortlessly Tasty Recipe
If you want a speedy and fulfilling meal that delivers a burst of flavor, Buffalo Tofu is your answer. This recipe features crispy, air-fried tofu drizzled with a straightforward two-ingredient buffalo sauce, all served over a refreshing kale Caesar salad. It perfectly strikes a balance between indulgence and health, making it an ideal choice for hectic weeknights or laid-back gatherings.
## Why This Recipe Is a Favorite
As a busy parent, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are quick to make and enjoyable for the entire family. This Buffalo Tofu recipe has swiftly become a hit in my home, and I’ve prepared it three times in just a single week! The crunchy tofu can be served as a snack or placed on a creamy salad, making it both versatile and enjoyable to eat.
### Simple and Quick Preparation
One of the top advantages of this recipe is its ease. With no elaborate batters or breading and very little cleanup involved, it’s simple to whip together. The buffalo sauce includes only two ingredients: hot sauce and butter, which you can easily tweak to your liking.
### Family-Approved
Although the buffalo sauce might pack a bit of heat, I’ve noticed my kids love the plain tofu pieces when dipped in ranch or ketchup. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the dish, and you can adjust the spice level to fit your family’s preferences.
## Ingredients
### For the Crunchy Tofu:
– Firm tofu (drained and squeezed)
– Cornstarch
– Soy sauce
– Oil (for air frying)
– Paprika
– Garlic powder
### For the Buffalo Sauce:
– Hot sauce
– Butter
### For Serving:
– Kale Caesar salad (store-bought or homemade)
## Directions
1. **Prepare the Tofu**: Start by draining the tofu and wrapping it in a clean dish towel or paper towels to eliminate extra moisture. Gently squeeze for about a minute.
2. **Cut and Season**: Break the tofu into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the tofu with cornstarch, soy sauce, oil, paprika, and garlic powder until it’s evenly coated.
3. **Air Fry the Tofu**: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu, then cook for another 5-6 minutes until it’s golden and crispy.
4. **Prepare the Buffalo Sauce**: While the tofu is cooking, melt the butter and whisk it together with the hot sauce.
5. **Combine and Serve**: Once the tofu is crispy, toss it in the buffalo sauce to coat. Serve it over a bed of kale Caesar salad for a delightful meal.
## Success Tips
– **Baking Alternative**: If you prefer baking the tofu, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast it for about 20 minutes, tossing it halfway through for uniform crispiness.
– **Customization**: Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to match your spice preference. You can also try different seasonings for the tofu.
– **Meal Prep**: This dish is excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare the tofu and sauce in advance and assemble the salad when you’re ready to enjoy.
## Common Questions
### How spicy is this dish? Is it suitable for kids?
The buffalo sauce can be somewhat spicy, so I suggest setting aside some plain tofu for kids to dip in ranch or ketchup.
### Can I cook this in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can roast the tofu in the oven at 400°F for approximately 20 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
### What air fryer do you suggest?
I really enjoy the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL for its capacity and efficiency, especially for recipes like this.
### Is it possible to use chicken in place of tofu?
Definitely! You can swap chicken for tofu and follow a similar cooking process, adjusting the spices as necessary.
## Conclusion
Buffalo Tofu is a straightforward, flavorful dish that the entire family can savor. With its crunchy texture and zesty sauce, it’s bound to become a beloved item in your meal lineup. Whether you serve it in a salad, in a wrap, or as a snack, this recipe is both tasty and fulfilling. Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful dish!