Tofu Buffalo Hot "Wings".
Just in time for the SuperBowl!
OK, it may not be the hit of the "traditional" Superbowl crowd, but they don't know what they're missing.
These babies get INHALED at our house.
My kids used to LOVE those awful "real" Hot Wings. Blame their Dad. Probably one of the last non-veg items they gave up.
We tried a couple of the commercially prepared "Veggie-Chik Hot Wing" style thingies, but nothing was even close to that buttery, vinegar-y hot- sauce-coated dead bird that they loved.
So, enter Tofu Mom and yet another challenge...
Many failed experiments later... We now have something approximating those hot wings. I'm not saying these are exactly the same, we all know "exact" comparisons tend to be disappointing, but my family loves these (even the tofu-skeptic teens) so they must hit the spot somehow. I have a technical problem calling them "wings" because really, to my knowledge, tofu does not have wings, but call them whatever you like.
Now, a Mom-Note: Buffalo Tofu strips/wings/things tend to be messy eating. We've discovered though, that they make awesome "wrap" type sandwiches in flat-bread, pita or just plain tortillas. Your call.
1 block extra firm tofu, pressed and drained (just to get some of the excess liquid out, doesn't have to be for too long) and frozen, then thawed.
This doesn't have to be made with frozen-thawed tofu, but the texture is better. We've done it both ways.
Cut tofu into strips or fingers.
Mix the following together:
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp cayenne (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil (I much prefer coconut oil here) in a non-stick skillet, to medium high.
Roll tofu strips in the spice-breading mixture, carefully shake of excess.
Place strips carefully in the hot oil. They should start to brown and crisp in a minute or two. Carefully turn with tongs or turner. Brown on all sides.
Remove from hot pan directly into "hot wing" marinade:
Mix together the following to make
Marinade:
1/4 cup melted margarine (I use Nucoa. Earth Balance works well too)
2 tsp. your favorite hot sauce (We use Sriracha Thai Hot Sauce)
1/4 tsp white vinegar
Gently toss strips in marinade until coated.
Remove to serving plate (if hungry munchkins haven't started picking them out of the bowl already).
Serve with vegan ranch-style dip or make into a "wrap" or sandwich for less messy eating.
