Buffalo Tofu Sandwich | Crispy, spicy buffalo tofu on a toasty bun with vegan mayo, crisp lettuce, and juicy pickles. This tofu sandwich recipe is incredibly flavourful and easy to make, with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something spicy and simple for lunch or dinner.
This easy buffalo tofu sandwich is incredibly delicious and satisfying. Crispy, spicy buffalo tofu, crisp lettuce, and juicy pickles are stuffed on a warm buttery bun. It’s an easy vegan lunch or dinner when you’re craving something easy to make, yet flavourful and spicy.
Whenever I make tofu, I love to coat it in panko breadcrumbs and pan fry it. This method yields a crispy coating, and of course, flavour. Fat delivers flavour. Of course, you can always air fry tofu.
I made this vegan buffalo sandwich with extra firm tofu, which is the firmest type of tofu, and perfect for breading. If you’ve never had crispy buffalo tofu, this recipe is a must try, especially if you love spice.
What is buffalo sauce?
Buffalo sauce is made by mixing equal parts Louisiana hot sauce (like Franks Red Hot) and melted butter. It’s an easy and flavourful sauce to make at home. Buffalo sauce is typically used to coat foods (think buffalo wings) like tofu and vegetables, or it can be used in wraps or sandwiches.
How to prepare tofu for sandwiches
Tofu sandwiches are one of the best lunch or dinner options! To prepare tofu for this sandwich, remove it from the package and gently squeeze out some of the liquid. Wrap it in paper towel and place it under a heavy object like a cast iron pan.
Leave the tofu to sit for 10 minutes to press out the excess liquid. Then slice the brick into 8 pieces for breading and frying.
Ingredients
More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.
Substitutions
Instructions
Add about 1/4 inch of neutral oil to a frying pan and heat over medium heat.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and Franks hot sauce.
Coat the tofu in the batter. Let the excess drip off.
Coat the tofu in the breadcrumbs, pressing them in to the tofu to ensure they stick.
Carefully place 2-3 pieces of tofu into your frying pan and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until the tofu is evenly golden brown and crisp.
Transfer the tofu to paper towel to remove the excess oil, and then transfer to a wire rack. Brush with the buffalo sauce.
Toast the buns and then spread with mayo. Top the bottom bun with pickles, lettuce, and buffalo tofu. Add the top bun.
Slice the sandwich in half and enjoy.
Tips for making buffalo tofu
What to serve with tofu sandwiches
Serve the tofu sandwich with a side of fries or salad. I love Carrot Fries for an extra serving of vegetables.
Mix it up with different spreads on the sandwich. Try my Vegan Garlic Aioli.
If you love tofu sandwiches, try my Tofu Avocado Wrap.
Storage
Store the tofu in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re making the tofu ahead, make the buffalo sauce when you’re ready to serve it.
FAQ’s
Buffalo sauce is made with equal parts melted butter and Louisiana-style hot sauce. Franks Red Hot hot sauce is typically used in buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Tofu Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 frying pan
- 1 cutting board
- 1 heavy pot or pan or heavy object to press the tofu
Ingredients
- 450 grams extra firm tofu
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅔ cups plant milk
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup Franks hot sauce I used Frank's extra-hot hot sauce
- ½ cup vegan butter melted
- 4 vegan sandwich buns
- lettuce optional
- pickles sliced, optional
- vegan mayo optional
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from the packaging, wrap it in paper towel and place it under a heavy pan to press the remaining liquid out. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Slice the tofu into 8 rectangular pieces and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- In another shallow bowl, season the breadcrumbs with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a small dish, combine the melted butter and hot sauce. Set aside.
- Add about 1/4 inch of neutral oil to a frying pan and heat over medium heat.
- Coat the tofu in the batter and let the excess drip off. Coat in the breadcrumbs, pressing them into the tofu to ensure they stick.
- Carefully place 2-3 pieces of tofu in the hot oil. Shallow fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they're evenly golden brown and crisp. Top up the oil between frying if needed.
- Transfer the fried tofu pieces to paper towel to remove the excess oil, then transfer to a wire rack. Brush the tofu pieces with the buffalo sauce.
- Once you're done frying the tofu, remove most of the oil from the pan and toast the buns. Spread them with mayo, and top with pickles, lettuce, and the tofu. You can use any other toppings that you like.
Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
SHARE THIS RECIPE
Rating, commenting, and sharing my recipes really helps. Thanks for taking the time! Mention @theveggieyaya on Instagram.
Save this image to your vegan sandwich board on Pinterest.
Erika Piper
Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.
