Caramelized Tofu Wings Recipes

VEGAN TOFU WINGS

Steps:

• First, press the block of tofu. Place the tofu on top of some paper towels or a kitchen towel and then on a plate or flat surface. Place another towel on top, then place something flat and heavy on top of that. I like to put a pan with cans on top to weigh it down.
• Press this first time for about 30 minutes.
• Now put your block of tofu into the freezer. Freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight. I do the first press and the freezing the day before I plan to make the wings.
• Then defrost the tofu, you can defrost in the microwave, or let sit on the counter until completely thawed.
• Then, press the tofu again, using the same process you used the first time. Press for about an hour, making sure as much liquid is out as possible. The tofu should be firm and spongy.
• Now, in a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, the soy sauce or tamari and the garlic powder.
• Next, break the whole block of tofu into large irregular chunks and put them in the bowl with the liquid marinade you just mixed.
• Toss to coat all the tofu in the marinade and let the tofu sit for about 10 minutes.
• Mix the cornstarch and salt in a large mixing bowl, then add all the tofu and toss to coat thoroughly.
• If you are frying, heat about 1/2 an inch of oil in a large non-stick skillet on medium high to about 350 degrees(F), you should see tiny bubbles.
• If you are baking, preheat the oven to 450 degrees(F).
• To fry: once the oil is hot, fry the tofu chunks on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
• To bake: spray a sheet pan with non-stick spray and place the tofu chunks on the sheet pan. Spray the tops of the tofu with more non-stick spray and bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Now you have your choice of sauce, for the buffalo sauce, heat the hot sauce, vegan butter and garlic powder on medium low in a small sauce pan, whisk to combine once the butter has melted. Then bring to simmer. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then pour as much buffalo sauce over the tofu as you would like.
• For the Pad Thai sauce, whisk together the tamarind paste, vegetable broth, soy sauce or tamari, chili sauce and brown sugar in a small sauce pan. Heat on medium low, bring to a simmer. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to melt the brown sugar and thicken slightly. Then pour the sauce over the tofu.
• Serve the wings! They do reheat well and stay firm and crispy for a few hours without reheating!

CRISPY BAKED BUFFALO TOFU WINGS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 ºF and lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet.
• If using extra-firm tofu press out the extra water: Slice your tofu into 6 width-wise slabs and wrap in a lint-free towel or paper towel. Place some weights over the wrapped tofu, like a heavy cast iron skillet or books atop a baking sheet. Let drain for about 20-30 minutes before continuing.
• Cut your tofu into 18 'wings' or ~1/2" sticks. Cut the block of tofu into 6 slices width-wise if you haven't already for pressing, then slice each of those slabs into 3 slices lengthwise.
• Put the cornstarch (or arrowroot or tapioca starch) in one bowl, the plant milk in a second bowl, and mix together the bread crumb mixture in a third bowl. Pour some of the bread crumb mixture onto a plate.
• Dip each tofu 'wing' into the starch, followed by the milk, then roll in the breadcrumbs on the plate. Place the wing onto the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining 'wings.' Use one hand for the starch and bread crumbs and your other for the milk to keep breading from clumping on your fingers. Add more of the breadcrumb mixture to the plate as needed.
• Bake the prepared tofu at 425 ºF for 25 minutes, flip, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the tofu wings are nice and crispy.
• While they're baking, make the buffalo sauce. Melt the vegan butter and stir in the hot sauce, granulated garlic, and salt.
• Put the tofu wings in a large mixing bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce to coat. Serve immediately.
• Leftover buffalo tofu wings can be re-crisped in the oven.

TOFU HOT "WINGS"

Steps:

• Take package of tofu and drain off water, place block of tofu onto a plate with a towel underneath to soak up excess water. Place a heavy dish on top of tofu to help push liquid out, let sit 5-10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Start placing flour, hot sauce, and bread crumbs into seperate dishes.
• Begin slicing tofu however you like. I prefer 1x1 squares. Dredge tofu into flour, shaking off excess, coat with hot sauce, and then into bread crumbs. Repeat with hot sauce then bread crumbs again for an extra crispy coating.
• Place in hot oil being careful not to burn yourself. When the bottom has turned a nice brown, flip to other side. Place cooked tofu onto papertowel to drain. Serve with ranch dressing. YUM!