Veganize your cravings: a step-by-step guide to making nashville hot tofu at home

Nashville hot tofu is a delicious and flavorful vegan dish that combines the spicy heat of Nashville-style hot chicken with the protein-packed goodness of tofu. This recipe is easy to follow and can be tailored to your desired level of heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a plate. Weigh it down with a heavy object, such as a cast-iron skillet, for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare the batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the almond milk, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
3. Coat the tofu: Dip the tofu cubes into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Pan-fry the tofu: Heat the vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tofu cubes for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Make the hot sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce and honey (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Toss the tofu in the hot sauce: Remove the tofu from the skillet and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the hot sauce over the tofu and toss to coat.
7. Serve: Serve the Nashville hot tofu immediately with your favorite sides, such as vegan coleslaw, fries, or cornbread.

Tips:

• For a spicier tofu, use more cayenne pepper or add a dash of ghost pepper powder.
• If you don’t have almond milk, you can use soy milk or oat milk instead.
• To make the tofu extra crispy, double-coat it in the batter before frying.
• Serve the Nashville hot tofu with a side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutritional Information:

One serving of Nashville hot tofu (4 ounces) contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams

Variations:

• Baked Nashville hot tofu: Instead of pan-frying, bake the tofu cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Air fryer Nashville hot tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
• Grilled Nashville hot tofu: Grill the tofu cubes over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until charred and crispy.

Sides for Nashville Hot Tofu:

• Vegan coleslaw
• Fries
• Cornbread
• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans

Final Thoughts: A Flavorful and Satisfying Vegan Dish

Nashville hot tofu is a delicious and satisfying vegan dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Information You Need to Know

1. Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm tofu?

Yes, you can use firm tofu, but it may not be as crispy as extra-firm tofu.

2. How do I make my Nashville hot tofu extra spicy?

Add more cayenne pepper or ghost pepper powder to the batter or hot sauce.

3. Can I make Nashville hot tofu in advance?

Yes, you can make the tofu cubes and batter in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply fry the tofu and toss it in the hot sauce.

4. What is the best way to serve Nashville hot tofu?

Nashville hot tofu can be served with a variety of sides, such as vegan coleslaw, fries, cornbread, mashed potatoes, or green beans.

5. Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Yes, you can use any type of hot sauce you like, but Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for Nashville hot tofu.