Baked Tofu Sticks are a delicious, protein-packed snack or appetizer that’s perfect for both vegans and non-vegans alike. These crispy sticks are made from very firm tofu, coated in seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection with a spicy buffalo sauce. Paired with a creamy vegan ranch dip, these tofu sticks are a healthier alternative to fried snacks and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy them as a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or simply as a tasty way to enjoy tofu!
Ingredients
For the Baked Tofu Sticks:
- 21 oz very firm tofu, drained and pressed
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup of plain almond milk or soy milk, free from any sweeteners.
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika powder
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Vegan Ranch Dip:
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried or freshly chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon dried or freshly chopped parsley
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the Baked Tofu Sticks:
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Drain and press the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top for at least 15 minutes.
- Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into sticks, about ½-inch thick and 3 inches long.
- Set Up the Coating Stations:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, and paprika powder. Mix well.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the almond or soy milk and water.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Coat the Tofu Sticks:
- Dip each tofu stick into the flour mixture, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the tofu stick into the milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, roll the tofu stick in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. Repeat with all the tofu sticks.
- Bake the Tofu Sticks:
- Coat in Buffalo Sauce:
- While the tofu sticks are baking, combine the Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl.
- After baking, toss the crispy tofu sticks in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to set the sauce.
For the Vegan Ranch Dip:
- Make the Ranch Dip:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, dill, parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill the Dip:
- Refrigerate the dip for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve
- Serve the buffalo tofu sticks hot with the vegan ranch dip on the side. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main dish with a side salad.
Conclusion
These Baked Tofu Sticks with Vegan Ranch Dip are a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy, spicy, and satisfying snack without the guilt. The combination of crunchy tofu sticks coated in tangy buffalo sauce and a cooling, creamy dip is irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or just a tasty way to enjoy tofu, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it for yourself and see how delicious plant-based eating can be!
Baked Tofu Sticks with Vegan Ranch Dip: A Crispy and Flavorful Snack
Crispy baked tofu sticks coated in a spicy buffalosauce, served with a creamy vegan ranch dip. A delicious and healthieralternative to traditional fried snacks, perfect for parties or as aprotein-packed snack.
- 21 oz very firm tofu (drained and pressed)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup of plain almond milk or soy milk (free from any sweeteners.)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika powder
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried or freshly chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon dried or freshly chopped parsley
- Black pepper (to taste)
- For the Baked Tofu Sticks:
- Prepare the Tofu:
- o Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- o Drain and press the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top for at least 15 minutes.
- o Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into sticks, about ½-inch thick and 3 inches long.
- Set Up the Coating Stations:
- o In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, and paprika powder. Mix well.
- o In another shallow bowl, whisk together the almond or soy milk and water.
- o Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Coat the Tofu Sticks:
- o Dip each tofu stick into the flour mixture, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.
- o Next, dip the tofu stick into the milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- o Finally, roll the tofu stick in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. Repeat with all the tofu sticks.
- Bake the Tofu Sticks:
- o Place the coated tofu sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- o Lightly spray or brush the tofu sticks with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- o Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Coat in Buffalo Sauce:
- o While the tofu sticks are baking, combine the Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl.
- o After baking, toss the crispy tofu sticks in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to set the sauce.
- For the Vegan Ranch Dip:
- Make the Ranch Dip:
- o In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, dill, parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill the Dip:
- o Refrigerate the dip for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve
- Serve the buffalo tofu sticks hot with the vegan ranch dip on the side. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main dish with a side salad.