Easy Crispy Buffalo Tofu Sandwich

This delicious buffalo tofu sandwich combines crispy breaded tofu (baked, not fried) slathered in buffalo sauce and then piled up with juicy tomato slices and fresh lettuce or sprouts. It’s quick, inexpensive, versatile, hearty, and packed with plant-based protein!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Tofu Sandwich Recipe

We love the creamy, rich, and spicy flavor of buffalo sauce. So much so, we’ve already shared recipes for buffalo cauliflower wings and buffalo cauliflower wraps, easy buffalo tofu, and now, a crispy buffalo tofu sandwich. And honestly, it’s one of our favorite sandwiches right now because it:

• Relies on simple and inexpensive pantry ingredients
• Packed with savory, spicy, creamy, tangy flavors, with just 7 ingredients!
• The breaded tofu is baked, not fried, for a healthier buffalo sandwich
• Tastes decadent but is surprisingly nutritious
• Contains plenty of plant-based protein and fiber to keep you satisfied
• Is super versatile—swap out the veggies or bread and adjust the buffalo sauce heat. Also, use the breaded tofu version below or this breading-free buffalo tofu based on your desired texture, consistency, and ‘lightness.’

Plus, this vegan buffalo chicken sandwich is perfect for enjoying at picnics, on game days, and any time you’re struggling for tofu sandwich ideas!

Estimated Cost Per Serving: $ 1.02

The Ingredients and Substitutes

Not only does this crispy tofu sandwich only require 7 base ingredients, but most are likely already in your kitchen!

The Baked Buffalo Tofu

• Tofu: Use firm, extra-firm, or super-firm tofu to make this tofu ‘chicken’ sandwich–the latter doesn’t even need pressing and contains higher protein, but it can be more costly/ harder to find.
• Buffalo sauce: You can use a store-bought buffalo sauce, many of which are vegan (like Frank’s), OR make your own.
• Plant-based milk: Any will work. I.e., soy, almond, rice, oat, etc.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Use regular or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a wonderfully crispy tofu sandwich.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer tofu without breadcrumbs, follow this recipe for buffalo tofu, then assemble the buffalo tofu sandwiches.

The Sandwich

• Bread: We like whole wheat bread, but use your favorite sandwich bread/ fluffy buns.
• Tomato: Large tomatoes, thinly sliced, work best in this buffalo sandwich.
• Sprouts: Use any sprouts, lettuce, or spinach leaves.

What Else Could I Add to The Sandwich?

Like most tofu sandwich recipes, there are plenty of ways you can add to this buffalo sandwich. Some of my favorite options include:

• Gherkins/Pickles: For a sweet, tangy, crunchy addition to buffalo tofu sandwiches.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado is creamy and cuts through the buffalo sauce spice.
• More vegetables: Like thinly sliced celery, romaine lettuce, shredded carrot, bell peppers, red onion, etc.
• Vegan ranch sauce: To drizzle over the baked buffalo tofu in the sandwich and cut through some spice.
• Vegan cheese: A vegan spreadable blue cheese or whipped vegan feta would work best with the baked buffalo tofu, though it may be pricey.
• Coleslaw: Add extra creaminess and crunch with a simple homemade ‘slaw.

How To Make Buffalo Tofu Sandwiches

Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions.

• 1) First, preheat the oven to 350F/175C.
• 2) Then, slice the tofu into four slices before pressing and squeezing the excess water from the tofu using a clean, non-fuzzy kitchen towel or paper towels (method below).

• 3) Add the plant-based milk to a wide bowl and the panko breadcrumbs to a plate.

• 4) One at a time, dip each tofu slice into the plant-based milk and then the breadcrumbs, covering both sides. Push the panko crumbs into the tofu to adhere.

If they aren’t sticking well, dip the tofu into the plant-based milk once more and repeat the process.

• 5) Transfer the breaded tofu to a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway.

• 6) Heat the buffalo sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds or until warm, then use a pastry brush to brush it generously over the tofu.

• 7) To assemble the spicy tofu sandwich, add the tofu to the bread and top it with the tomato slices and sprouts (or lettuce)—enjoy!

 You can enjoy the vegan tofu sandwich alone or alongside some fries/wedges, potato salad, or even a small side salad or apples.

How to Squeeze the Water out of Tofu

1. To press the tofu, wrap it in a clean, fuzz-free kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel, and transfer it to a rimmed plate/dish.
2. Place something heavy over the tofu, like a large frying pan/ Dutch oven weighted with books or food cans.
3. Leave it to press for 30 minutes and release excess liquid.
4. Then, unwrap the tofu and very gently squeeze it over the sink to get rid of any remaining moisture from the outside. It’s now ready to slice and use.

You could alternatively use a tofu press. For more information, check out our guide on pressing tofu.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Adjust the heat level: If the buffalo sauce you use is too mild or spicy, adjust it yourself with melted vegan butter (for milder) or cayenne pepper (for hotter).
• For extra tender tofu: Freeze and thaw the block of tofu before slicing and pressing it. During the process, the ice expands and then melts, leaving air bubbles that make the tofu chewier and more ‘meaty’ in consistency.
• To avoid sogginess: Toast the inside of the sandwich bread/ buns, and this will keep the bread from becoming soggy for slightly longer.

FAQs

Storage Instructions

You can store any leftover breaded tofu in the fridge for 3-4 days, reheating it in the oven as needed and brushing it with the buffalo sauce.

Once assembled as a sandwich, though, we recommend enjoying it as soon as possible before the buffalo sauce and tomatoes make your bread ‘soggy.’ To help it last longer, assemble the sandwich with a ‘dry’ layer (like lettuce between the wet ingredients and the bread).

To take one to work, we prefer to store the components separately (i.e., in a lunchbox with different compartments), then assemble it in seconds to eat.

More Vegan Sandwich Ideas

• Vegan smashed chickpea salad sandwiches
• Vegan BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches
• BBQ tempeh sandwich
• Easy vegan mushroom sandwich
• Vegan Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich
• Pesto tofu sandwich
• Vegan Bagel Sandwich with Pesto

Photos by Alfonso Revilla