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- Firm tofu (1 block, 14 oz) - Almond milk (1 cup) - Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) - All-purpose flour (1 cup) - Cornmeal (1 cup) - Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) - Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) - Onion powder (1 teaspoon) - Cayenne pepper (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste) - Vegan butter (1 tablespoon, melted) - Hot sauce (1 tablespoon) - Vegan sandwich buns (4) - Fresh lettuce and dill pickles To make crispy vegan Nashville hot chicken, gather all the ingredients listed. Start with firm tofu. It holds its shape well and gives a nice texture. Use almond milk and apple cider vinegar to create a tasty marinade. This mix makes the tofu flavorful and tender. For the dry coating, all-purpose flour and cornmeal will create the perfect crunch. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder for extra flavor. These spices give depth to the dish. Cayenne pepper is key for heat. You can adjust it based on how spicy you like your food. The vegan butter and hot sauce make a spicy drizzle that adds a kick. Use fresh lettuce and dill pickles to add freshness to your sandwich. Check out the Full Recipe for more details and cooking tips. Start by pressing the tofu to get rid of extra moisture. Place the tofu between paper towels and put a heavy object on top. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick slabs. Next, marinate the tofu. In a bowl, mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Dip each slab into this mix. Make sure the tofu is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the tofu soak up the flavors. Now, it's time to prepare the dry mix. In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This mix will give the tofu a nice crunch. After marinating, gently remove the tofu from the almond milk mix. Let any extra liquid drip off. Then, coat each slab in the dry mix. Press the coating firmly onto the tofu. This step is key for achieving a crispy texture when cooking. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want about 1/2 inch of oil in the pan. Once hot, add the coated tofu slabs. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. After frying, place the tofu on paper towels to absorb excess oil. While the tofu fries, mix cayenne pepper, melted vegan butter, and hot sauce in a small bowl. This spicy drizzle adds a kick to your sandwiches. Stir until well blended. Assemble your sandwiches by spreading the spicy drizzle on the bottom half of each bun. Add a crispy tofu slab, some fresh lettuce, and dill pickles. Drizzle more spicy sauce on top before adding the bun’s top half. Enjoy your crispy vegan Nashville hot chicken with your favorite sides! To get crispy vegan Nashville hot chicken, you must press the tofu well. Pressing removes extra moisture. This step makes the tofu crispy when cooked. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place the tofu between them and weigh it down with something heavy. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After pressing, slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick slabs. When you coat the tofu, dip it in the almond milk mixture first. Then, roll it in the dry mix. Press firmly so the coating sticks well. This helps create a nice crunch when frying. Cayenne pepper is key for the heat in this dish. Start with 1 tablespoon, but feel free to adjust. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne. For less heat, use less. You can also try different hot sauces. Frank's RedHot is a classic choice. Other sauces can add unique flavors. Look for ones with a good balance of heat and taste for your preference. For serving, stack your crispy tofu on a vegan bun. Add fresh lettuce and dill pickles for crunch. Drizzle extra spicy sauce on top. This makes the sandwich look and taste great! Serve the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with extra pickles and chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair with crispy fries or coleslaw on the side for a full meal. Enjoy your crunchy, spicy creation! {{image_4}} If you want a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This change will keep your dish free of gluten while still giving it a great taste. You can also use gluten-free bread for the sandwiches. Look for brands that offer soft, vegan options. These changes allow everyone to enjoy this recipe. To make the flavors pop, add herbs and spices. Consider using thyme, oregano, or even a touch of rosemary. Each herb brings a unique taste that can elevate your dish. You can also marinate the tofu in other liquids. Try using coconut milk or even pickle juice for different flavor profiles. Experiment with what you like best. You can change up the main protein too. Use tempeh or seitan for different textures. Both options provide a hearty bite that works well in this recipe. You can even mix in legumes like chickpeas or black beans for a boost in protein. This variation makes your dish more filling and nutritious. To keep your crispy vegan Nashville hot chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Allow the tofu to cool to room temperature. - Place tofu in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Using a glass or plastic container with a tight seal works best. This helps prevent moisture and keeps your tofu crispy. When ready to eat, you want your tofu crispy again. Here’s how: - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Place the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Another option is to use an air fryer. This method can keep the crunch without much oil. You can also chop leftover tofu and add it to stir-fries or salads for a tasty twist. If you want to save some tofu for later, freezing is easy. Here’s what to do: - Allow the tofu to cool completely. - Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe bag. - Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind, the texture may change slightly after freezing. It may be softer but still full of flavor! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Start by prepping the tofu and marinating it. This can be done up to a day in advance. Just store the marinated tofu in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, coat and fry the tofu. This helps save time on a busy day. You can also prepare the spicy drizzle ahead of time. Just keep it sealed in the fridge. If you want a tofu substitute, consider using tempeh. Tempeh has a firmer texture and is full of protein. Another option is seitan, which has a chewy texture. You can also use jackfruit for a different twist. If you want a lighter option, chickpeas can work too. Just mash them and form patties. Each of these options gives a unique flavor and texture. This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can store the cooked tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, use an air fryer or skillet. This helps keep the tofu crispy. You can also freeze leftovers for later use. Just make sure to wrap the tofu well to avoid freezer burn. Enjoy your meal prep with delicious vegan Nashville hot chicken! This blog post covered a tasty tofu recipe that anyone can make. We explored the main ingredients, including firm tofu and almond milk. I outlined the steps from preparing and coating to cooking tofu for that perfect crunch. You learned about tips for adjusting spice levels and presenting your dish nicely. Remember, you can switch ingredients for variations or create gluten-free options. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun experimenting with flavors!

Crispy Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken

Dive into the deliciousness of Crispy Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken with this easy recipe! Made with firm tofu and coated in a flavorful blend of spices, these sandwiches are bursting with flavor and perfect for any craving. Enjoy a crunchy texture, spicy drizzle, and fresh toppings that take your meal to the next level. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to impress your friends with this incredible vegan dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch thick slabs

1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)

1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted

1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot or your favorite variety)

4 vegan sandwich buns

Fresh lettuce leaves and dill pickles for serving

Instructions
 

Prep the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to eliminate excess moisture. Place it between a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and weigh it down with a heavy object for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick slabs.

    Marinate the Tofu: In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar to create a buttermilk-like marinade. Gently dip each tofu slab into the mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow the slabs to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

      Prepare the Dry Mix: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the mixture is well combined for even coating.

        Coat the Tofu: After marinating, carefully remove the tofu slabs from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Coat each slab in the dry mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a substantial layer adheres to the tofu for optimal crispiness.

          Fry the Tofu: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil (about 1/2 inch deep) over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated tofu slabs in the skillet. Fry each slab for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

            Prepare the Spicy Drizzle: While the tofu is frying, in a small bowl, mix the cayenne pepper, melted vegan butter, and hot sauce to create a spicy drizzle. Stir until the ingredients are well blended; this will add a fiery kick to your sandwiches.

              Assemble the Sandwiches: Take the sandwich buns and spread a generous amount of the spicy drizzle on the bottom half of each bun. Place a crispy tofu slab on top, followed by a few fresh lettuce leaves and some dill pickles. Drizzle additional spicy sauce over the tofu before placing the top half of the bun to complete the sandwich.

                Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy vegan Nashville hot chicken sandwiches hot for the best experience. Pair them with your favorite sides and savor the delightful blend of textures and spicy flavors!

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4 sandwiches

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board, garnished with extra pickles and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. Consider pairing with a side of crispy fries or coleslaw for a complete meal!