Description
A spicy, plant-based take on the classic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 4 vegan brioche buns
- Vegan mayonnaise, for serving
- Dill pickle slices, for serving
- For the Hot Oil: 1/2 cup neutral oil, 1/4 cup cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice the pressed tofu into four even cutlets.
- In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- In a second shallow dish, mix the plant milk and apple cider vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
- Dip each tofu cutlet first into the wet mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the dry mixture, pressing to coat.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
- Prepare the hot oil: Combine all hot oil ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it smoke.
- Brush the hot oil mixture generously over both sides of the fried tofu cutlets.
- Toast the vegan buns lightly.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread vegan mayonnaise on the bottom bun, place the hot tofu cutlet on top, add pickle slices, and top with the other half of the bun.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes removes excess water, helping it crisp better during frying.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the hot oil to control the spice level.
- Use an air fryer instead of deep frying for a lower-fat option; cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 25
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken, Tofu Sandwich, Spicy Vegan Recipe, Plant-Based Chicken Substitute