Ingredients
- Firm Tofu
- Buffalo Sauce
- Olive Oil
- Romaine Lettuce
- Cashews
- Nutritional Yeast
- Lemon Juice
- Dijon Mustard
- Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Tofu: Begin by draining and pressing your firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes while you gather other ingredients. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or slabs—whatever suits your fancy!
- Step 2: Coat with Flavor: In a mixing bowl, toss your tofu cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Ensure each piece is well-coated to absorb all those wonderful flavors! Once coated, spread them out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It's important not to crowd them; we want crispy edges!
- Step 3: Bake Until Crispy: Bake your seasoned tofu in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip them over to ensure even crispiness. Keep an eye on them towards the end—you want golden brown perfection! While that’s happening, let’s whip up our creamy Caesar dressing.
- Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine soaked cashews, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy; you might need to add a splash of water if it's too thick. Taste it—adjust seasoning if necessary! It should be tangy yet rich enough to coat every leaf of your salad beautifully.
- Step 5: Assemble Your Salad: Chop your fresh romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Drizzle generous amounts of your creamy Caesar dressing over the greens—don’t be shy! Toss everything together until each leaf is coated with that luscious dressing.
- Step 6: The Grand Finale!: Your crispy tofu should now be out of the oven—toss it in some buffalo sauce while it's still hot! Serve this delightful dish by placing crispy buffalo tofu atop your dressed salad. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra nutritional yeast or crushed nuts on top for garnish.
Notes
- For optimal storage, keep any leftover crispy buffalo tofu and creamy Caesar salad components in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture. When reheating the tofu, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness instead of using a microwave, which can make it soggy. For a delightful serving suggestion, consider adding sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes to your salad for extra creaminess and color, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. A chef's tip: soaking your cashews for at least 2 hours before blending will yield an even creamier dressing, making it easier to achieve that rich texture you desire!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American