14 ounces extra-firm tofu {1 block}

2 cups panko

1/2 cup milk {I used low fat}

1/2 – 1 cup cayenne pepper sauce {I used Frank’s Red Hot Sauce}

Tomatoes, sliced

Red onion, sliced

Ranch dressing {I used low fat}

Rolls

Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Drain and press the tofu dry with a paper towel. Slice the tofu into four square pieces. Place the milk in a shallow bowl and the panko on a plate. Carefully soak the tofu in the milk and transfer to the panko, pressing the panko into the tofu on each side. {I tried to use tongs for this step and the tofu started to break apart, so I would just use your hands!} Place each piece of tofu on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cook for 15 minutes, flip the tofu and cook for another 15 minutes. After the 30 minutes of cooking at 350 degrees, increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees. Cook for 3-5 minutes and flip the tofu again, cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until each side is crispy. Meanwhile, place the cayenne pepper sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for 15 seconds, or just until warm. Brush each side of the cooked tofu with the pepper sauce. To assemble the sandwiches: toast the bun, cut side up for 2-3 minutes in the 450 degree oven, or until just golden brown. Place the buffalo tofu on the bottom half and top with tomatoes, red onions and ranch dressing. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. One of my favorite “not-so-healthy” foods. I was really craving this delicious sandwich, but I just couldn’t justify the calories in the fried chicken soaked in buffalo sauce and ranch. I thought, there must be a way to make this a little healthier, without losing that famous crispiness. A few month ago, I made a tofu “chicken” parmesan sandwich {here}. It was unreal. But, I still used an egg to make the breading — which isn’t the best of ingredients. This time, I tried soaking the tofu in milk {low fat!} and then panko {you do have to press the panko into the tofu to make it stick}. I think this substitution worked perfectly!

Overall, this much healthier version of the buffalo chicken sandwich was amazing! You honestly cannot tell that you are eating anything but chicken, especially tofu! This was the perfect dish to satisfy a craving for an unhealthy meal — and to be honest, now I’m craving this tofu version 🙂 

Thanks for reading!