Vegetarian Nashville Hot Chicken
Get ready to spice up your meatless menu with this irresistible Vegetarian Nashville Hot Chicken! This plant-based twist on a Southern classic swaps traditional chicken for crispy, golden brown tofu, which is marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce blend for maximum flavor. Coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture and fried to sublime crispiness, the tofu fillets are then brushed with a fiery glaze made with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and vinegar, delivering that signature Nashville heat. Served on toasted hamburger buns with creamy mayonnaise, tangy pickles, and fresh lettuce, this recipe delivers all the bold, smoky flavors you crave—minus the meat. A quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and spice lovers alike, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup pickle slices
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup lettuce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. Cut the tofu into 4 large 'fillets'.
In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the tofu pieces in this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the fridge for more flavor.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
Take each marinated tofu piece out of the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing on all sides to adhere.
Carefully place the tofu pieces in the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the remaining cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and white vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, forming a spicy glaze.
Brush the glaze over the fried tofu pieces while they are still hot.
Toast the hamburger buns lightly, and then spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.
Place a piece of the glazed, crispy tofu on the bottom bun, top with lettuce and pickle slices, and then cover with the top bun.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6441 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 569.7 g | 730% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.4 g | 432% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 269.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 144 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 6824 mg | 297% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.9 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 80.7 g | 288% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.3 g | ||
| Protein | 152.2 g | 304% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 3647 mg | 281% | |
| Iron | 28.7 mg | 159% | |
| Potassium | 2221 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
