this easy tofu lunch meat is perfect for quick lunches and sandwiches! it is only 4 ingredients and you can be eating it in no time.
the inspiration
Earlier this year I shared a recipe for easy vegan lunch meat. Then over the summer I shared a similar recipe for a balsamic marinated tofu sandwich. So, now let’s add to the family with this buffalo style tofu lunch meat! Again keeping it easy by just using a vegetable peeler and a few ingredients to turn the tofu into something amazing.
the ingredients
- Super Firm Tofu: for this tofu lunch meat you want to use super firm tofu. It peels the easiest as it is the densest tofu. However, there are some brands of extra firm tofu that I do feel this could work well with. One being House Foods or Whole Foods 365 brand.
- Buffalo Sauce: of course since we are making buffalo style tofu lunch meat we will be using buffalo sauce. I like the one from Frank’s Red Hot. Some buffalo sauces aren’t vegan so be sure to check all the ingredients.
- Garlic Powder: the garlic powder is to add in a bit of extra flavor.
- Onion Powder: the onion powder is to add in a bit of extra flavor.
prepping the tofu
To start making this recipe all you need is a vegetable peeler! I personally prefer to use a Y-shaped one. However, you can use any vegetable peeler you have. First, cut the block of tofu in half, I find it easier to peel the tofu that way. Then, you will start to peel the tofu and make thin pieces. If you start having any issues while peeling, like the tofu breaking apart or parts of it becoming uneven, you can use a knife to make thin slices. The whole point is to get the tofu very thinly sliced.
making the sauce
To make the sauce for this recipe is very simple. You will add the Buffalo sauce into a large bowl. Then, add in the garlic powder and onion powder. Mix it up and there you go, the sauce is done! Super easy and flavorful. If you want to add in anything else you can add in some other seasonings or a little bit of vegan ranch dressing. However, the whole point is to keep this recipe easy and simple.
coating and baking the tofu lunch meat
Now, you will carefully take the thinly peeled pieces of tofu and toss them in the Buffalo sauce. Do your best to coat them evenly while being gentle so they don’t break apart. Once they are coated you will put them onto a lined baking sheet. I like to do this with a pair of tongs so I can easily lay out the tofu. It is important to keep the tofu somewhat spaced out so it has a chance to get exposed to the heat in the oven. When you bake the tofu lunch meat you want it to be warmed and slightly cooked but not hard and crispy. So, just bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes and it will be good to go!
using the tofu lunch meat
Once the tofu lunch meat is all done you are ready to enjoy it! Use it on a sandwich, in a wrap or you can use it in bowls/salads. Wherever you want to use it, it will be delicious. You will love how the tofu transforms when it is thinly peeled and lightly baked.
why you’ll love this recipe
The tofu lunch meat recipes have been enjoyed by so many people already! I think this recipe is just an extension of all those recipes and I am confident you will love this. Also, if you Buffalo sauce (like me) then you definitely need to make this. It is high in protein, keeps great in the fridge, and is perfect for meal prep. Say hello to easy lunches!
too hot!
If Buffalo sauce isn’t your style then have no fear. You can check out the other tofu lunch meat recipes or try using barbecue sauce instead.
tofu lunch meat faq
- Is this recipe soy free? No, the main ingredient is tofu. However, you can try using a soy-free tofu like a fava bean or chickpea tofu in place.
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes.
- Is this recipe gluten free? Yes.
- How long will this last in the fridge? Up to 4 days.
- Can I freeze this? I wouldn’t.
- Do I eat this warm or cold? You can eat it either way! I like it both ways so it just depends what you are in the mood for.
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Tofu Lunch Meat (Buffalo-Style)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 block (16 ounces) super firm tofu
- ⅓ cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (or any vegan friendly buffalo sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Cut the tofu in half lengthwise. Use a vegetable peeler to thinly slice and peel the tofu. If you find some pieces are becoming uneven as you peel it you can use a sharp knife to thinly slice some of the tofu. If you are looking for a visual you can check out the youtube video.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add in the peeled tofu and toss gently to coat.
- Carefully lay the tofu out on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until warmed and lightly cooked but still soft and pliable.
- Use immediately or store in the fridge until ready to eat. You can enjoy the buffalo tofu lunch meat warm or cold.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- You can use extra firm tofu if it is a very firm extra firm tofu like the one from Whole Foods or House Foods.
Nutrition
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