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A close-up of a Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich featuring a thick, sauce-covered patty on a bun topped with pickles and green onions.

Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich


  • Author: memorecipes.com
  • Total Time: 45 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A spicy, plant-based take on the classic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block 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
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil for sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (high cayenne content)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 vegan sandwich buns
  • Vegan mayonnaise, for serving
  • Dill pickle slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Slice the pressed tofu into four even cutlets.
  2. In one shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the plant milk and apple cider vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.
  4. Dip each tofu cutlet first into the wet mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the dry mixture, pressing to coat.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil for frying in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully fry the tofu cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare the hot sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the 1/4 cup vegetable oil, brown sugar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Do not boil.
  8. Brush the hot sauce mixture generously over the fried tofu cutlets.
  9. Lightly toast the vegan buns.
  10. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread vegan mayonnaise on the buns, place the sauced tofu cutlet on the bottom bun, top with dill pickle slices, and place the top bun on. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes removes excess water, helping it crisp better during frying.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the glaze to control the spice level.
  • For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the tofu (wet, dry, wet, dry) before frying.
  • 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: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: Vegan, Nashville Hot Chicken, Tofu Sandwich, Spicy, Plant-Based, Vegetarian