Bang Bang Tofu

This is my healthier, vegan-friendly spin on the well-known Chinese deep-fried

sweet & spicy Bang Bang Chicken.  It can be made in the oven or air fryer.

Bang Bang Tofu [Vegan]

Ingredients

• 1 (14 to 16-oz) package extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
• spray avocado oil (for air frying)

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup vegan avocado mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha, adjusted to taste
• 1 tablespoon Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup (or pure maple syrup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• salt & pepper, adjusted to taste

Preparation

Air Fryer Directions:

1. Wrap tofu in a clean, highly absorbent dish towel (or paper towel) and put a heavy skillet on top.  Allow to sit for 30 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
2. Dice tofu into bite-sized cubes and put in a medium bowl.  Add soy sauce, olive oil, sriracha, and spices, and mix well.
3. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400F and spray basket with avocado oil.
5. Add arrowroot starch to tofu and toss until evenly combined.
6. Air fry in a single layer (do batches if needed) for 12 to 17 minutes, shaking a few times to ensure even cooking, until nicely browned and crispy.
7. While the tofu cooks, make the Bang Bang Sauce.  Whisk together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, sweetener, and garlic.  Season with salt and pepper and adjust sriracha and sweetener to taste.
8. When all of the tofu is cooked, toss it with desired amount of sauce and serve with rice or noodles, toppings of choice, and extra sauce on the side.

Baking directions:

1. Wrap tofu in a clean, highly absorbent dish towel (or paper towel) and put a heavy skillet on top.  Allow to sit for 30 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
2. Dice tofu into bite-sized cubes and put in a medium bowl.  Add soy sauce, olive oil, sriracha, and spices, and mix well.
3. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
5. Add arrowroot starch to tofu and toss until evenly combined.
6. Spread tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.  Flip and continue baking another 10 to 20 minutes, until nicely browned and crispy.
7. While the tofu cooks, make the Bang Bang Sauce.  Whisk together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, sweetener, and garlic.  Season with salt and pepper and adjust sriracha and sweetener to taste.
8. When all of the tofu is cooked, toss it with the desired amount of sauce and serve with rice or noodles, toppings of choice, and extra sauce on the side.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/bang-bang-tofu-vegan/