Spicy, Crispy, and Unbelievably Vegan Buffalo Wings!
Craving that classic, fiery buffalo wing experience without the meat? You’ve come to the right place! These Seitan Buffalo Wings deliver all the satisfying texture and bold flavor you remember. Each bite-sized piece is coated in a seasoned dredge, fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a classic, buttery hot sauce. They’re the ultimate plant-based appetizer for game day, parties, or any time you need a spicy kick. Serve them up with some vegan ranch and celery sticks, and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup (76g) coconut oil
• 1/3 cup (78ml) hot sauce
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (3g) onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened soy milk
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) neutral oil, for frying
• 1 16-ounce (454g) package seitan, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the coconut oil and hot sauce, stirring just until the oil is melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Pour the soy milk into a separate shallow bowl.
3. Heat the 4 tablespoons of frying oil in a large skillet or stockpot over medium heat.
4. Working one piece at a time, dip a piece of seitan into the soy milk, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. Carefully place the coated seitan into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly golden brown and crispy on all sides.
6. Remove the fried seitan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the prepared hot sauce mixture over the top and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per 4-oz. serving
• Serves: 4
• Cost Per Serving: $0.98
• Calories: 429
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 688mg
Pro Tips
• For a lighter, baked version, skip the breading. Lightly pan-sear the seitan pieces, then toss with the sauce and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 25 minutes.
• For an extra-crispy finish with less oil, use an air fryer. Cook the breaded seitan at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with the warm sauce.
• Ensure your seitan pieces are patted dry before dipping them in the soy milk. This helps the breading adhere better for a crispier crust.
• Serve immediately with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for the authentic wing experience.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these buffalo wings gluten-free
A: This specific recipe relies on seitan, which is made from wheat gluten and is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. For a similar gluten-free version, you could substitute the seitan with cauliflower florets or extra-firm tofu (pressed well) and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dredge.
Q: Is seitan a good source of protein
A: Yes, seitan is an excellent source of plant-based protein. It’s made from wheat gluten, which gives it a dense, meaty texture and a high protein content. In this recipe, each serving provides a substantial 18 grams of protein, making it a very satisfying meat alternative.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover vegan wings
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore their crispiness, it’s best to reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes or in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the breading soggy.
Q: What can I use instead of seitan
A: If you don’t have seitan or prefer another option, you can substitute it with extra-firm tofu (pressed and torn into chunks), tempeh (cubed and steamed for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness), or whole oyster mushrooms. Adjust cooking times as needed depending on your chosen substitute.
