Meatless Monday Night Football: Spicy Panko-Crusted Tofu "Hot Wings"

Next time you have your friends over to watch the game, try serving this tasty vegetarian alternative to traditional buffalo wings.

Spicy Panko-Crusted Tofu "Hot Wings"

14 oz. container organic extra-firm tofu, dried well

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

About 4-5 oz. your favorite wing sauce (I used Nature's Rancher Hot Wing and Grilling Sauce from Whole Foods)

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. chipotle chili powder

1/2 tsp. salt or to taste

1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper

1 tbs. sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Pat tofu dry with paper towels, pressing down to absorb as much moisture as you can without breaking the tofu. Slice the block of tofu into "sticks" (see pictures for reference). Place slices into a shallow dish and coat with wing sauce. Let marinate for 20-30 minutes or up to an hour for stronger flavor.

On a plate or in a shallow baking dish, combine breadcrumbs with seasonings and mix well (you can use your hands). Dip sauce-covered tofu sticks into breadcumb mixture and coat evenly on all sides. Transfer to a baking sheet covered in a thin layer of cooking spray or olive oil. You can spray a little bit of cooking spray on top of the sticks as well so they'll get even crunchier in the oven. Bake 30-35 minutes until sticks are lightly browned and crispy. Serve with your favorite all-natural bleu cheese or ranch dip. For an extra kick, mix a little bit of wing sauce into the dressing!