Spicy Crispy Tofu Cheese (Printable View)

Golden tofu and melty vegan cheese layered in toasted sourdough for a bold, plant-based twist on comfort food.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Tofu

01 - 7 oz firm tofu, pressed and sliced into 0.4 inch slabs
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)

→ Sandwich

08 - 4 slices sourdough bread
09 - 4 slices vegan cheddar-style cheese
10 - 2 tbsp vegan butter or margarine
11 - 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise (optional)
12 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dredge tofu slices in the mixture until evenly coated.
03 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and heated through. Set aside.
04 - Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice. If using, spread vegan mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of two slices.
05 - Place a slice of bread buttered side down, then layer vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if desired, another slice of cheese, and top with second slice of bread buttered side up.
06 - Wipe skillet clean and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2 to 3 minutes per side, gently pressing, until bread is golden and cheese fully melted.
07 - Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The contrast between golden crispy tofu and melted vegan cheese hits every satisfying texture at once
  • It comes together in 35 minutes but tastes like something from a specialty plant based cafe
02 -
  • Do not skip pressing the tofu or you will end up with a steamy sandwich instead of a crispy one
  • Let the pan get properly hot before adding the tofu or the coating will stick instead of crisp up
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most even browning
  • Low and slow grilling melts the cheese better without burning the bread
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