Spicy Crispy Tofu Cheese (Printable Version)

Golden tofu and melted vegan cheese layered between toasted sourdough for a bold, satisfying sandwich.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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, adjust to taste
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 2 tbsp neutral oil such as 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry using paper towels.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, 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 on each side until golden, crispy, and heated through. Remove and 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 one slice of bread buttered side down. Layer with vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if using, another slice of cheese, then top with second bread slice buttered side up.
06 - Clean skillet and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
07 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy and golden, not mushy or bland, which surprised even my skeptical friends.
  • It's ready in 35 minutes flat, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels indulgent but actually isn't complicated.
  • The cayenne and smoked paprika add real depth without needing any fancy vegan substitutes you can't pronounce.
02 -
  • Do not skip the pressing step for tofu, or you'll end up with a soggy, steaming mess instead of something crispy and golden.
  • Keep your heat at medium or medium-high when frying the tofu, because too high and the coating burns before the inside gets warm, too low and it just soaks up oil.
  • Press your sandwich gently while grilling, not aggressively, so the cheese melts without squishing the crispy tofu into submission.
03 -
  • Keep your vegan cheese in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing so it's easier to handle and melts more evenly in the sandwich.
  • If your vegan butter is too soft to spread, let it sit out for a few minutes, and if it's too hard, use a warm knife to help it along.
  • Grill your sandwich on medium heat instead of blasting it with high heat so the cheese actually has time to melt while the bread turns golden.
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