Spicy Crispy Tofu Cheese (Print Version)

Crispy spiced tofu and melted vegan cheese layered on toasted sourdough for a comforting 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 (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)

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dredge tofu slices thoroughly in the mixture.
03 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu slices 3–4 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and warmed 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 bread slice buttered side down, layer vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if using, additional cheese slice, then top with second bread slice buttered side up.
06 - Wipe out skillet and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese melts.
07 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy and seasoned, not soft or forgettable.
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect for something that tastes this impressive.
  • It converts skeptics without them even noticing it's plant-based.
02 -
  • Don't skip pressing your tofu or it'll steam instead of crisp, and you'll end up disappointed with a soggy sandwich.
  • The oil needs to be genuinely hot when the tofu hits it, or the coating won't develop that shattering crust that makes this whole thing work.
03 -
  • Slice your jalapeños paper-thin so they distribute evenly and cook through slightly during grilling.
  • Don't press down too hard while grilling or you'll squeeze out all the melted cheese, just a gentle pressure to encourage even browning.
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