Spicy Crispy Tofu Cheese (Print View)

Crispy and spicy tofu layered with vegan cheese inside toasted sourdough, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.

# Components:

→ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dredge tofu slices until evenly coated.
03 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and heated through. Remove and set aside.
04 - Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice. Optionally, spread vegan mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of two slices.
05 - Layer one bread slice, buttered side down, with vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices (if using), another layer of cheese, then top with a second bread slice, buttered side up.
06 - Wipe skillet clean and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 2 to 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 spiced in a way that makes people forget they're eating plant-based.
  • It's fast enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests who didn't expect to love it.
  • Everything in your kitchen already works for this—no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed.
02 -
  • Don't skip pressing the tofu; if you use water-logged tofu, you'll end up steaming it instead of crisping it, and the whole thing falls apart emotionally and physically.
  • Your vegan cheese brand matters more than you'd think—some brands stay stringy and delicious, others turn into plastic; buy a single slice first to test before committing to a full package.
  • Medium heat is your friend here; too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and you end up with soggy bread and unmelted cheese in the same sad bite.
03 -
  • Make extra crispy tofu and keep it in the fridge—you'll find yourself putting it on salads, in wraps, or even eating it cold as a snack before the week is through.
  • If cayenne feels too intense, start with a pinch and taste the coating before committing to the full amount; heat preferences are personal, and you can always add more spice later but you can't take it back.
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