Spicy Crispy Tofu Cheese (Printable)

Golden spicy tofu and melty vegan cheese layered between toasted sourdough for a comforting bold bite.

# 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 for extra creaminess
12 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced, optional for extra heat

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry using 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 neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
04 - Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice. If using, apply vegan mayonnaise on the opposite side of two slices.
05 - Place one slice of bread buttered side down, layer with vegan cheese, fried tofu, jalapeño slices if using, another slice of vegan cheese, then top with second bread slice buttered side up.
06 - Wipe skillet clean, return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese has melted.
07 - Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy and golden, not sad and rubbery like sad plant-based proteins often are.
  • You're basically making comfort food that happens to be vegan, so everyone wants to eat it.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes infinitely better.
02 -
  • If you skip pressing the tofu, it won't crisp no matter how hot your oil is or how long you cook it—the moisture will keep it soft and disappointing.
  • Medium heat on the grill is crucial; too high and your bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and it just gets dry and sad.
  • Vegan cheese brands vary wildly in how they melt, so if yours isn't cooperating, try a different brand next time.
03 -
  • If your vegan cheese isn't melting evenly, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking and it'll steam gently into cooperation.
  • Make the tofu ahead of time; it reheats beautifully and actually tastes better the next day as the spices settle in.
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