Spicy Crispy Tofu Cheese (Printable)

Bold spicy tofu and melty vegan cheese layered between toasted sourdough for ultimate comfort.

# 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 oil

→ Sandwich

08 - 4 slices sourdough bread
09 - 4 slices vegan cheese, cheddar style preferred
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 using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dredge tofu slices evenly in the mixture.
03 - Heat 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, spread vegan mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of two slices.
05 - Place one bread slice buttered side down. Layer with vegan cheese, fried tofu, jalapeño slices if using, another cheese slice, 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 - Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy and satisfying, not sad or soggy like plant-based versions often are.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend lunches.
  • This works beautifully vegan or as a way to convert anyone who thinks plant-based cooking is restrictive.
02 -
  • Pressing the tofu really does make the difference between crispy and disappointing—don't rush this step thinking you can skip it.
  • Medium heat for grilling the sandwich is crucial; high heat will burn the bread before the cheese even melts.
03 -
  • If your vegan cheese isn't melting properly, try a higher-quality brand or lay it between two slices of tofu before grilling so the heat captures it from both sides.
  • A tiny drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce on the assembled sandwich before grilling adds a flavor complexity that makes people ask for the recipe.
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