Quick Easy Tofu Sandwich Food

QUICK & EASY TOFU SANDWICH

Steps:

• Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Cook the tofu on both sides until browned.
• Season tofu with salt and pepper.
• Assemble sandwich using the bread, margarine, mayonnaise, tofu, and veggies.

CRISPY FRIED TOFU SANDWICH

Steps:

• For the tofu: Slice the tofu in half widthwise and then across to create 4 large pieces. Arrange the pieces in a large microwave-safe airtight container (some overlap is ok) and freeze overnight.
• Remove the lid from the container and microwave the tofu on high, stopping every 2 minutes to pour off the water and check if the tofu is thawed, about 6 minutes,. Transfer the tofu to a strainer while making the brine.
• Whisk the pickle juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in the same airtight container. Gently press the tofu pieces between your palms to expel any excess water, then nestle in the brine in an even layer. Cover and marinate the tofu in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
• For the sandwich: Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper together in a medium bowl. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pickle brine to create clumps. Whisk the Dijon and maple syrup plus 2 tablespoons of warm water together in a separate small shallow bowl.
• Pour 2 inches of oil into a large high-sided skillet or a Dutch oven and set over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
• While the oil is heating, dredge the tofu. Remove one piece from the brine and toss in the flour mixture to coat, shaking off the excess. Dip in the Dijon mixture, making sure all sides are coated, then dredge in the flour again, pressing to adhere the flour. Transfer the coated tofu to a plate while coating the rest.
• Add all four pieces of tofu to the hot oil, leaving space between each piece. (Fry in batches if the skillet is getting crowded.) Fry until the coating is a deep golden brown, flipping the tofu halfway, about 5 minutes. Transfer the fried tofu to paper towels or a baking sheet lined with a wire rack to drain.
• Spread some Vegan Buffalo Mayo on the burger buns, add a piece of tofu to each and layer with some lettuce and dill pickles.
• Add the tofu, hot sauce, Dijon, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon salt to a blender or food processor. Blend on high, stopping to scrape the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a pint jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

EASY-AS-1-2-3 VERSATILE GRILLED TOFU CHUNKS OR SANDWICH SLICES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, make the marinade by mixing the oil and soy sauce together with the salt and pepper, and/or extras if you like-- such as fresh herbs, Season-All, some nutritional yeast, a zesty spice like Ras El Hanout, you name it.
• or a different liquid like vinegars or tahini. Some marinade ideas-2TB olive oil + 1TB tahini + 1 tsp cumin for a Middle Eastern flavor, 2TB olive oil + 1 TB soy sauce + 1 tsp white vinegar + 1 tsp lemon pepper for a "faux fish" flavor, 2TB olive oil + 1TB soy sauce + 1 tsp taco seasoning + 1/2 tsp nutritional yeast for a Mexican flavor, 2TB olive oil + 1TB balsamic vinegar + 1 tsp oregano + 1/2 tsp ground rosemary for an Italian flavor, 2TB olive oil + 1TB soy sauce + 1 tsp red wine vinegar + 2 tsp nutritional yeast + 1/2 tsp turmeric + 1/4 tsp cumin.
• Ok, these next few steps in drying out the tofu are super-important and dependent on your microwave's strength-- I get about 8-9 slices if this nukes right, but they can get crumbly and fall to pieces if not left in long enough. (Still edible, but the "cutlet" form is easier to grill and make sandwiches with.).
• First, you have to cut open the tofu packet and get ALL the liquid out while carefully making sure you don't tear up the tofu brick.
• Place the brick on a microwave-safe dish and nuke in 30 or 45 second intervals on high until most of the water is out-- you'll see water come out on the sides between nukings. Blot it with a clean dish towel or some paper towels, and repeat this until little to no water comes out the sides-- but don't overcook!
• Turning over the brick onto the opposite side and wiping up the water coming out of the bottom helps speed this up.
• Cut into rectangles (or another shape if you like, I get about 8-9 rectangles this way.) Put the dried out tofu into a large tossing bowl. Pour on the marinade.
• Toss well to coat. If you didn't nuke for long enough, it can crumble in this step. It's ok, will still be edible, you'll just have more and smaller pieces.
• If you plan on cooking at a future point, put into an airtight container and refridgerate to grill at a later date.
• If you want to cook it now, let the marinade sit on the tofu for about 10-15 minutes. Tofu is very absorbent, all that great flavor soaks through this way.
• Grill them! I wouldn't know how to do this on an outdoor grill, but I use a mini George Foreman grill that works perfect, about 5 minutes does it. You can also use a stovetop grill pan, about 5 minutes on each side.
• For sandwich slices to eat cold--let the grilled tofu cool for about 20 minutes then wrap in plastic wrap or an airtight container and refridgerate.
• Use your imagination in serving and enjoy!

FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Lightly grease a non-stick pan with oil.
• Put tamari (soy sauce) in a bowl.
• In another bowl mix yeast and spices.
• Slice tofu into 1/4-inch slices.
• Dip tofu in the tamari and then in the yeast mixture.
• Fry until golden; flip and brown the other side.
• Add a bit of oil if necessary.