Here’s a delicious recipe for a Crispy BBQ Tofu Sandwich that’s flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying! It’s packed with crispy, golden tofu, tangy BBQ sauce, and all the classic sandwich toppings.
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (vegan, if necessary)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional, but highly recommended)
- Pickles (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced red onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- Lettuce or arugula (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Tofu:
- Start by draining the tofu and pressing it for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then placing something heavy on top (like a cast-iron skillet).
- Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1/2-inch thick slices or slabs, depending on your preferred sandwich style.
- Coat the Tofu:
- In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Dredge each tofu slice in the cornstarch mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides.
- Cook the Tofu:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu slices.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Once crispy, transfer the tofu slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sauce the Tofu:
- Once all the tofu is cooked, drizzle or brush each slice with BBQ sauce, coating it generously on both sides.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Toast the sandwich buns if you prefer a warm, slightly crispy texture.
- Spread a little more BBQ sauce on the bottom bun (optional).
- Place a few slices of crispy BBQ tofu on the bun.
- Add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onions, and fresh greens (lettuce or arugula).
- Top with the other bun.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the tofu is hot and crispy. You can garnish with extra cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispy Tofu: If you want your tofu even crispier, try baking it after coating it with the cornstarch mixture. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own. A smoky, tangy sauce works best with crispy tofu.
- Coleslaw: If you have time, making homemade vegan coleslaw adds a great crunch and tangy flavor. Use shredded cabbage, carrots, vegan mayo, vinegar, and a bit of sugar for a quick slaw.
