Spicy Crispy Tofu Grilled (Print)

Crispy tofu and melted vegan cheese stacked on toasted sourdough for a spicy, satisfying bite.

# 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 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
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 in the mixture until evenly coated.
03 - Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and heated through. Set aside.
04 - Spread vegan butter evenly 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, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if desired, another layer of cheese, then top with second bread slice buttered side up.
06 - Clean the skillet and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese has melted.
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 it's not meat.
  • It's ready in 35 minutes, which means you can satisfy a craving without hours of prep.
  • Vegan cheese actually melts beautifully here, creating that nostalgic pull-apart moment everyone wants from a grilled cheese.
02 -
  • Pressing the tofu isn't optional—I learned this the hard way when a soggy, steamed sandwich taught me that moisture is the opposite of crispy.
  • Vegan cheese brands vary wildly in how they melt, so test yours ahead of time or you might end up with a sandwich that never gets creamy inside.
03 -
  • Keep the skillet medium heat for grilling—too hot and your bread burns before the cheese melts, too cool and you end up with greasy bread instead of a crust.
  • If your vegan cheese isn't melting properly, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap steam and give it a gentle nudge toward actual melting.
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