Spicy Crispy Tofu Cheese (Print Version)

Golden crispy tofu with spicy notes and melted cheese on toasted sourdough, perfect for a quick hearty meal.

# 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 (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)

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels.
02 - In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt; dredge tofu slices until evenly coated.
03 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry tofu for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then 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 bread slice buttered side down; layer vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if desired, another cheese slice, then top with second bread slice buttered side up.
06 - Clean skillet, return to medium heat, grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese melts.
07 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy and seasoned, not rubbery or bland—it's a real texture revelation.
  • This comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you've been fussing over it for hours.
  • It works for vegans, but honestly, everyone at the table wants seconds regardless of their diet.
02 -
  • If your tofu isn't truly crispy by the time it hits the skillet, no amount of grilling will save it—spend the time pressing it properly.
  • Vegan cheese brands vary wildly in how they melt; test one slice alone first if you're using a brand you've never tried before.
03 -
  • Don't flip your tofu until a golden crust forms—resist the urge to move it around, or it won't crisp properly.
  • If your vegan cheese isn't melting well, lower the heat slightly and give it more time; rushing it with high heat just makes it separate into oil.
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