This crispy fried tofu sandwich is full of spicy flavour. Stuffed with rocket, coriander and some pink pickled onions, these sandwiches make an incredible lunch or dinner.
OMG this sandwich though, guys!
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So there's just a few simple elements involved in making this easy tofu sandwich recipe.
A simple marinade of soy sauce, lime, garlic and ginger is poured over the tofu before cooking and then added to the pan as it fries so that it's really bursting with that flavour.
I made these in crusty baguettes and added rocket, coriander (cilantro), mayo and pink pickled onions (which I first used in these salmon tacos) plus a good drizzle of hot sauce.
Related: Give this salmon sandwich with prosciutto a go for another sandwich option!
Why we love this recipe...
- It's vegetarian and easily made vegan by switching the mayo for your favourite vegan brand
- The tofu is crispy and spicy thanks to the amazing marinade and quick frying
- This sandwich is also so quick to make since the only cooking involved is the frying of the tofu
- It's also great for meal prep since the whole sandwich tastes just as good cold as it does just after it's been cooked
Ingredients
- Tofu: Make sure you get firm or extra-firm tofu and definitely press it if you have time, even if it's only for a few minutes (looking for another way to use tofu? Try these buffalo tofu wraps!)
- Tofu Marinade: A simple combination of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger and olive oil
- Sandwich Rolls: You could really choose anything but I like the crustiness of a baguette plus it gives it a bit of a banh mi feeling which I love
- Fresh Coriander: For a delicious herby flavour
- Sriracha: Or whatever your favourite hot sauce is
- Mayo: Leave out or use your favourite vegan brand if you prefer. Add extra to the sauce for these veggie burgers
- Rocket (Arugula): For a peppery crunch, use leftover in this beetroot salad
- Pink Pickled Onions: These are so quick and add so much flavour
How to make it
- Prep the tofu: Press then slice the tofu. Whisk the marinade ingredients then pour over the tofu.
- Fry the tofu: Heat a frying pan and fry the tofu in batches with the marinade until sticky and crispy.
- Make the pickled onions: Pour boiling water over the onion slices. Mix the vinegar, salt and sugar, add the onion slices and peppercorns and set aside.
- Make the sandwiches: Split open the baguettes, spread with mayo. Add tofu slices, pickled onions, rocket, coriander leaves and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Variations
Make this a vegan sandwich by using vegan mayo.
Go mad with the toppings! Try adding sliced or mashed avocado, pickled vegetables or freshly sliced cucumber.
Sweeten things up by adding a drizzle of maple syrup to the marinade before frying.
Add a BBQ flavour by adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
Tofu Sandwich FAQs
You can! If you'd prefer to use baked tofu then heat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Spread the slices of tofu on a baking sheet and baked for 20 minutes until golden brown, flipping half way through.
The key to tasty tofu is all in the marinade and the cooking. I like to add loads of flavour before cooking and the longer you marinate the tofu the better it'll be. When you're ready to cook make sure to fry in a pan over medium heat until browned, allowing it to caramelize around the edges.
If you have leftover tofu you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat fry in a little oil until heated through or serve cold.
You can serve anything you want with these sandwiches! From salad to fries to crisps, they'll all make it the perfect lunch.
I would always recommend pressing your tofu for as long as you can before slicing. This will help to make sure that the tofu doesn't get soggy when frying.
Want more? Try these other tofu recipes!
- Chipotle Lime Black Bean Bowl
- Spicy Rice Bowls with Korean Marinated Tofu
- Tofu & Mango Vegan Red Thai Curry
- Crispy Fried Salt and Pepper Tofu
- Tofu Katsu Curry
- Spicy Noodles with Crispy Tofu
Recipe
Spicy Tofu Sandwich with Pink Pickled Onions
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 400 g Firm Tofu
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- ½ Lime
- 1 clove Garlic crushed
- ½ teaspoon Ginger grated
For the Sandwiches
- Olive oil
- 2 Small Baguettes
- Small bunch Fresh Coriander
- Sriracha to serve
- Mayo to serve
- 40 g Rocket to serve
For the Pickled Onions
- 1 Red Onion sliced
- ½ teaspoon Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 150 ml Cider Vinegar
- 5 Peppercorns
Instructions
- Pat dry the tofu and press for 10 minutes (or as much time as you have) then slice into 1cm thick slices. Whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Place the tofu in a shallow dish and pour over the marinade.
- Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Fry the tofu in batches, pouring over some of the marinade to get it extra sticky. It will need a couple of minutes on each side until it's browned and crisp.
- Put the onion slices in a sieve over the sink and pour over 500ml (2 cups) of boiling water. Mix the vinegar, salt and sugar in a container you can use to store the onions. Add the onions and peppercorns and set aside until ready to use.
- Cut open the baguettes and spread with mayo. Stuff with the tofu slides, pickled onions, rocket, coriander and a drizzle of sriracha.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
Meghna says
This sandwich is just so cool. So easy to make, delicious, filling and that fried tofu are such gorgeous addition.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
What a glorious sandwich!! I'm a sucker for a well filled, full of flavour sandwich and this looks perfect and so delicious!
Dannii says
We are always looking for new sandwich ideas and this looks great! The tofu sounds delicious.
Rosa says
I love pickled onions on a sandwich. This combo sounds great, can’t wait to try.
Danielle Wolter says
this sandwich looks just incredible Amy. I love the spiciness of the tofu and pickled onions are def one of my favorite condiments!