Spicy Crispy Tofu Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden crispy tofu and melty vegan cheese layered in toasted sourdough for a bold comfort 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

# Method:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dredge tofu slices thoroughly in the mixture.
03 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
04 - Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice. If using, apply vegan mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of two slices.
05 - Place a buttered slice of bread buttered side down. Layer with vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if desired, additional vegan cheese, then top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
06 - Wipe out skillet, return to medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese melts.
07 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy and spiced, so it doesn't feel like a replacement—it tastes like its own delicious thing.
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, and somehow feels fancy enough for lunch guests but easy enough for a solo meal.
  • The heat builds gently, warming you from the inside out without overwhelming the cheese and bread.
02 -
  • Tofu sticks around because you pressed it thoroughly—rushing this step ruins the crisp you worked for, so treat it like a non-negotiable ritual.
  • Vegan cheese needs lower, gentler heat than you'd use for dairy cheese, or it'll burn on the outside before melting inside; medium heat is your friend.
  • The cayenne blooms as it cooks, so what feels mild in the bowl might pack a punch in the finished sandwich; start conservative if you're unsure.
03 -
  • If your vegan cheese isn't melting, drop the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid or foil for the last minute—steam helps it along without burning the bread.
  • Make your tofu a day ahead and keep it in the fridge; the spice coating clings better to cold tofu, and you can fry it fresh when you're ready.
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