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A fried tofu sandwich sits on a plate. It has a creamy sauce, pickles, and lettuce on top.
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Crispy Tofu Sandwich

Buttermilk breaded vegan fried tofu sandwich features breaded and fried tofu topped with pickles, lettuce, and a creamy sauce. It's a perfect crispy sandwich for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 450kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Sandwich Sauce

  • ½ cup vegan mayo
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ Sauce (substitute ketchup)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Fried Tofu

  • 4 ounces extra firm tofu
  • cup plant-based milk (plain, not vanilla)
  • 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice (substitute lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • cup flour (use all-purpose or gluten-free)
  • cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • Topping ideas: pickles, sliced onions, vegan cheese slices, etc.

Instructions

For the Sandwich Sauce:

  • Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
    Ingredients are in a glass bowl, including syrup, chopped green onions, vegan mayo, bbq sauce, and more.

For the Fried Tofu

  • Press the tofu using a tofu press. If you don't have a press, wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel and place on a plate with something heavy over the top (like a pan or can) and let that sit for 30 minutes or so to press out some of the liquid. Slice tofu into 1/2 inch slices.
  • Cut the tofu horizontally into four slices. Feel free to cut off the corners to create "rounded" patties. Save the corners to batter, fry, and serve on the side.
    Tofu is on a cutting board sitting next to pieces that have been cut off with a knife.
  • Heat oil in the skillet over medium heat.
  • While the oil is heating, create two dipping stations. 1) In a bowl stir together the milk, pickle juice, and yeast flakes. 2) In a separate bowl or plate, stir together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and seasoning.
  • Dredge the tofu in the milk mixture first, then in the flour. Repeat this process to create a thick batter. Gently press the batter onto the tofu to help it stick.
    A rectangle baking dish has a soy milk mixture in it and two tofu patties. A plate sits next to it with a flour mixture and another tofu patty in that.
  • Pan Frying: Use tongs to place battered tofu in the hot oil. Cook the tofu patties until lightly browned on the bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully flip slices and cook on the other side until lightly browned. Add more oil to the skillet if necessary. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
    Breaded tofu patties are frying in a skillet.
  • Air Frying: Cook patties in an air fryer heated to 375°F/190°C. Cook until browned on both sides, around 3 to 5 minutes. Use tongs to turn the patties.
    A fried tofu patty is in an air fryer basket.

Sandwich Assembly

  • Place the tofu on a bun. Add the vegan sauce and your favorite toppings.
    Looking down on open-faced tofu sandwiches with a bowl of special sauce sitting between them.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 643mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 2mg