Breaded Tofu Sandwich

Welcome to the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Welcome to the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.

Tofu Sandwich

This really is the tofu sandwich of your dreams! Crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles all create a flavor explosion that will have you wanting seconds. We modeled this recipe after a crispy fish sandwich, right down to that savory creamy sauce, and it’s got all the most satisfying flavor and texture contrasts. We tested this on a friend who doesn’t like tofu, and she gobbled it right up! It’s a fun plant-based recipe and vegan dinner to impress your friends and family.

The keys to this tofu sandwich

Here’s the thing about a tofu sandwich: tofu has a very soft texture. It’s so soft, in fact, that it can be hard to detect texture-wise when served on bread if you’re not careful. That’s why we created this crispy breaded tofu. To make a satisfying sandwich, you’ve got to have that contrasting texture of the protein.

Add to that veggies, crunchy pickles, and Russian dressing, which is that irresistibly tangy condiment that makes a Big Mac so satiating. (I’m starting to salivate just thinking about it!) Here’s what you’ll need for this tofu sandwich recipe:

  • Extra firm tofu
  • Soy sauce
  • Panko (plain unseasoned)
  • Cornstarch
  • Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Buns
  • Shredded lettuce or greens
  • Pickles
  • Russian Dressing
Tofu Sandwich

Tips for making breaded tofu

The star of the show in this sandwich is the panko breaded tofu, which gives it a lovely crisp exterior similar to the vibe of a crispy fish sandwich. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb mixture that is airier and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs. Here you’ll press a mixture of panko and seasoned cornstarch onto the outside of the tofu, then pan fry until it’s crispy. Here are a few tips for the process:

  • There’s no need to press the tofu! Many tofu recipes press out the liquid, which takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. But there’s no need for a wait time with this recipe! Simply pat it dry with a towel.
  • Slice the tofu into rectangles. We like to slice the tofu into 8 thin slabs lengthwise, then in half for 16 rectangles total. You can do other shapes, but these are easy to work with. The most important part is having the tofu relatively thin so it gets fully seasoned.
  • Dip the tofu in soy sauce. Place the tofu slabs in a shallow bowl with 4 tablespoons soy sauce, dipping each side in, then remove them to a plate. You won’t use all this soy sauce, it just needs to be a good amount so you can dip in the pieces. Discard the remainder.
  • Dip the tofu slabs into the panko breading mix, pressing it in with your fingers to help it adhere to each side.
  • Pan fry the tofu in batches. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet (or enough to cover the bottom) and add half the tofu slabs. Cook on medium high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Repeat with the second batch of tofu.
Breaded tofu on plate

A note on the buns

It’s helpful to have a sturdy bun with a texture like an artisan bread for this tofu sandwich, like a ciabatta roll. Many hamburger buns are soft and fluffy, which make for a less satisfying sandwich since the tofu has a soft texture. These work for proteins like hamburger and fish that have a lot of texture, but it’s not as delicious with tofu.

For vegan, make sure the bun has vegan ingredients. Most ciabatta rolls are vegan, as are artisan breads like sourdough or no knead bread.

Making the Russian dressing

You know that creamy, savory sauce that makes you unable to stop inhaling a Reuben sandwich or a Big Mac? Yes, that’s Russian dressing. It’s very easy to make at home, and a slather of it makes any sandwich undeniably delicious. It’s made of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few other key tangy and savory ingredients that work together to make it altogether addicting.

Russian dressing takes this breaded tofu sandwich over the top, so make sure to include it when you make the sandwich! If you eat fully vegan, make sure to make the sauce with vegan mayonnaise.

Tofu Sandwich

Sides to serve with this tofu sandwich

How to turn this tofu sandwich into a meal? Add a side of coleslaw, fries, or salad and you’ve got a hearty dinner! Here are a few ways we’d accessorize it:

Is tofu healthy?

There’s lots of misinformation about tofu and soy products swirling around. Often we get the question: is tofu healthy? Here’s what to know about eating tofu and other soy products like tempeh and edamame:

  • Tofu in moderation is part of a healthy diet (several times per week). Per to the Harvard School of Nutrition, soy is a nutrient-dense source of protein that can safely be consumed several times a week.
  • Tofu is likely to provide health benefits, especially when you eat it as an alternative to red meat and processed meat. See Straight Talk About Soy and Is Tofu Good for You? for more.

More tofu recipes

There are so many tasty ways to enjoy this vegan protein! Here are some of our favorite tofu recipes:

This breaded tofu sandwich recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free; for vegan, use vegan buns and vegan mayonnaise.

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Tofu Sandwich

Breaded Tofu Sandwich


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches

Description

Welcome to the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.


Ingredients

  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu
  • Soy sauce, for dipping
  • 1 cup plain panko 
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder 
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for cooking
  • 4 buns, for serving*
  • Shredded lettuce or mixed greens (or coleslaw mix)
  • 1 handful pickles
  • 1 recipe Russian Dressing (use vegan mayonnaise for vegan)

Instructions

  1. Slice the tofu into 8 thin slabs lengthwise, then in half for 16 rectangles total. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
  2. Place the tofu slabs in a shallow bowl with 4 tablespoons soy sauce, dipping each side in, then remove them to a plate. Discard the remaining soy sauce.
  3. Meanwhile, make the breading station: mix the panko, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl, then pour it onto a plate in a single layer.
  4. Dip the tofu slabs into the breading mix, pressing it in with your fingers to help it adhere to each side.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet and add half the tofu slabs (or enough to cover the bottom). Cook on medium high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Repeat with the second batch of tofu.
  6. Make the sandwich by layering the tofu on a bun with pickles, Russian dressing, and topping with chopped greens. Enjoy immediately. Leftover tofu lasts up to 3 days; rewarm in a dry skillet before serving.

Notes

*It’s helpful to have a sturdy bun with a texture like an artisan bread (like a ciabatta roll). A soft and fluffy hamburger bun is less satisfying since the tofu has a soft texture. For vegan, make sure the bun has vegan ingredients.

  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tofu
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Tofu sandwich

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Pesto Grilled Cheese

Pesto grilled cheese makes one mouthwatering sandwich! Pair the herbaceous spread with melty mozzarella and Monterey jack cheese. It’s the…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Pesto grilled cheese makes one mouthwatering sandwich! Pair the herbaceous spread with melty mozzarella and Monterey jack cheese.

Pesto Grilled Cheese

It’s the time of year when our basil plant is big and bushy, and that means all things pesto. Here’s one of our favorite ways to use this herbaceous spread: in pesto grilled cheese! It gives the best garlicky, herby flavor to the gooey melty cheese, making it one irresistible sandwich. It’s quick to put together and almost impossible to put down.

Ingredients in pesto grilled cheese

Pesto grilled cheese is simple to whip up, but since there are only a few ingredients you’ll want them to be as high quality as possible. Homemade basil pesto has the best flavor and tastes so much fresher than store-bought: it’s a must if at all possible! Here’s what you’ll need for pesto grilled cheese:

  • Basil pesto
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Monterey jack cheese
  • Italian bread
  • Butter
Basil Pesto Recipe

For the pesto: homemade vs storebought

This pesto grilled cheese tastes best with homemade basil pesto made with fresh basil! Of course, we know that’s not always possible. But if you’re using purchased pesto, keep this in mind: the flavor and quality of jarred pesto varies greatly between brands. Many jarred brands taste intensely acidic or have an odd aftertaste. Here’s what to know:

  • Homemade pesto has the best flavor! Basil Pesto is best homemade. Or, try you can try Arugula Pesto or Kale Pesto, which will have a slightly spicier flavor.
  • Purchased pesto brands vary greatly in flavor: some are very acidic. Brands all have a different salt and acid level. Some brands we have stopped using altogether because of the bitter and acidic notes can overwhelm the dish.
  • Some brands of refrigerated fresh pesto are now on the market (in the produce section). This type of pesto tends to have better flavor than pesto in jars. Experiment to find one you love!

Best bread for pesto grilled cheese

What’s the best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich? We have some opinions! Here are a few pointers:

  • Use an artisan bread. Wonderbread or mushy wheat bread just don’t work well for grilled cheese. Use an artisan bread like a crusty loaf or sourdough if you can.
  • Make sure the bread is not too crusty. Artisan bread that’s too crusty can make for very tough crusts, which can be hard to bite. Here we used a store-bought sourdough bread which had just the right texture.
Pesto Grilled Cheese

Adders for pesto grilled cheese

There are lots of ways to step up this pesto grilled cheese sandwich (you probably have lots of ideas). Just keep in mind, if you’re adding a tomato make sure to slice it very thinly: adding a tomato can make it harder to melt the cheese! Here are a few ideas for adders to this pesto grilled cheese sandwich:

What else would you add to your pesto grilled cheese? Let us know in the comments below!

More recipes with pesto

There are so many delicious ways to use pesto in your cooking! Here are some more recipes with pesto we love:

This pesto grilled cheese recipe is…

Vegetarian.

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Pesto Grilled Cheese

Pesto Grilled Cheese


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches

Description

Pesto grilled cheese makes one mouthwatering sandwich! Pair the herbaceous spread with melty mozzarella and Monterey jack cheese.


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 4 slices sourdough bread (or other artisan-style loaf)
  • 4 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into slices and patted dry
  • 2 slices (1.5 oz) Monterey jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Place a skillet over medium low heat and melt the butter. Add two bread slices to the pan and toast until one side is golden.
  2. Flip the bread slices and layer them with the pesto, fresh mozzarella cheese, and Monterey jack cheese. Top with the other slice of bread.
  3. Cook until the bread is golden brown and toasted, then flip and cook a few minutes more until the second bread slice is toasted and the cheese is warm. Return to low and cover until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately. 
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Pesto grilled cheese

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

The Magic of My Harabeoji’s Avocado BLT

My harabeoji had many secrets, and one of them was tucked inside his BLT.

He kept many things hidden—grief, remorse, worry—in an abyss of stubborn silence. He left Korea for San Diego in 1978 after enduring more than half a century of instability and …

My harabeoji had many secrets, and one of them was tucked inside his BLT.

He kept many things hidden—grief, remorse, worry—in an abyss of stubborn silence. He left Korea for San Diego in 1978 after enduring more than half a century of instability and loss. It was then, at 67, that he started anew, not to retire to manicured golf courses and poolside card games like other sexagenarians, but to work in a corner deli. He had been a widower, briefly, and now, in his new city, he was a newlywed with a new business.

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sliced egg sandwich

When things are quiet around here, one of two things are usually happening: I’m busy with a side project or traveling far from the physical Smitten Kitchen. Or, I’m really obsessed with eating something that I don’t expect to interest anyone b…

When things are quiet around here, one of two things are usually happening: I’m busy with a side project or traveling far from the physical Smitten Kitchen. Or, I’m really obsessed with eating something that I don’t expect to interest anyone but me. This month we have two for two. For the three weeks before I was briefly in San Francisco and Napa last week, I was absolutely fixated on this sandwich. Fixated! I craved it everyday. Sometimes it was breakfast; sometimes it was lunch. I could walk by a bagel shop wafting with warm everything seeds, by a cloud of bodega bacon egg and cheese sandwiches, and still beeline home to put a cold boiled egg on a roll with arugula. I know I make no sense. I decided to keep this weirdo thing myself but then I returned from California and yes, I had a suitcase full of Model Bakery english muffins and a stash of Dandelion Chocolate hot chocolate mix, and I still just needed this. I have finally accepted that the only way to move on, at least for long enough that I could tackle the rest of the amazing things I have on our cooking agenda for the summer, was to exorcise it, whether anyone cares to join in my strange little preoccupation or not.

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Here’s How to Make the Perfect Griddled Sandwiches

We’ve teamed up with Boar’s Head to give you the inside scoop on making the best griddled sandwiches at home. Psst: It all starts with using top-notch ingredients, like their Flame Grilled Chicken Breast.

There’s nothing quite like taking a bite out…

We've teamed up with Boar's Head to give you the inside scoop on making the best griddled sandwiches at home. Psst: It all starts with using top-notch ingredients, like their Flame Grilled Chicken Breast.


There’s nothing quite like taking a bite out of a perfectly griddled, fully loaded sandwich. With endless flavor combinations to fit every preference and, of course, the crunch factor that comes from the toasty bread, it’s no wonder these sandwiches are so popular. But, like many cooking methods, making griddled sandos at home can have its pitfalls—that’s where we come in. From starting with solid ingredients (like the new Flame Grilled Chicken Breast from our friends at Boar’s Head) to getting a gorgeous golden brown crust to preventing soggy sandwiches, here are five tips and tricks to make your sandwich sing.

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smashed chicken meatball sliders

There was a moment a dozen or so years ago when sliders were all the rage on restaurant menus. Precious little burgers (the traditional slider) and more clever ones like meatballs and fritters would teeter with tweezer-applied toppings on tiny…

There was a moment a dozen or so years ago when sliders were all the rage on restaurant menus. Precious little burgers (the traditional slider) and more clever ones like meatballs and fritters would teeter with tweezer-applied toppings on tiny buns and unless you unhinge your mandible to engulf (slide?) your wobbly prey whole, it was a bit of a mess too. So why am I channeling the year 2009? Sliders have been having a renaissance in my kitchen this spring because I finally realized their size is perfect for smaller eaters and makes for far more appetizing leftovers than, say, a cold burger with several bites removed, sogged into a day-old bun.

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How Win Son Bakery Makes One of Brooklyn’s Best Breakfast Sandwiches

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.

If you live in North Brooklyn, chances are you’ve already heard of Win…

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.

If you live in North Brooklyn, chances are you’ve already heard of Win Son Restaurant and Win Son Bakery, two establishments (located across the street from one another) that offer their founders’ spin on Taiwanese American cooking. And now, you can make their food at home thanks to their newly-released book, Win Son Presents a Taiwanese American Cookbook.

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Caprese Sandwich

This Caprese sandwich is a stunning crowd pleaser! Layer tomatoes, mozzarella and pesto aioli for a splash of flavor. What’s…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This Caprese sandwich is a stunning crowd pleaser! Layer tomatoes, mozzarella and pesto aioli for a splash of flavor.

Caprese Sandwich

What’s better than the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? Not much, in our opinion. So try this summery delight: the Caprese sandwich! This riff on the classic Italian salad from Capri layers the classic ingredients as a sandwich filling, with an irresistibly creamy, pesto aioli that adds a pop of savory brightness to each bite. It’s the perfect idea for an easy no-cook summer dinner, picnics, and more. When our son Larson tried a bite, he said, “Can we eat this every day?” We felt the same!

Ingredients in a Caprese sandwich

A Caprese sandwich is a sandwich that uses the ingredients in the classic Italian Caprese salad: tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. There are many variations on this concept, sometimes using arugula, balsamic vinegar, or other spreads to embellish the sandwich. The traditional Italian version of Caprese salad doesn’t use balsamic vinegar or reduction and we don’t think the flavor pairs correctly, so you won’t need that here. For this recipe, we’ve used our fan-favorite pesto aioli as a creamy spread that adds a pop of savory flavor to each bite.

Here’s what you’ll need for this Caprese sandwich:

  • Ciabatta bread or other artisan bread: This Italian bread is soft and perfect for sandwiches! Steer clear of a French baguette, which can be tough to bite through. Any other type of artisan bread works!
  • Ripe tomatoes: This is a must! This sandwich only works with the ripest, juiciest tomatoes, much like a good BLT.
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese: Purchase it in an 8 ounce ball and slice off slices for the sandwich.
  • Fresh basil: All you need is a handful of leaves per sandwich.
  • Baby arugula: Arugula adds a bit of texture and flavor variation. Make sure to buy baby arugula in a box or bag, which has a feathery texture and milder flavor. Avoid mature arugula that’s sold in bunches: the flavor is too strong.
  • Pesto aioli: This is the kicker! The pesto aioli blends basil, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice and absolutely makes the sandwich. Do not leave it out!
Caprese Sandwich

Tips for making the pesto aioli

The key to any good sandwich? A great sandwich spread. You absolutely cannot have a dry sandwich with unseasoned bread. Here, the pesto aioli adds just the right creaminess and seasoning to the entire sandwich. Here’s what to know about the pesto aioli:

  • Use a large or small food processor. A small blender would also work.
  • It works for several sandwiches. The quantity you’ll end up with is 10 tablespoons, so depending on how much you use it should work for 3 to 4 sandwiches.
  • You can make it in advance and store refrigerated. Keep in mind, the color does fade slightly over time.
Caprese Sandwich

Make ahead for a Caprese sandwich

This Caprese sandwich is perfect for a picnic: but does it hold up over time? Yes! Some sandwiches get soggy over time, but this one holds up well. However, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:

  • Spread each bread side with pesto aioli and have a layer of arugula and basil over each. This protects the bread from direct contact with the tomato or mozzarella, which can make it soggy.
  • If serving within 2 hours, refrigeration is not needed. The mayo in the sandwich spread should be refrigerated after 2 hours.
  • Otherwise, wrap and refrigerate or keep in a cooler until serving. The bread does become tougher when refrigerated, so allow the sandwich to come to room temperature before serving if possible.

Alternate method

You can also make a Caprese sandwich as a panini or hot sandwich, like the Panera Caprese sandwich. Simply use sliced sandwich bread to build the sandwich. Then toast it in a panini press for 3 to 4 minutes, or grill in a grill pan or skillet for 2 minutes per side.

Caprese Sandwich

More Caprese themed foods

Caprese has become a shorthand for anything that stars tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. Of course, nothing beats the classic Caprese salad, made the Italian way with a drizzle of great olive oil and salt. Here are a few variations on the theme:

This Caprese sandwich recipe is…

Vegetarian. For gluten-free, serve on gluten-free bread.

Print
Caprese Sandwich

Caprese Sandwich


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 sandwich

Description

This Caprese sandwich is a stunning crowd pleaser! Layer tomatoes, mozzarella and pesto aioli for a splash of flavor.


Ingredients

For the sandwich

  • 2 slices ciabatta bread
  • 2 slices ripe tomato
  • 2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (1 ounce)
  • 1 handful baby arugula
  • 1 handful basil leaves
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons pesto aioli (see below)

For the pesto aioli (makes 10 tablespoons)

  • 1 medium garlic clove
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup high quality mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Make the pesto aioli: In a food processor, blend the garlic until roughly chopped. Add the basil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt and mayonnaise. Blend until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. (Store leftovers refrigerated for 2 weeks.)
  2. Season the tomato slices with a pinch of salt. On each slice of bread, slather the pesto aioli. Build the sandwich by layering half the arugula and basil, the tomato slices, mozzarella slices, more arugula and basil, and then the aioli-slathered bread. Enjoy immediately, or wrap and refrigerate until serving.
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Summer
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Caprese sandwich

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Miznon in Paris

Miznon is hard to write about, because once inside, it’s hard to describe what’s going on. To figure out the menu, or the structure, can take some doing. It’s better just to go in with blind faith and have the experience, without trying to control or understand it. That said, I’m not a picky eater but I do like structure. So since I’m not a…

Miznon is hard to write about, because once inside, it’s hard to describe what’s going on. To figure out the menu, or the structure, can take some doing. It’s better just to go in with blind faith and have the experience, without trying to control or understand it.

That said, I’m not a picky eater but I do like structure. So since I’m not a regular at Miznon, on my first visit I had to unravel what’s on the menu since it’s a jumble of words and phrases. In other words, don’t expect a precise list with menu titles in this post. But if you go, the counter people are helpful, if hurried. And the experience is part of the fun. (If you’ve been to Tel Aviv, where Miznon originated, you know that some of the best places to eat are more free-wheeling than restaurants elsewhere.)

Continue Reading Miznon in Paris...

What’s Your Best Dish Disguised as a Sandwich?

In our last contest, we asked to see your new flavor combinations for an old classic— layer cake. We were blown away by the creativity of the submissions (especially our two finalists). This time around, we want to see that creativity channeled into a…

In our last contest, we asked to see your new flavor combinations for an old classic— layer cake. We were blown away by the creativity of the submissions (especially our two finalists). This time around, we want to see that creativity channeled into a more savory pursuit: your best dish disguised as a sandwich!

We want to see a mash-up between your favorite knife-and-fork meal and the world's most perfect handheld food: the sandwich. Try a chicken cordon bleu torta, a chana masala pita wrap, a Korean BBQ French dip au jus (seriously, someone please do this)...just give the classics a twist!

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