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Spicy Fried Tofu Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 130 reviews

This Spicy Fried “Chicken” Sandwich features crispy, golden tofu that mimics the texture and bold flavors of traditional fried chicken. Marinated in a tangy mixture of pickle brine, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce, the tofu is double-dredged in a spicy seasoned flour and cornmeal blend before being pan-fried to perfection. Served on soft hamburger buns with fresh lettuce, pickles, and a zesty garlic mayo, this vegan sandwich delivers a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Marinade

  • 2 (14-oz.) blocks extra-firm tofu, drained
  • 1/4 cup brine from bread and butter pickles, plus pickles for serving
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Breading Mixture

  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely ground yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Frying and Sandwich Assembly

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (2 to 3 cups)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 soft hamburger buns
  • 4 green lettuce leaves

Instructions

  1. Freeze Tofu: Arrange tofu blocks in a single layer on a freezer-safe plate or in a large plastic container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze until solid, at least 5 hours and up to 1 month.
  2. Defrost and Drain: Remove tofu from freezer and allow it to thaw completely, about 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Drain off any excess water.
  3. Press Tofu: Line a baking sheet with several sheets of paper towels and arrange tofu in a single layer. Place additional layers of paper towels on top followed by another baking sheet. Weight the top sheet with heavy items like cookbooks or cans and let drain for at least 1 hour or up to overnight, changing paper towels as needed to absorb moisture.
  4. Prepare Marinade and Breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together pickle brine, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. In another shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, baking powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
  5. Cut and Dredge Tofu: Cut each block of tofu horizontally into two thinner planks for a total of 4 pieces. One at a time, dredge tofu pieces first in the flour mixture, then dip into the brine mixture, back into the flour, then again into the brine, and a final dip into the flour mixture. Place coated tofu pieces on a clean plate.
  6. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, reduce heat to medium to maintain a steady frying temperature.
  7. Fry Tofu: Fry tofu pieces in the hot oil, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer fried tofu to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
  8. Make Garlic Mayo: Smash the garlic clove with the side of a knife and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to mash into a paste and scrape into a small bowl. Stir in vegan mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Assemble Sandwiches: Spread the garlic mayo generously on the bottom halves of the buns. Top with green lettuce leaves, fried tofu, and pickle slices. Drizzle additional hot sauce if desired and close sandwiches with the top buns. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Freezing the tofu helps achieve a firm, meaty texture similar to fried chicken.
  • Pressing the tofu after thawing removes extra moisture for better frying crispiness.
  • If you don’t have bread and butter pickle brine, use dill pickle brine or a mix of pickle juice and a bit of sugar as a substitute.
  • Monitor the oil temperature to prevent burning or undercooking the tofu.
  • For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or serve with additional hot sauce.
  • Serve immediately for the best combination of crispy texture and fresh flavors.
  • Use vegan mayonnaise to keep the sandwich fully plant-based.

Keywords: Spicy fried tofu sandwich, vegan fried chicken sandwich, tofu sandwich recipe, crispy fried tofu, plant-based sandwich, spicy sandwich, vegan comfort food

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/spicy-fried-tofu-sandwich-recipe/