Spicy Crispy Tofu Grilled (Printable Version)

Crispy tofu coated in smoky spices with melted vegan cheese between toasted sourdough slices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Tofu Preparation

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 Assembly

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)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dredge tofu slices until evenly coated.
03 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and warmed through. Set aside.
04 - Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice. If using, spread vegan mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of two slices.
05 - Place bread slice, buttered side down, then layer vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if desired, another cheese slice, and top with second bread slice, buttered side up.
06 - Clean skillet and 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.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • That crispy, golden tofu actually has a soul—it's the real reason you'll come back to this.
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, and the spice is bold enough to feel adventurous without being aggressive.
  • Vegan doesn't mean giving up that gooey, indulgent grilled cheese experience.
02 -
  • If your tofu isn't properly pressed, it will never get crispy no matter how hot your pan is—moisture is the enemy of crunch.
  • The spice coating should be visible and golden on the tofu, not pale; if it looks shy, your heat wasn't high enough or your oil wasn't hot enough to begin with.
  • Vegan cheese behaves differently than dairy—some brands refuse to melt, so test yours with a single sandwich first before committing to dinner for two.
03 -
  • If you want extra umami depth, brush the sourdough lightly with miso paste before buttering—it sounds weird but it works.
  • Make your tofu slices slightly thinner than you think they should be; they'll cook faster and get crispier without drying out inside.
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