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Spicy Fried Tofu Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

This Spicy Fried “Chicken” Sandwich features crispy, golden fried tofu coated in a flavorful seasoned crust and layered with tangy pickles, fresh lettuce, and a zesty garlic mayo. The tofu is first frozen and pressed to achieve the perfect texture before being dipped in a spicy batter and fried to perfection. This vegan sandwich is a delicious plant-based alternative that delivers all the heat and crunch of a classic fried chicken sandwich.

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 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

Breading Mix

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

Frying and Assembly

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (2 to 3 cups)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp. 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 container and cover with plastic wrap or a lid. Freeze until solid, at least 5 hours and up to 1 month.
  2. Defrost & Drain: Remove tofu from freezer and let defrost completely, about 4 hours on the counter or overnight in the refrigerator. Drain off any excess water.
  3. Press Tofu: Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place tofu in a single layer. Top with additional paper towels and another baking sheet. Weight down with heavy objects and let drain for at least 1 hour, changing paper towels as needed to absorb moisture, or up to overnight in the fridge.
  4. Prepare Marinade and Breadings: In a shallow bowl, whisk together pickle brine, mustard, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. In another shallow bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, chili powder, cayenne, onion powder, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
  5. Slice & Coat Tofu: Cut each tofu block horizontally into 2 thinner planks to make 4 total pieces. For each, coat in the flour mixture, then dip into the brine mixture. Repeat flour, brine, and finish with a final flour coating. Place coated tofu on a clean plate.
  6. Heat Oil & Fry Tofu: Pour vegetable oil to a 1/2″ depth into a large cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Reduce heat to medium and carefully fry tofu pieces, turning once, until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  7. Make Garlic Mayo: On a cutting board, smash garlic clove with the back of a knife and season with salt. Continue to mash into a paste, then transfer to a small bowl. Stir in vegan mayonnaise and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  8. Assemble Sandwich: Spread garlic mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with a leaf of lettuce, a fried tofu piece, and pickles. Drizzle with additional hot sauce if desired, then close with the top bun.

Notes

  • Freezing and pressing tofu creates a firmer, meatier texture perfect for frying.
  • Adjust cayenne and hot sauce amounts to control spice level to your preference.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat retention during frying.
  • Drain tofu thoroughly to ensure the breading adheres properly and it fries crispy.
  • Vegan mayonnaise can be substituted with regular mayo for a non-vegan version.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispiness of the fried tofu.

Keywords: spicy fried tofu sandwich, vegan fried chicken sandwich, spicy tofu sandwich, plant-based fried chicken, vegan sandwich recipe

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