Nashville-Style Hot Tofu Sandwiches

This vegetarian riff on the classic southern sandwich is a quick trip to your happy place. For a Cali spin, smash it into a Dutch Crunch roll, with a crunchy fresh slaw on top.

What You Get

Scallions

Parsley

Shredded cabbage

Lime

Firm tofu

Cajun seasoning

Dutch Crunch sandwich rolls

What You’ll Need

Olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Sugar

Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

All-purpose flour

Vegetable oil

Cayenne pepper (optional)

Mayo (optional)

Makes 3 servings

45 minutes active

45 minutes total

Step 1

Trim and slice about ¼ cup scallions. Pick the parsley, toss the stems, and chop the leaves. In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, scallions, and parsley, drizzle with the juice of 1 lime and 2 tablespoons olive oil, season with a pinch of salt, and toss to combine. Set aside and let marinate.

Step 2

Remove the tofu from the packaging, cut into 3 lengthwise slabs, and press each slab between paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 3

In a shallow bowl, dissolve ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon sugar, and ¼ cup vinegar. Set the tofu in the vinegar mixture. Pour 1½ cups flour onto a separate plate, and season with salt and pepper. Place a clean plate at the end. Working with one piece of tofu at a time, gently lift it from the vinegar mixture, careful to keep the piece intact. Dredge it in the flour, gently shaking to remove any excess. Transfer the breaded pieces to the clean plate. Repeat for remaining tofu slabs.

Step 4

In a cast-iron skillet or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat, pour in vegetable oil about ¼ inch deep. When the oil shimmers, add the tofu slabs, working in batches if necessary and spacing the pieces to avoid sticking. Fry until crispy and golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle the tofu with salt and keep warm.

Step 5

In a large bowl, stir together ¼ cup of the hot oil from the pan with the Cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon cayenne, if you want a kick. Drizzle the mixture over the fried tofu. Toast and slice the sandwich rolls.

Step 6

To assemble the sandwiches, place the rolls on plates, spread with mayo, if you want some more richness, and stack with the hot tofu and cabbage slaw. Gently smash the sandwiches to hold together and serve warm.

Contains: fish, wheat, soybeans.