Crispy Fried Tofu Sandwich

• servings: 6 items
• total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained

1 1/2 cups pickle juice

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon gochugaru or red-pepper flakes

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or other neutral oil

1/2 cup Dijon mustard

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

1 teaspoon black pepper

Grapeseed oil or other neutral oil, for frying

6 potato buns or other soft rolls

Vegan mayonnaise and hot sauce, as needed

Thinly shredded green cabbage and dill pickles, for serving

Directions

Prepare the marinated tofu: Line a baking sheet with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cut the tofu crosswise into two rectangles that are each about 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Slice each rectangle into three 1/2-inch thick slabs and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet. Cover the sliced tofu with more towels and gently press each piece to extract some of the moisture.

In a large bowl, combine the pickle juice, hot sauce, mustard and gochugaru.

Heat the grapeseed oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the tofu to form a golden-brown crust, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Immediately drop the hot tofu into the pickle juice mixture. Refrigerate and let the tofu marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight.

Prepare the fried tofu: In a medium shallow bowl, stir the mustard with 1/4 cup water until it’s the consistency of heavy cream and set aside. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt and pepper.

In a Dutch oven or sturdy pot, heat 2 inches of grapeseed oil over medium heat and set a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Remove the tofu from the brine and pat dry. Dip the tofu in the mustard mixture, turning until coated all over, then the flour mixture; dip it again in the mustard then flour until twice coated. When the oil temperature reaches 350 degrees, carefully place the battered tofu into the hot oil and fry, flipping as needed, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer the fried tofu to the wire rack and sprinkle with a little salt.

To serve, toast the buns and spread generously with mayo and dot with hot sauce, if desired. Top with fried tofu, cabbage and dill pickles, and eat immediately.