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Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich

5 from 1 vote
Total: 30 minutes
Serves 3 SANDWICHES

Who said vegan sandwiches couldn’t be incredibly scrumptious? Take a bite of happiness with Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich. BBQ flavor, vegan, onions, tomato, and grilled – each one is a winner. With minimal ingredients and prep work, you can have a nutritious and delectable meal in no time. 

So, try out this tofu sandwich with vegetables, and get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving for more!

Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich served with pickles

Have you ever encountered a vegan barbeque sandwich? If not, let me introduce you to our family-favorite vegan-friendly meal – Barbeque Tofu Sandwich!

Packed with flavor and nutrition, this sandwich is the perfect lunch option for anyone looking to switch up their routine.

The combination of tender grilled bbq tofu, sweet onions, tomatoes, avocado slices, and lettuce, all nestled between slices of perfectly toasted bread, creates a genuinely irresistible flavor profile.

So, if you are tired of the same old lunch options but hesitant to stray too far from your go-to meat-based choices, then step up your sandwich game and give this recipe a try and enjoy a totally new level of deliciousness – trust me, you won’t regret it!

Reasons You’ll ♡ Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich

Ready to have your taste buds blown away? Here are 8 Reasons to fall in love with this BBQ sandwich —

  • A great way to add veggies to your diet
  • A vegan alternative to traditional barbeque
  • Nutritious and guilt-free
  • Ready in minutes
  • Perfect for summer barbecues!

This sandwich offers a healthy dose of protein and vegetables that will satisfy even the most steadfast meat lover.

The best part is that this quick and simple recipe comes together with very little prep-up and requires significantly less attention. You will be in and out of the kitchen in less than 30 minutes.

It’s an effortless, satisfying meal for those days when you don’t feel like cooking and is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Ingredient List

Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich Ingredient List

Tofu — I have used extra firm Tofu for this BBQ sandwich because of its texture. Extra firm tofu holds together during cooking and crisps up nicely. The crispier the tofu slices are, the tastier they are! Its muted flavor makes it a versatile ingredient as it pairs incredibly with other ingredients and adopts the flavor of whatever it is cooked with. Tofu’s versatility makes it the ideal ingredient for all your vegan sandwich creations.

Barbecue sauceBarbecue sauce is a sticky, mildly sweet, subtly spicy sauce that enhances the flavor of just about anything it touches, from veggies to meat. Look for a vegan-friendly brand with a thick, smoky flavor. 

Soy sauce — It lends lovely umami flavor and color to the recipe. Soy sauce has high sodium content, so you can use low-sodium sauce to reduce the salt content in this recipe. 

Bread Grain bread is the base component of this irresistible vegan BBQ tofu sandwich recipe. You can also use sourdough, or multigrain bread.

Mayonnaise — I have used the vegan version, and compared to the regular mayo, it, too, has an intense, slightly tangy taste and adds a lot of flavors. 

Layers — Onion, Tomato, avocado, and lettuce; add lots for added crunch. Use firm, juicy tomatoes for this tofu sandwich. Cut thick, juicy slices of tomatoes for these sandwiches. For crunch in your sandwiches, use fresh lettuce leaves. 

Seasonings — Paprika or Red chili flakes, salt, and pepper make this sandwich superbly flavorful and yummy. 

Fresh Sprouts — This is optional, but I have added crunchy bean sprouts for an extra nutritional boost since I am a huge fan of bean sprouts. Feel free to skip if sprouts are unavailable.

Tofu Sandwich layered with sprouts

Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich Recipe Tips and Variations

Use firm tofu — Soft, medium, and firm tofu are available in the market. Using extra firm tofu will deliver excellent results for crispy tofu, as it will hold its shape and texture without falling apart.

Drain water — Draining water from the extra firm tofu is imperative for making crispier tofu slices, as dried tofu is best for this recipe. This also ensures that your air-fried tofu becomes crispy rather than becoming crumbly.

Slicing tofu — Make sure to cut the pieces of tofu evenly. Note that the smaller the cubes, the faster and crispier the tofu will get. Also, flip the tofu cubes gently to avoid breaking up the cubes.

Crisp Tofu — Before cooking tofu, remember to press excess liquid out of it by wrapping it in a dishtowel and then placing a heavy pan on top. This squeezes the extra fluid, thus making the tofu dry, firm, and ready to use. 

Perfect cooking — Make sure not to flip the tofu pieces too early while cooking. Allow enough time for one side to brown up, and flip it gently.

Save time — You can make the crispy tofu and the soup base in advance to assemble everything just before serving. This way, you will be able to save time when serving.

Bread — Choosing the proper bread is essential when it comes to creating a perfect sandwich. For our vegan barbecue tofu sandwich, we recommend using crusty bread that can hold up to the hearty filling. Sourdough or ciabatta buns are great options, as their density prevents the ingredients from falling out. 

Toasting the bread — Another key factor is toasting the bread to add an extra layer of texture and flavor. This will ensure that the sandwich remains firm while adding a nice crunch. Simply cut the bread in half, butter it, and toast in a skillet until lightly browned. 

Prepare some extra sauce — The sauce prepared for this BBQ tofu sandwich recipe is spicy and perfectly flavorsome. Make some extra sauce to drizzle over the tofu slices you plan to serve. It will add to the deliciousness!

Delightful spiciness — This Vegan BBQ tofu sandwich recipe is moderately spicy and has a subtle heat content. However, if you are a spice lover and want a different spicier version, you can use sriracha sauce, spicy mustard, or chipotle dressing. This will add just a little spicy kick.

Vegetables — While you can certainly customize the toppings to your liking, here are a few classic choices that are sure to impress even the most devoted meat lovers. You can add any leafy vegetables of your preference. Delicate vegetables like spinach, kale, and other leafy greens will add more nutrition and crunch. 

Sandwich Spread  This recipe is easily adaptable to other flavors. If you want a smoky flavor, add chipotle ranch. It adapts to this flavor fairly well and adds delectable heat to the sandwich while elevating its overall taste. 

Variations — This tofu sandwich tastes wonderful when relished as is. However, you can reveal this sandwich in a new avatar. For a fantastic twist, you can stuff the BBQ tofu slices in pita bread. Or you can also slide it inside the burger buns and enjoy it as a super-tempting Vegan BBQ Tofu burger!

Gluten-free version — You can substitute Soy sauce with Tamari for the gluten-intolerant diet.

Air-fry Tofu — Instead of pan-cooking, you can opt to air fry the tofu slices. Arrange the tofu slices in a single layer in the air-fryer insert. To keep them moist during baking, lightly spray these slices with cooking spray. Set the temperature to 375 degrees F and bake for 15 min, turning tofu slices halfway through baking.

Cooking Tofu — The secret to delicious tofu is in the preparation. Tofu can be bland and unappetizing if not cooked correctly, but with a few simple steps, it can become a protein-packed, flavorful addition to any meal.

When it comes time to cook the tofu, the key is to get it crispy on the outside while still tender on the inside. This can be achieved by either grilling or pan-frying the tofu.

Toppings — A delicious sandwich doesn’t have to be fancy; keep it simple. Adding the right combination of flavors and textures can transform this tofu sandwich into a meal that even the biggest meat lover won’t resist.

I have opted for the classic combination – onion-lettuce, and tomatoes. Feel free to add pickles, cucumbers, or any other topping you prefer. 

Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich with juice

Let me know what you think!

So, shake up your lunch routine and get ready to surprise your taste buds with this delectable, irresistible Sandwich, brimming with crispy BBQ tofu slices, fresh onion, tomato, avocado, and lettuce.

It’s perfect for vegans or anyone craving a hearty and flavorful bite! 

Should you make these Barbecue tofu vegan sandwich, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment below.

And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.

MORE COMFORTING RECIPES THAT YOU’LL LOVE!

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make the best vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich recipe

Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich

5 from 1 vote
Who said vegan sandwiches couldn’t be incredibly scrumptious? Take a bite of happiness with Vegan BBQ Tofu Sandwich. BBQ flavor, vegan, onions, tomato, and grilled – each one is a winner. With minimal ingredients and prep work, you can have a nutritious and delectable meal in no time.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Calories: 446 kcal
Servings: 3 SANDWICHES

EQUIPMENT

INGREDIENTS 

FOR TOFU

FOR SANDWICHES

  • 6 slices of Grain bread or bread of your choice
  • ¾ cup Vegan Mayonnaise
  • 1 large Tomato sliced
  • 1 large Onion sliced
  • 6 Fresh Lettuce leaves
  • Handful of Fresh sprouts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Unpack Tofu. The first step is to press the tofu to remove excess water properly.
  • This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean towel or paper towel and placing a heavy object on top, such as a cast-iron skillet, for 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the tofu to absorb flavors better.
    Press Tofu
  • Slice into pieces.
  • Next, marinate the tofu with barbecue sauce, paprika, and soy sauce. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Heat and grease a non-stick skillet and cook marinated tofu on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bbq sauce thickens and the flavor deepens. Keep turning at intervals. Once the tofu is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
    Tip — I prefer my tofu to be pan-cooked. It becomes sticky with sauce, making it challenging to handle tofu on a grill.
  • Time to assemble our sandwich. Start by toasting your bread to add some extra crunch and flavor.
  • Generously spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on both slices of the bread for a bold and tangy taste.
  • Next, add some crunch with a handful of fresh lettuce leaves. Not only do they provide a satisfying texture, but they also add a pop of color and dose of nutrition to the sandwich.
  • Add your marinated and grilled tofu slices to one side of the bread, making sure to layer them evenly.
    Tip — You can thinly slice tofu and add it to your sandwich too.
  • Top with onion and tomato slices.
    Tip — If you're not a fan of onions, sliced pickles or jalapeños could work as well.
  • Add sprouts.
  • Consider adding avocado slices or a dollop of vegan mayo for a creamy element. This will balance out the smokiness of the barbecue sauce and provide an incredible, refreshing contrast.
  • Now that we have the perfect toppings, it's time to put it together for a sandwich that will convert even the biggest meat lover.
    Serve and enjoy – this layered tofu sandwich will change your world, one bite at a time!

RECIPE NOTES

 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Is this a make-ahead recipe?
It somewhat is! You can cook the tofu slices and refrigerate them separately. When required to serve, reheat the cooked tofu slices, slice the toppings, and assemble the sandwich. Your delicious sandwich is ready to be devoured and enjoyed! 
 
How can I store my leftovers?
This tofu sandwich is best enjoyed when fresh. But you can store the leftovers in the fridge. Transfer the leftover sandwiches to an air-tight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you need to serve, reheat in the panini maker until heated through. 
 
Can I freeze this recipe?
I would not recommend that. This recipe is not suitable for freezing. If you freeze it, the bread will turn soggy upon being thawed. 
 

NUTRITION

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 1766mg | Potassium: 665mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 1071IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided above is approximate. Variations may exist due to the ingredients/brands used. These numbers should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietician.
Author: Ruchi
Course: Snacks And Appetizers
Cuisine: Eggless, Vegan

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Comments

  1. Mrs Major Hoff says:

    Looks great!

  2. MV says:

    Looks great! How did you make the sprouts