Crispy Tofu Sandwich

Welcome to the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.

Tofu Sandwich

Here’s your ultimate tofu sandwich: crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles create a flavor explosion that will have you wanting seconds after the first bite!

We modeled this recipe after a crispy fish sandwich, right down to that savory creamy sauce, and it’s got all the most satisfying flavor and texture contrasts. We tested it on a friend who claims to not like tofu, and she gobbled it right up! It’s a fun plant-based recipe and vegan dinner to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients in a tofu sandwich

Here’s the thing about a tofu sandwich: tofu has a very soft texture. It’s so soft, in fact, that it can be hard to detect texture-wise when served on bread if you’re not careful. That’s why we created this crispy breaded tofu. To make a satisfying sandwich, you’ve got to have that contrasting texture of the protein.

Add to that veggies, crunchy pickles, and Russian dressing, which is that irresistibly tangy condiment that makes a Big Mac so satiating. (I’m starting to salivate just thinking about it!) Here’s what you’ll need for this tofu sandwich recipe:

  • Extra firm tofu
  • Seasonings: Soy sauce, panko, (plain unseasoned), cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Buns
  • Shredded lettuce or greens
  • Pickles
  • Russian Dressing
Tofu Sandwich

Tips for making breaded tofu

The star of the show in this sandwich is the panko breaded tofu, which gives it a lovely crisp exterior similar to the vibe of a crispy fish sandwich. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb mixture that is airier and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs. You’ll press a mix of panko and cornstarch onto the outside of the tofu, then pan fry until crispy. Here are a few tips:

  • There’s no need to press the tofu! Many tofu recipes press out the liquid, which takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. But there’s no need for a wait time with this recipe! Simply pat it dry with a towel.
  • Slice the tofu into rectangles. We like to slice the tofu into 8 thin slabs lengthwise, then in half for 16 rectangles total. You can do other shapes, but these are easy to work with.
  • Dip the tofu in soy sauce before breading. Dip each side into tofu, then remove them to a plate. This helps to get the seasoning all the way through before breading.
  • Pan fry the tofu in batches. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet (or enough to cover the bottom) and add half the tofu slabs. Cook on medium high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
Breaded tofu on plate

Tips for the buns

It’s helpful to have a sturdy bun with a texture like an artisan bread for this tofu sandwich, like a ciabatta roll. Many hamburger buns are soft and fluffy, which make for a less satisfying sandwich since the tofu has a soft texture. These work for proteins like hamburger and fish that have a lot of texture, but it’s not as delicious with tofu.

For vegan, make sure the bun has vegan ingredients. Most ciabatta rolls are vegan, as are artisan breads like sourdough or no knead bread.

Why to use Russian dressing

You know that creamy, savory sauce that makes you unable to stop inhaling a Reuben sandwich or a Big Mac? Yes, that’s Russian dressing. It’s very easy to make at home, and a slather of it makes any sandwich undeniably delicious. It’s made of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few other key tangy and savory ingredients that work together to make it altogether addicting.

Russian dressing takes this breaded tofu sandwich over the top, so make sure to include it when you make the sandwich! If you eat fully vegan, make sure to make the sauce with vegan mayonnaise.

Tofu Sandwich

Sides to serve with this tofu sandwich

How to turn this tofu sandwich into a meal? Add a side of coleslaw, fries, or salad and you’ve got a hearty dinner! Here are a few ways we’d accessorize it:

Dietary notes

This breaded tofu sandwich recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free; for vegan, use vegan buns and vegan mayonnaise.

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Breaded Tofu Sandwich

Tofu Sandwich
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5 from 3 reviews

Welcome to the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tofu
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu
  • Soy sauce, for dipping
  • 1 cup plain panko 
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder 
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for cooking
  • 4 buns, for serving*
  • Shredded lettuce or mixed greens (or coleslaw mix)
  • 1 handful pickles
  • 1 recipe Russian Dressing (use vegan mayonnaise for vegan)

Instructions

  1. Slice the tofu into 8 thin slabs lengthwise, then in half for 16 rectangles total. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
  2. Place the tofu slabs in a shallow bowl with 4 tablespoons soy sauce, dipping each side in, then remove them to a plate. Discard the remaining soy sauce.
  3. Meanwhile, make the breading station: mix the panko, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl, then pour it onto a plate in a single layer.
  4. Dip the tofu slabs into the breading mix, pressing it in with your fingers to help it adhere to each side.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet and add half the tofu slabs (or enough to cover the bottom). Cook on medium high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Repeat with the second batch of tofu.
  6. Make the sandwich by layering the tofu on a bun with pickles, Russian dressing, and topping with chopped greens. Enjoy immediately. Leftover tofu lasts up to 3 days; rewarm in a dry skillet before serving.

Notes

*It’s helpful to have a sturdy bun with a texture like an artisan bread (like a ciabatta roll). A soft and fluffy hamburger bun is less satisfying since the tofu has a soft texture. For vegan, make sure the bun has vegan ingredients.

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More tofu recipes

There are so many tasty ways to enjoy this vegan protein! Here are some of our favorite tofu recipes:



from A Couple Cooks
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Sonja Overhiser
February 19, 2025 at 11:19AM

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