Crispy Tofu Tender Banh Mi Sandwich
Make a Hearty and Delicious Banh Mi Sandwich with Savory Tofu Tenders
Introducing a unique Banh Mi sandwich recipe that uses protein-rich tofu tenders instead of meat. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the tofu tenders, combined with fresh vegetables and a sweet and spicy sauce, create a wonderful meal or snack that everyone can enjoy. While it was good as a side dish for rice, transforming it into a sandwich makes it even more delightful!
Essential Ingredients- 2 slices Whole wheat bread
- 6 pieces Tofu tenders (cooked in air fryer or pan)
- Sriracha sauce, to taste
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- 1/2 Cucumber
- 1/2 Carrot
Optional Add-ins- 1 Boiled egg
- Fresh cilantro, a handful
- Lettuce or your favorite leafy greens, a handful
- Pickled radish or sprouts, a small amount
- 1 Boiled egg
- Fresh cilantro, a handful
- Lettuce or your favorite leafy greens, a handful
- Pickled radish or sprouts, a small amount
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your workspace for making the sandwich. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and place one slice of whole wheat bread on top. This will help you wrap the sandwich snugly later.
Step 2
Spread a mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce on the bread slice in approximately a 1:1 ratio. Mixing the sauces beforehand creates a beautiful, even layer of flavor.
Step 3
If mixing the sauces beforehand seems like too much trouble, you can simply drizzle each sauce directly onto the bread and spread them. Sriracha sauce adds heat, so if you’re sensitive to spicy food, use it sparingly or omit it. Remember that the tofu tenders themselves might have a slight spiciness!
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the fresh vegetables. Slice the cucumber and carrot lengthwise and arrange them attractively on top of the bread. Their crisp texture will make your sandwich even more satisfying.
Step 5
Feel free to slice the cucumber and carrot casually without worrying about precise shapes. If you have pickled radish or sprouts on hand, adding them will bring a refreshing and complex flavor to your sandwich. (I omitted them as I didn’t have them prepared.)
Step 6
Next, add the prepared tofu tenders. Place the tofu tenders, which have been crisped up in an air fryer or pan, beautifully over the vegetables. The crispy outside and tender inside of the tofu tenders are the star of this sandwich.
Step 7
While the sandwich is technically complete at this stage, I decided to add a boiled egg for extra heartiness. If you want to make your sandwich even more substantial, try mashing or slicing a boiled egg to include it.
Step 8
For that authentic Banh Mi aroma, generously add fresh cilantro. Cilantro is optional, and you can substitute it with lettuce or other leafy greens according to your preference. It adds a pleasant crispness and freshness, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 9
Now, for the top slice of bread. Spread the same 1:1 mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce on the remaining slice of bread and place it on top of the fillings. This completes the basic structure of your sandwich. Isn’t it simple?
Step 10
Here’s a look at the side of the completed sandwich. You could also use chicken tenders or your favorite ingredients instead of tofu tenders for variations. Get creative and make your own unique Banh Mi sandwich! (The sandwich in the photo highlights the tofu tenders.)
Step 11
Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap to keep everything in place. Wrapping it twice with plastic wrap helps maintain its shape and prevents the fillings from spilling out. Press down firmly as you wrap.
Step 12
Finally, slice the plastic-wrapped sandwich in half to serve. Your delicious Tofu Tender Banh Mi Sandwich is now complete! Cutting it in half makes the fillings look even more appealing and makes it easier to hold and eat.
