This hot, grilled tofu sandwich is a protein-packed, plant-based, and hearty option that will satisfy your cravings. Made with shaved tofu deli meat and grilled to a golden brown, this is sure to be your new favorite vegan sandwich!

A grilled tofu sandwich cut in half and stacked on a blue plate.

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Why make this recipe

Tofu deili meat is a great way to create an affordable vegan sandwich that is high in protein and will keep you full. I love serving it hot on grilled bread with a spicy tahini sauce for added flavor.

With so few affordable vegan sandwich fillings that will actually satisfy my hungry teenage boys, this shaved tofu sandwich is a great plant-based choice. Plus, it’s simply delicious!

Ingredients and substitutions

  • High-Protein Tofu – or extra-firm tofu that has been drained and pressed.
  • Bragg’s Liquid Aminos – or tamari. You can also use soy sauce, but please note that it is not gluten-free, which may be a consideration for you.
  • Liquid Smoke (hickory flavored) – I use the Colgin brand. Please note that other brands may have a stronger flavor. You can also swap this out for smoked paprika if you don’t have liquid smoke.
  • Smoked Paprika – for flavor.
  • Garlic Powder – for flavor. You can also swap this out for onion powder or use half of each.
  • Cayenne – just a dash is optional for a bit of spice.
  • Cooking Oil – Any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil or light olive oil, will work to prevent the shaved tofu from sticking to the cookie sheet.
  • Bread – any sliced vegan bread or rolls will work.
  • Vegan Butter – to spread on the bread before grilling. You can also use any vegan margarine, coconut oil, or cooking oil to crisp up the bread.
  • Condiments and Toppings – I love to top this sandwich with spicy tahini sauce, vegan garlic aioli, vegan chipotle mayo, or vegan sriracha mayo. It’s also delicious with some sliced tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, vegan mozzarella, vegan pesto, or pickled red onions.

Helpful tools

  • An Iron Skillet – or heavy-bottomed frying pan to grill the sandwich.

How to make a grilled tofu sandwich

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

Make the shaved tofu deli meat

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

Step 2 – Drain a block of high-protein tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Then use a mandoline or peeler to slice the tofu into thin shavings and place them into a shallow container.

Step 3 – Combine vegetable broth, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper to make a tofu marinade. Stir well, then pour it over the shaved tofu and let it sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Marinaded shaved tofu spread out on a sheet pan before cooking to make tofu deli meat.
Spread out the shaved marinated tofu on an oiled sheet pan.
A top view of marinated shaved tofu after it has cooked on a sheet pan.
Bake until the marinaded is absorbed and the edges are crispy.

Step 4 – Grease a sheet pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then pour the shaved marinated tofu onto the pan, including the marinade liquid.

Step 5 – Spread the tofu out evenly, then bake at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping after 15 minutes. Cook until the excess liquid has been absorbed and the edges of the tofu begin to get crispy.

Assemble and grill the sandwich

Step 6 – Lightly butter one side of your bread. Place the buttered side down on the skillet, top with the baked, shaved tofu, and drizzle with spicy tahini sauce or your preferred condiment. Then, place the other piece of bread on top, buttered side up.

A shaved tofu sandwich with tahini sauce drizzled on top.
Top the sandwich with sliced tomato, shaved tofu, and tahini sauce.
A grilled tofu sandwich cooking on an iron skillet.
Grill both sides until golden brown.

Step 7 – Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, and serve hot.

A grilled tofu sandwich in an iron skillet.

Pro Tips

  • The shaved tofu will make enough for about 4-5 sandwiches, depending on how thick you make them. You can store the leftover tofu deli meat in the fridge for up to 5 days and use it on sandwiches throughout the week.
  • If you want to make this sandwich oil-free, you can bake the tofu on parchment paper and serve it on toast or plain bread instead of grilling it.
A shaved tofu sandwich cut in half and stacked on a blue plate.

More vegan sandwiches

Tofu sandwich recipe

A grilled tofu sandwich made with shaved tofu on a blue plate.
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Grilled Tofu Sandwich with Shaved Tofu

Yield: 4
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Author: Monica Davis
A hearty vegan sandwich made with vegan deli meat made from shaved tofu and grilled to a golden brown.
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Ingredients

For the shaved tofu

  • 1 (16oz) package high-protein tofu
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos, or tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 dash cayenne pepper, optional for spice
  • 2 tablespoons light olive oil, or other neutral-flavored oil

For the sandwich

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  • Drain a block of high-protein tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Then use a mandoline or peeler to slice the tofu into thin shavings and place them into a shallow container.
  • Combine vegetable broth, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper to make a tofu marinade. Stir well, then pour it over the shaved tofu and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 days in the fridge.
  • Grease a sheet pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then pour the shaved marinated tofu onto the pan, including the marinade liquid.
  • Spread the tofu out evenly, then bake at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping after 15 minutes.. Cook until the excess liquid has been absorbed and the edges of the tofu begin to get crispy.
  • Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days for use on sandwiches and wraps.
  • Lightly butter one side of your bread. Place the buttered side down on the skillet, top with the baked shaved tofu, and drizzle with spicy tahini sauce or your condiment of choice. Then, place the other piece of bread on top, buttered side up.
  • Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can prep the tofu up to 2 days ahead and let it sit in the marinade until you are ready to bake it.
  • Watch the shaved tofu closely towards the end of cooking, as it is sliced so thin that it can burn quickly.
  • If you don’t have a mandoline, a standard vegetable peeler will work well for slicing the tofu into super-thin slices.
  • The shaved tofu will make enough for about 4-5 sandwiches, depending on how thick you make them. You can store the leftover tofu deli meat in the fridge for up to 5 days and use it on sandwiches throughout the week.
  • If you want to make this sandwich oil-free, you can bake the tofu on parchment paper and serve it on toast or plain bread instead of grilling it.
Serving: 1sandwich, Calories: 422kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Sodium: 690mg, Potassium: 380mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 412IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 133mg, Iron: 4mg
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