Recipes

Grilled Tofu Sandwich With Peanut Dressing

Grilled Tofu Sandwich With Peanut Dressing
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There's a trendy, Cambodian-inspired sandwich shop in Manhattan called Num Pang that makes a pretty mean tofu sandwich. Such was the inspiration behind my very own version. Mine traces its roots back to Indonesian cuisine, though, with a peanut dressing that's common on dishes like Gado Gado. Also, just as an aside: While writing this recipe I suddenly realized this would have been really good with some cucumbers and cooked bean sprouts instead of lettuce. Just a thought. Click here to see Tofu Can Be Delicious — 6 Great Recipes.
Servings
2
servings
Grilled Tofu Sandwich with Peanut Dressing
Ingredients
  • 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoon dark brown or palm sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoon sambal oelek or sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon fermented shrimp paste (optional)*
  • 1 cup fish sauce
  • 2 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup sriracha
  • one 1-inch piece lemongrass, minced
  • juice of 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
  • one 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into approximately 1/2-inch-thick slabs
  • 1 baguette, halved and split lengthwise
  • 2 lettuce leaves
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced thinly (optinal)
Directions
  1. Combine the peanuts and sugar in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until combined. With the machine running, gradually add the water until slightly grainy while still runny. It should not turn creamy like peanut butter; there should still be some texture.** Blend in the sambal oelek or Sriracha and fermented shrimp paste, if using.
  2. In a bowl or shallow dish, mix together the first 7 ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. Add the tofu and marinate for at least ½ hour and up to 2 hours to let the tofu absorb the flavors.
  3. Then, preheat a gas grill or cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. When hot, add the tofu and grill until grill marks appear, about 5 minutes on each side.
  4. Slather the baguette halves with peanut dressing and make 2 sandwiches. Slice the tofu again into thinner slices, if desired, and add the tofu to the bottom bread slices. Then add the lettuce, cilantro, and jalapeño, if using, and the top slices. Serve.
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