These vegetarian tofu banh mi are Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches stuffed with crispy fried tofu, pickled veggies, and spicy peanut sauce.
vegetarian tofu banh mi with spicy peanut sauce

Can I tell you how refreshing it is to encounter a vegetarian sandwich that’s ingredient list is more varied and complex than:

cheese

carbs

more cheese

tomatoes.

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Not that there’s anything wrong with cheese. I’d just like to make that clear.

But for once I’d like to go to a deli and be presented with a vegetarian option other than “tomato, basil, mozzarella”.

“With lettuce if you insist“.

And maybe hummus. If we’re really getting crazy.

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There’s a slight possibility that I expect too much.

And now after having this tofu banh mi, which is all at once:

crispy

crunchy

pickled

spicy

tart

tangy

nutty.

I’m really going to be spoiled.

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And so are you too, because you are under strict orders to get banh mi-ing in your own kitchen.

Life is too short to waste it eating boring sandwiches. And this is anything but.

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Vegetarian Tofu Banh Mi with Spicy Peanut Sauce
 
These vegetarian tofu banh mi are Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches stuffed with crispy fried tofu, pickled veggies, and spicy peanut sauce.
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
  • 14 oz extra firm tofu, sliced crosswise into ½-inch thick slabs
  • salt and black pepper
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced thin
  • 1 tsp grated lime zest
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 Italian sub rolls, split lengthwise and toasted
Instructions
  1. Place tofu on a paper towel-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let drain for 20 minutes. Press dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper. Dredge tofu in the cornstarch and transfer to a plate.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the carrots, cucumber, lime juice, and soy sauce. Let rest for 15 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, peanut butter, sriracha and lime zest.
  4. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until both sides are browned and crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  5. Spread the spicy peanut butter sauce over both cut sides of each roll. Layer the tofu and the pickled veggies on the rolls. Gently press sandwiches together to set. Serve.
Notes
Slightly adapted from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 sandwich

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26 Responses to Vegetarian Tofu Banh Mi with Spicy Peanut Sauce

  1. Johanna GGG says:

    Oh that looks so good – I get so tired of boring sandwiches – ironically we have a new New York style deli in Melbourne that does such amazing vegan sandwiches – but as I don’t get there often enough I need to try this

  2. OK, so this is perfect spicy sandwich deliciousness…maybe I will finally get the Southern husband to try tofu this way? Miracles CAN happen…

  3. Emma says:

    Oh, divine! I love the pickled veg and peanut sauce! Hope you are enjoying Italy 🙂

  4. A fantastic vegetarian sandwich! The sauce sounds really great.

  5. Lori Rice says:

    You have no idea how much I want this for lunch today! Serious yum.

  6. Marcia says:

    This looks super good. I forgot I bought tofu awhile back and put it in the freezer. Hm…

  7. Tina says:

    This is what I need, comfort food. We’ve had a rough week losing our old dog & I needed to visit my happy places. I’m glad you are posting.
    Watching your photos on Instagram and enjoying very much!

  8. I’ve used Greek yogurt with meats before – but not with tofu – this sounds so delicious!

  9. Lynn says:

    I love a banh mi sandwich – yours looks wonderful!

  10. Yes to that peanut sauce. I would want to dip everything in it. But this sounds like a good place to start.

  11. Julia says:

    CAN YOU BELIEVE I’ve never had a Banh Mi anything? In fact, I’m not even sure how to pronounce it. Insert embarrassed face emoji here. From the looks of it, this thang is right up my alley. Pickled? Nutty? SOLD!

  12. Life IS too short for boring sandwiches (though I admittedly do love a good cheese sandwich). This one looks so fresh and flavorful!

  13. Yum.. it’s been so long since i’ve had a sandwich… i recently went to 2 Tablespoons and had a quinoa, tofu peanut combo… sensational!!!!

  14. Erica says:

    Love love that the peanut sauce is spicy, AND that this is meatless! So happening in my kitchen soon.

  15. I totally agree that life is too short for boring anything 🙂

  16. Asha says:

    Girl you are killing with those tempting pictures. The best vegetarian sandwich ever. I’m in love with the spicy sauce. Will be making this soon.

  17. Veronica says:

    Making a bahn mi is seriously on my bucket list. You go girl.

  18. I have a love affair with ban mi and now I jsut want to try this one Joanne

  19. Boring sandwiches are why I rarely eat sandwiches. This might change that!!

  20. […] Vegetarian Tofu Bahn Mi with Spicy Peanut Sauce via Joanne Eats Well […]

  21. Kate says:

    This is what we ate the night I went into labor! But with daikon instead of cucumber.

  22. Sarah says:

    Mmmm you had me at bahn mi. Love it!

  23. Lisa says:

    I don’t usually eat tofu, but I think I’m sold on this dish.

  24. […] Vegetarian Tofu Bahn Mi with spicy peanut sauce – from Joanne eats well with others […]

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