This protein-packed (40g!) tofu sandwich is quickly pan-fried for a crisp exterior and slathered with an easy homemade peanut sauce for a dinner-worthy sandwich you’ll fall in love with!

tofu sandwich with peanut sauce and cilantro on white plate
Packed with 40g of protein, this satay-inspired tofu sandwich is full meal all on its own!

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was subjected to my fair share of lame sandwiches: soft bread, almost no filling, kind of flavourless. So, it took me a while to realize that a sandwich could be SO much more.

A good sandwich is actually one of my favourite things. So it should come as no surprise to anyone who has been here a while that I have some, ahem, opinions on what makes a good sandwich.

Give me FLAVOUR. And TEXTURE. Also, a good sandwich should always be a little bit messy. I don’t make the rules…it’s just better that way. Oh and make it filling, like this high fibre and high protein tofu sandwich smothered in satay-inspired peanut sauce.

As a dietitian, I think sandwiches get a bad rap nutrition wise. But I gotta tell you: if you choose your components well, a sandwich transforms into a super healthy meal! A sprouted grain bread will give you the fibre you need. Then just pile on the veggies AND protein, plus a little healthy fat to fill you up. 

Tofu is one of my fave sandwich proteins because it’s so versatile (if you haven’t tried my shaved tofu sandwich with balsamic onions I highly recommend!) And this make-ahead friendly tofu sandwich really does have it all. It’s a meal all on its own with 12 grams of fibre (made with sprouted grain bread) and a whopping 40 grams of protein

All you need to know to rock this satay tofu sandwich

This one couldn’t be simpler: 20 minutes, 4 ingredients plus my easy 5 minute peanut sauce.

bread, tofu, cucumber, cilantro on terrazzo background
Not into cilantro? Sub any green you like!

A sandwich this good is just as crave-worthy at lunch as it is at dinner. And because the only cooking is pan-frying the tofu, you could easily double up and prep it ahead of time for sandwiches all week long.

More yummy, filling vegan sandwiches and wraps:

  • Buffalo Shredded Tofu Wrap
  • Vegan Tofu “Egg” Salad (low FODMAP)
  • Vegan Chickpea “Tuna” Sandwich
  • Easy Cumin Lime Black Bean Burgers with Oats
tofu sandwich with peanut sauce and cilantro on white plate

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20 Minute Pan-fried Satay Tofu Sandwich

This protein-packed (40g!) tofu sandwich is quickly pan-fried for a crisp exterior and slathered with an easy homemade peanut sauce for a dinner-worthy sandwich you’ll fall in love with!
Course Lunch, Main Course, sandwich
Cuisine American, Thai
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword peanut sauce, Tofu, vegan sandwich
Dietary Preference dairy free, Gluten-Free, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Author Desiree Nielsen, RD

Equipment

  • immersion blender or bullet blender for the peanut sauce

Ingredients

  • 4 slices high fibre sandwich bread gluten free if needed, see notes for low FODMAP
  • 12 ounce package extra firm tofu patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 4 inch piece cucumber thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • small handful fresh cilantro tough ends trimmed
  • ¼ batch peanut sauce I highly recommend you make a full batch…you’ll use it!
  • salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions

  • If you haven’t already, whip up the peanut sauce with your immersion blender or bullet blender. Set aside.
  • Slice the tofu in half horizontally so you end up with 2 thinner rectangles.
  • Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet on medium and add the tofu. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Cook until crisp and browned, 4-6 minutes. Flip, salt and pepper and cook until crisp, another 4-6 minutes.
  • Toast 4 slices of bread. Slather each slice with peanut sauce (about a tablespoon each slice). Place the tofu on one side of each sandwich and top with sliced cucumber and cilantro sprigs. Add a bit more peanut sauce if you want it extra saucy and enjoy!

Notes

You can make a low FODMAP version of this sandwich if you need! Just use a low FODMAP gluten free bread like Schaar and omit the garlic from the peanut sauce. 

Technically, we only have a low FODMAP rating for firm tofu at 170g. But given that half a package of my extra firm is also 170g, I think we’re close here. If you’re worried, just use a little less tofu. 

pinterest graphic of tofu sandwich with package of tofu, slices of bread and peanut sauce in jar
Quick pan-fried tofu, greens and homemade peanut sauce make this a filling and nourishing plant-based sandwich!

The post 20 Minute Pan-fried Satay Tofu Sandwich appeared first on Desiree Nielsen.

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