Stacked Deli Sandwiches with Seared Tofu
Makes 2 to 4 sandwiches
Sear extra-firm tofu that has been coated lightly with liquid aminos (a blend of amino acids and plant proteins) for a punch of umami; you can also treat the slices with pesto, Buffalo sauce, or your favourite marinade or dry rub before cooking to add extra flavour. How you choose to layer the ingredients is all about you — there are no rules.
For the tofu
One 0.5-kg block of extra-firm tofu, well-drained and patted dry
Liquid aminos, such as Bragg Liquid Aminos (typically available as a spray) 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
For the sandwiches
4 slices of sandwich bread of your choice, lightly toasted
4 tablespoons Herbed Tofu Mayonnaise (see related recipe)
Several leaves of green leaf lettuce
113 grams sliced ham
1 to 2 dill pickles, sliced lengthwise into strips
113 grams sliced salami or pepperoni 113 grams sliced cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar or muenster, or a combination) 2 tomatoes, sliced
4 strips bacon, cooked until crisp, then drained
For the tofu: Cut the tofu into eight slices, about ½-inch each. Pat each slice dry, as needed. Coat each side with the liquid aminos.
Heat half the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add four slices of the tofu; cook for five minutes or until golden brown and lightly crisp, then turn them over and cook for five minutes on the second sides. Transfer to a plate to cool; repeat with the remaining oil and the rest of the tofu slices.
For the sandwiches: Lay out four slices of the toasted bread and spread each with 1 tablespoon of the Herbed Tofu Mayonnaise. Place a lettuce leaf on two of the pieces of toast, then add alternating slices of tofu, ham, pickles, salami, cheese, tomatoes and bacon.
Top each with another lettuce leaf and finish with the remaining slices of toasted bread. Serve right away.
Per serving (based on four): 550 calories, 37 grams protein, 28 g carbohydrates, 32 g fat, 11 g saturated fat, 80 milligrams cholesterol, 1,290 mg sodium, 4 g dietary fibre, 6 g sugar