Tofu Italian Beef Sandwich

Before you come at me with angst about this not being a classic Italian Beef Sandwich, just stop and scroll on to the next recipe. This one is for those who can’t or have chosen not to eat meat.

This Tofu Italian Beef Sandwich isn’t here to fool anybody; it’s just a yummy sandwich with protein-rich tofu that’s been marinated in Italian beef spices. I didn’t even use a true Italian beef bun because I prefer a seeded, whole-grain bread. Use what you have and prefer.

The one ingredient you can’t skimp on is the Giardiniera. That is the stuff that separates it from just another sandwich.

I toast one side of the bread and assemble that facing in. This keeps you from cutting up your mouth, it emulates the classic bread mouth feel because the soft side will be on the outside and it gives just a little texture the sandwich.

Hope you enjoy this fun vegetarian play on Italian Beef Sandwiches.
Happy Eating,
Monique

Makes 1 sandwich

1/2 block of extra-firm tofu
Preferred bread or buns
1 slice cheese, ideally provolone
1-3 tbls Giardiniera, spicy or mild
3 tbls olive oil
1 tsp Italian herbs
1/2 tsp onion dehydrated
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1/4 tsp each: salt and black pepper
Optional: 1/8 tsp each: dried oregano and red pepper flakes

Remove tofu from the package, wrap in towels, and place something heavy on top to help remove as much moisture as possible. Let it sit while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

In a large, shallow dish, mix the herbs and olive oil. Thinly slice one half of the tofu block (reserve the remaining for another dish or use here but double all other ingredients) into thin strips. Carefully toss each tofu strip in the Italian beef olive oil marinade and let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each strip of tofu until browned on one side, flip and sear the 2nd side. Set all the seared tofu on a plate. Take the bread (or buns), rub one side in the shallow marinade dish to get a little olive oil on it. Place the oiled side of the bread down on the skillet and toast that one side.

Remove bread from the skillet. Pile some of the tofu on one bread slice, the toasted side facing inside the sandwich. Add the cheese and Giardiniera and top with the second piece of bread, toasted side facing the inside of the sandwich again.