BARBECUE TOFU AND SPROUT SANDWICH

BARBECUE TOFU AND SPROUT SANDWICH

Pan-fried barbecue tofu, alfalfa sprouts, ripe tomato and sweet onion on a whole grain burger bun!

Makes 6

12 oz. pkg. water-packed extra-firm tofu, rinsed; wrap in absorbent cloth or paper towels and firmly blot to remove outside moisture; cut in half crosswise, then stand each block on end, and cut down to the board into 3 planks of equal width; blot all sides with towel, so the tofu doesn’t spit in the oil when fried

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and turmeric

1/4 c. ketchup

1/4 c. prepared yellow mustard

1 T. light brown sugar

1 t. Worcestershire Sauce

1 t. liquid smoke

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/3 c. water

6 whole grain burger buns

6 very thin slices sweet onion

6 slices ripe tomato

alfalfa sprouts

freshly ground black pepper

In large skillet, over medium heat, melt olive oil. Lightly salt skillet. Add tofu planks.

Lightly sprinkle tops of tofu with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and turmeric.

Fry on one side till golden brown. Gently turn tofu over and fry the other side the same way.

In small bowl combine ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and garlic powder. Stir till smooth. Add water and stir again till smooth.

When tofu is done, pour sauce over tofu and immediately cover with lid before steam escapes. Let cook for 1 minute, remove cover, turn tofu, bringing sauce up to cover all pieces. The sauce will begin to evaporate. Watch carefully, and when sauce is thick, but not too thick remove from heat immediately.

For each sandwich: Place tomato slice one half of bun and top with alfalfa sprouts. On the other half place sliced onion. Place a plank of tofu on onion, spoon a little sauce on top, then sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Close sandwich and serve.

Notes: I found a brand of tofu I haven’t seen before at the market: House Foods, organic, gluten-free, vegan, and is it ever good. It doesn’t have that tofu aftertaste that others have. Steve and I loved this sandwich. Haven’t had sprouts for a while and they really went well with the barbecue and whole grain bun.

I had to laugh though when I posted this photo. It looks like it has a chin and maybe wants to say something. Ha ha!