Tofu Patty Melt

Gluten-free option, Nut-free option

This melt is absolute perfection. It’s loaded with flavorful baked tofu, with caramelized onions, vegan cheese and homemade Thousand Island dressing, all served between crispy bread. This recipe calls for slices of bread, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand—vegan hoagie rolls, burger buns and pita bread all work just as great.

The Tofu Patty Melt is a creative and delicious twist on the classic patty melt, a sandwich traditionally made with ground meat and caramelized onions. This vegan version swaps out the meat for a flavorful basted tofu patty and brings together a combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Here’s more about this mouthwatering dish:

The heart of the Tofu Patty Melt is the basted tofu patty, which is prepared by marinating tofu slices in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices. The tofu is then baked until golden and crispy, while being basted with the flavorful marinade to infuse it with rich taste. The result is a hearty, protein-packed patty with a satisfying texture and layers of complex flavors.

Caramelized onions play a crucial role in this sandwich, adding a touch of sweetness and depth. The onions are slow-cooked to perfection, enhancing their natural sugars and transforming them into a tender and richly flavored topping. Their sweet and savory notes complement the tofu patty, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

To add a zesty twist, the sandwich is dressed with a creamy Thousand Island dressing made from vegan mayo, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sweet relish, minced onion, and seasonings. This dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet element that contrasts beautifully with the savory components of the sandwich.

The assembly of the Tofu Patty Melt involves layering the panfried tofu patty, vegan Cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions between slices of thick-cut vegan bread. The sandwich is then panfried until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, resulting in a warm, comforting, and utterly indulgent meal.

Overall, the Tofu Patty Melt showcases how plant-based ingredients can be transformed into a satisfying comfort food favorite. The combination of flavors, textures, and the savory umami of the tofu creates a sandwich that’s both familiar and exciting, making it a delightful option for vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a weekend treat, the Tofu Patty Melt is a testament to the versatility and creativity of plant-based cooking.

PREP TIME: 20 minutes, plus inactive time to press tofu

COOK TIME: 1 hour

YIELD: 4 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS:

BASTED TOFU 

• 1 (14- to 16-oz [396- to 453-g]) block firm or extra-firm tofu
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, plus more as needed, to panfry

CARAMELIZED ONION 

• 2 tbsp (28 g) vegan butter (nut-free if needed)
• 1 medium-sized white onion, sliced into long, thin slices (about 1 cup [160 g])

THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING 

• ½ cup (120 g) vegan Mayo or store-bought
• 2 tbsp (30 g) ketchup
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tsp (6 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 g) sweet relish
• 1 tsp minced sweet onion
• Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR ASSEMBLING 

• Vegan butter (nut-free if needed)
• 8 slices thick-cut vegan bread, such as Texas toast (gluten-free if needed)
• 4 slices store-bought vegan Cheddar cheese or desired amount of Cheddar shreds (nut-free if needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bake the tofu: Drain and slice the tofu into eight equal slices. Press the slices and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Dip tofu slices in the sauce, place on the baking sheet, and reserve extra sauce for basting. Bake for 40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. Baste, flip, and baste again at 20 minutes.
2. Caramelize the onion: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion slices and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, relish, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Panfry the tofu: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Panfry baked tofu for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until crispy. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. In a skillet over medium heat, place one slice butter side down. Top with two pieces of tofu, a slice of cheese, caramelized onion, and another bread slice (butter side up). Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese melts.
6. Serve: Open the sandwich carefully, add Thousand Island dressing to taste, and slice. Repeat for remaining sandwiches. Serve immediately.