Are you tired of boring, bland vegetarian sandwiches that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your lunch game with this mouthwatering Grilled Pesto Tofu Sandwich that combines crispy, flavor-packed tofu, fresh arugula, and zesty pesto in a way that will make even meat-lovers weak in the knees! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, sliced
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 4 slices whole grain bread
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Olive oil for grilling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the tofu block and press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to ensure maximum moisture removal.
- Slice the tofu into 1/4-inch thick even slices, creating 4-6 uniform pieces that will fit nicely on the bread.
- Generously brush each tofu slice with pesto, ensuring complete coverage on both sides. Let the tofu marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the pesto-coated tofu slices on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown grill marks appear and the tofu is heated through.
- While the tofu is grilling, lightly toast the whole grain bread slices until they have a crisp, golden color.
- Slice the tomato into thin, even rounds and prepare the fresh arugula leaves.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing grilled pesto tofu slices on the toasted bread, layering with fresh tomato slices and arugula.
- Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while the tofu is still warm and crispy.
Tips
- Press your tofu thoroughly to ensure a crispy, golden exterior. The drier the tofu, the better it will grill.
- Use high-quality, homemade or store-bought pesto for maximum flavor impact.
- Don't rush the grilling process - medium-high heat and patience will give you those perfect grill marks.
- Choose a hearty whole grain bread that can stand up to the robust flavors of the pesto and grilled tofu.
- For extra flavor, try adding a thin spread of mayo or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast before serving.
- Experiment with different pestos like sun-dried tomato or spinach to keep the recipe exciting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
