Baked Tofu Banh Mi

Up until recently I have been very anti-tofu.

This may come as a surprise to you all since I am vegetarian. Tofu and vegetarians are usually thick as thieves, but tofu and I didn't get off on the right foot. Unfortunately for tofu it's been linked with a little thing called breast cancer which I want nothing to do with.

But being a vegetarian in the winter months is tough. When the temperatures dip into the single digits you crave something substantial and protein filled. Beans are too starchy, eggs been there done that and grains only tide you over for so long. Especially if what you're jonesing for is a sandwich.

Vegetarian sandwiches can be so anemic and wimpy. A little hummus and vegetables between two pieces of bread. Give me a break! I want a meatball sub, Philly cheesesteak...a double cheeseburger! But nothing with a face of course.

Insert tofu.

Because if we're going to be honest with ourselves tofu isn't so bad. People have been eating it for ages, so a little tofu once a week certainly isn't going to kill me. Or at least my Texas sized sweet tooth, love affair with all butter pie crust or addiction to pizza will certainly kill me faster. So I say bring on the tofu!

Especially if the tofu is slathered with fresh lime juice, soy sauce, red chili sauce, fresh ginger and cilantro and baked in the oven for a bit. This lovely treatment takes that tasteless white block and turns it into something even your discerning 'insert whatever family/friend/etc who struggles with you being vegetarian' can enjoy.

While the tofu is enough to make this sandwich as super as Matt Bomer in a well fitted tux, adding a buttery toasted bun, wasabi mayo and fresh cilantro makes it truly phenomenal. Like Matt , Joe, John and Ryan all in well fitted tuxes in the same room.

...what were we talking about again?

Oh yeah, tofu. This sandwich is spicy, easy to make and will cure winter blues. So if you're like me and have been giving tofu the cold shoulder, give it a chance. Your appetite will thank you.

Baked Tofu Banh Mi 
HTIC Original

12 slices of extra firm tofu
Juice from two small limes
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 T. sweet red chili sauce
1" knob ginger, grated
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

To construct sandwich: 
4 hoagie buns
2 T. butter 
4 T. Trader Joe's wasabi mayo
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 T. sweet chili sauce
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 325. In a shallow baking dish combine lime juice, soy sauce, red chili sauce, ginger and cilantro. Add tofu slices and allow to marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Place baking dish in oven and bake tofu for approximately 25-30 minutes or until edges have browned and tofu is dry and firm to the touch.
3. In a small saucepan melt 1/2 T. butter for each sandwich. Cut bun in half and place into pan flat side down. Toast until bread is pleasantly brown and crispy.
4. Layer three slices of tofu on on side of the bread. Top with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or more if you'd like. Top with jalapeno slices if you want a supremely spicy bahn mi.
5. On the other side of the bun spread 1 T. mayo and drizzle 1 t. of sweet chili sauce. Smoosh the two halves together, cut in half and enjoy!
Serves 4 

What I'm Listening to Today
Remains: Matt Pond PA
Let Her Go: Passenger
Stubborn Love: The Lumineers