If you’ve ever thought tofu was bland or boring, this recipe will change your mind. I used to feel the same—until I tried grating tofu and crisping it up in a hot pan. Game-changer! It gets golden, savoury, and full of texture. When you pair that with a herby, creamy sauce and avocado on crusty sourdough bread, it’s everything you want in a savoury breakfast or brunch. It tastes indulgent but is secretly full of nourishing ingredients.
This sandwich has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so easy to throw together, especially if you’re looking to eat more plant-based meals. It’s high in protein, full of fibre, and keeps you full for hours—without any heavy ingredients. I love starting my day with something savoury, and this ticks all the boxes: flavour, texture, nutrition, and satisfaction. Plus, it’s a great alternative to eggs if you’re looking to switch things up.
Whether you’re working from home or packing lunch for the day, this tofu sandwich travels well, keeps well, and honestly… hits the spot. It’s also completely customisable—play with the herbs, swap the sauce, or add extra toppings. However you make it, I think you’ll be surprised how much you love tofu after this.
Grating Tofu Is Life Changing
Grating tofu is a game changer because it completely transforms the texture. Instead of large blocks or uneven chunks, grating creates thin, uniform shreds that crisp up beautifully in a hot pan. This gives the tofu a light, chewy texture—almost like scrambled eggs or pulled meat—making it perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast bowls. It also absorbs flavour more evenly, so every bite is seasoned just right. If you’ve ever thought tofu was bland or boring, try grating it—you’ll never look at it the same way again.
Grating Tofu Step-By-Step
To grate tofu, here’s exactly how to do it for the best results:
- Start with firm or extra-firm tofu – Silken or soft tofu won’t work for this method. If it feels too wet, gently pat it dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper, but don’t press it—you want a bit of moisture so it doesn’t fall apart.
- Use the large holes of a box grater – Just like you would with cheese. Hold the tofu steady and grate it directly onto a plate or into a bowl.
- Grate slowly and gently – Tofu is delicate, so take your time. You’ll end up with fine shreds that are perfect for pan-frying.
- Cook right away – Heat some oil in a pan and add the grated tofu. Season and fry until golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
Once you try this, you’ll see why it’s such a clever way to use tofu—especially for quick savoury breakfasts or flavour-packed sandwiches.
Tips
- Use firm tofu: It grates easily and crisps up better than silken tofu.
- Drain your tofu: Even if it seems dry, give it a quick pat with kitchen paper to help it crisp.
- Don’t skip the sauce: The mix of cream cheese, herbs, and pickles makes this sandwich.
- Want to make it vegan? Use a dairy-free cream cheese and mayo substitute.
Swaps
Cream cheese: A vegan alternative like coconut- or almond-based cream cheese works well and keeps it dairy-free.
Celery: Finely chopped cucumber or grated courgette would add the same fresh crunch.
Red pickled onions: Try using capers or a splash of vinegar for that tangy lift.
Sourdough bread: Use any wholegrain or gluten-free bread you love. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
Avocado: Hummus or mashed white beans can be used as a creamy, plant-based alternative.
Storage
Fridge: Store the cooked tofu and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: The tofu can be frozen once cooked, though it may lose some crispiness when defrosted. The sauce is best made fresh.
More Sandwich Recipes
Best Tofu Sandwich
Ingredients
- 140 g tofu
- 1 tsp garlic podwer
- salt to taste
- oil
Sauce
- 60 g light cream cheese
- 1 tbsp mayo
- 1 stick of celery, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp red pickles onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp chives finely sliced
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Serve with
- 1-2 sourdough bread, sliced
- 1/2 small avocado
Instructions
- Grate the tofu and cook in a pan with oil, garlic powder and a bit of salt until nice and crispy.
- In the meantime, prepare the sauce with the sauce ingredients.
- Add the sauce to a slice of bread, then the tofu. On the other slice of bread smash the avocado. Combine the 2 slices together and enjoy.