Cruelty Free Sandwiches Diet: Crispy Tofu with ginger peanut sauce

By sidecars

Cruelty Free Diet: Why the name "Cruelty Free"? I am a vegetarian, and like meat. I just can't stomach the idea of killing an animal, so I had lots of what I called FAKE MEAT. My wife hated the name, so I changed to Cruelty Free, a sort of tongue in cheek choice. Vegan is totally cruelty free, and I'll get there someday.

Sandwiches, by their very nature, limit serving size, which is always a challenge. Sandwiches also allow SO many variations.

In a bread diet I read recently, you were told to eat between 10 and 16 slices of high fiber, low calorie bread every day. With these recipes you'll need to cut back from that, as the flavor and calorie levels are MUCH higher. Still, four sandwiches a day, augmented by some fruits and veggies as required, could still be a healthy and flavorful diet!

I am not a nutritionist. In fact,as my picture shows, I am an overweight spaceage guitar playing dog. I am going to replace my regular diet with this and will keep you updated.

Note: Take a look at the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker. That could be a great way to make these sandwiches at work... or at home.

Ingredients

• 1-14 oz. package extra-firm tofu, pressed for 30 minutes (you can use a tofu press)
• 1 tbsp. vegetable or peanut oil
• 6 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2-3 tsp. light brown sugar (to taste)
• 1 tbsp. ginger juice (see note)
• cayenne to taste (optional)
• 1 tbsp. lite coconut milk or water
• 1 small carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 small sweet red pepper, sliced
• 1/4 c. sliced green onion
• 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
• 4 breads of choice. English muffin... sandwich wraps, pitas, tortillas, or naan (if you don't eat dairy, make sure the naan is vegan if you use it!)
• lime wedges (optional)

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 40mins
Adapted from ohmyveggies.com

Preparation

Step 1

Crispy Tofu

Cut tofu crosswise into 8 slices; cut each slice into two triangles. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high eat. Carefully place tofu in skillet (the oil may spatter a little!); cook about 5 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Transfer tofu to plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil.

Ginger Peanut Sauce
Whisk together all ingredients. Add additional coconut milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin sauce if necessary. (Some peanut butters are thicker than others, so the amount you need depends on the type of peanut butter you use.)

Sandwiches
Heat sandwich wraps, tortillas, pitas, or naan according to package instructions--you want them to be pliable so they can be folded over without breaking. Top each with 4 pieces of tofu, shredded carrot, red pepper, green onion, cilantro, and peanut sauce and fold. Serve with lime wedges, if using.


Notes

To press tofu, use a tofu press, or place between two plates or cutting boards lined with paper towels and weighed down with a heavy object for at least 30 minutes. To make ginger juice, grate about 2 tablespoons of ginger (you can use a ginger grater like this one), wrap in cheesecloth and squeeze juice into small bowl. Discard pulp.what's on your plate, not what's missing from it!