This tofu bahn mi ranks up there with the best of the best veggie sandwiches of all time.

While there are a few different components to this recipe they're all extremely simple to execute and absolutely worth your time (which isn't too long!).

This recipe came straight from the brand new release, The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook, from America's Test Kitchen. I was lucky enough to get an early edition of this cookbook and ATK is generously giving away a copy for one of you!

It has over SEVEN HUNDRED (shouting is necessary) vegetarian recipes, many of which are vegan (250) and gluten-free (500). This just may be the end all be all vegetarian cookbook. It has you covered from the very basics to more complex recipes and will keep you feeling confident in the kitchen as you learn new techniques and become a veggie cooking pro.

This cookbook is an invaluable resource for anyone. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to learn how to incorporate more veggie-style meals into your diet. From simple sauces to all types of ethnic food, there is no category left behind.

Now let's talk about this sandwich.

This was quite possibly the best tofu I've ever eaten. I've seen the method of coating tofu in starch before but had yet to try it myself.

Game. Changer.

Crispy on the outside. Tender on the inside. Absolutely perfect in a sandwich.

Then there are the quick-pickled vegetables, sriracha mayo, and a giant fluffy bun.

And basil instead of cilantro because I just can't do cilantro.

Crunch, chew, sweet, spice. This Tofu Bahn Mi has got it goin' on.

sidenote: If you're looking for the BEST gluten-free rolls in the entire world you can order them from Kim and Jakes bakery in Boulder, CO. Even better news, they're also vegan, non-GMO, and have a stellar ingredient list. (I can't find the ingredient list on the site, but I'm sure you can email them for details.) You will not believe the texture! (This is not a paid plug!)

I could eat this sandwich for all the days.

Print Recipe!

Reprinted with permission from: Cook's Illustrated and directly from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook

Tofu Bahn Mi makes 4 sandwiches (GF + vegan subs specified below)

14 ounces firm tofu, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slabs
salt and pepper
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 carrots, peeled and shredded
1/2 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced thin
1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1 tablespoon juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce substitute (recipe to follow)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 (8-inch) Italian sub rolls, split lengthwise and toasted
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1. Spread tofu over paper towel-lined baking sheet, let drain for 20 minutes, then gently press dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Spread cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge tofu in cornstarch and transfer to a plate.

2. Meanwhile, combine carrots, cucumber, lime juice, and fish sauce in a bowl and let sit for 15 minutes. Whisk mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime zest together in separate bowl.

3. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add tofu and cook until bottoms are crisp and browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly over cut sides of each roll. Assemble 4 sandwiches by layering ingredients as follows between prepared rolls: tofu, pickled vegetables (leaving liquid in bowl), and cilantro. Press gently on sandwiches to set. Serve.

Ashley's notes:

I used avocado oil instead of vegetable oil and used a cast iron pan for cooking the tofu.
I used arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch. Make sure the tofu is just lightly coated with starch. Tap to knock excess off.
To make vegan simply sub your favorite vegan mayonnaise and make sure your Sriracha is vegan.
I used basil instead of cilantro.

Vegetarian Fish Sauce Substitute

Makes about 1 1/4 cups - In order for this recipe to be gluten-free you must use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

3 cups water
3 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 ounce dried sliced shiitake mushrooms

1. Simmer all ingredients in large saucepan over medium heat until mixture is reduced by half, about 20-30 minutes. Strain liquid and let cool completely. (Fish sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 months.)

Ashley notes:

I found the dried shiitake mushrooms in the bulk spice section. I kept them whole (missed the slicing step) and used 1/4oz, which equaled 5 dried mushrooms.