Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi

A spin on the classic Vietnamese sandwich from Cooking Light.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) package  water-packed extra firm tofu, drained
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped peeled fresh lemongrass (bottom 2 inches)
• 2  tablespoons water
• 1  tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 2  teaspoons  sesame oil, divided
• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄4 cups  matchstick-cut carrots
• 1 1⁄4 cups  matchstick-cut peeled daikon radishes
• 3  tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  sriracha asian  garlic sauce
• 1 (12 ounce)  French baguettes, halved lengthwise and toasted
• 1  cup  thinly sliced English cucumber, length-wise
•  fresh cilantro
•  cooking spray

Directions

1. Cut tofu crosswise into 6 (2/3-inch-thick) slices. Arrange tofu on several layers of paper towels. Cover with additional paper towels; top with a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan. Let stand 15 minutes. Remove tofu from paper towels. (An easier method is to freeze completely then defrost. No need pressing.).
2. Combine 2 tablespoons lemongrass, 2 tablespoons water, soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Arrange tofu slices in a single layer in soy mixture, turning to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes.
3. Combine vinegar and the next 3 ingredients (through salt) in a medium bowl, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Add carrot and radish; toss well. Let stand for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain.
4. Combine remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil, mayonnaise, and Sriracha in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut bread horizontally. Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly on cut sides of bread.
5. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove tofu from marinade, and discard marinade. Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels. Add tofu slices to pan, and cook for 4 minutes on each side or until crisp and golden.
6. Arrange tofu slices on bottom half of bread; top tofu slices with carrot mixture and cucumber slices and cilantro sprigs. Cut loaf crosswise into 6 equal pieces.