Spicy Banh Mi

This is a vegetarian version of a Vietnamese street food sandwich! Adapted from Vegetarian Times magazine-May 2010.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 1 large sandwich

Ingredients

• Tofu

• 1⁄2 teaspoon  toasted sesame oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon olive oil
• 0.5 (6 ounce) package extra firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup cornstarch
• 1  teaspoon tamari soy sauce
• 2  tablespoons nutritional yeast

• Sandwich

• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2  teaspoons honey
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 cup  shredded daikon radish (or regular red radish)
• 1⁄4 cup  shredded carrot
• 1⁄2 French baguette, split in half lengthwise
• 1  tablespoon mayonnaise (or more to taste)
• 1  teaspoon red chili pepper, suace (like Sriracha)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2  slices cucumbers (6 inch)
• 6  sprigs fresh cilantro
• 6  cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 4  lettuce leaves, torn

Directions

1. Tofu:.
2. Coat the bottom of a skillet with olive oil and sesame oil over medium high heat. Lightly dredge the tofu cubes in the cornstarch. Add the tofu to the skillet and saute 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to plate; sprinkle with the soy sauce and toss with the nutritional yeast.
3. Sandwich:.
4. Mix the vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Add the radish and carrot, and stir to mix. Set aside.
5. Let stand 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Preheat oven to 350*F. Place baguette on baking sheet, and crisp 5 minutes in the oven. Cool 2-3 mintues.
7. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of bread. Sprinkle with red chile sauce and tamari. Fill with the tofu cubes, cucumber, and cilantro. Drain carrot/radish mixture and spread on sandwich. Top with tomatoes and lettuce. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Press top half of baguette on sandwich, adn slice sandwich in half. Enjoy!