My sister has asked for vegetarian options on my blog and here's another one. I wanted to try to make this sandwich when I had it at place called the Manatee Cafe in St. Augustine. I went there over ten years ago and remembered having this really good grilled cheese-like sandwich with tofu and had to try it again when we returned last this past October.
This visit to the Manatee Cafe was rather disappointing. We were in a rush to return home and after being seated, we got our drinks but then waited at least 20 minutes before deciding to order a to go order. The thing that was really frustrating was that they didn't get that we switched to a to go order because we waited too long for them to take our order. I had to get food because I was really hungry, I ate it in the car. It's too bad the service wasn't that great because my sandwich was amazing!
After having this tasty sandwich at this cafe, I wanted to try it at home. The other night, my husband suggested we have grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. I remembered this sandwich and decided to try it. So I tried a variation of it and it turned out great. You can make this sandwich vegan by using a cheese substitute. If you do try it that way, please let me know how it goes!
I grew up eating tofu as a kid and I love it. My Mom cooked it all of the time and I will have to share with you soon one of my favorites. If you have never had tofu, I hope you'll try this sandwich. I will definitely be making this sandwich again soon!
Cheese, Tomato & Tofu Sandwich with Avocados
Ingredients
- 4 slices of your favorite sandwich bread
- 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese, or sliced cheese substitute
- alfalfa sprouts
- 4-5 slices of tomato
- 4-6 slices of a ripe avocado
- firm tofu, sliced 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices, about 6-7 slices
- vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to make the dressing.
- Heat a cast iron skillet on high for about 5-6 minutes. Add about 1/2 to 1 tsp of vegetable oil.
- Pat the tofu dry between paper towels and add to the heated skillet.
- Heat on high for a few minutes on each side, browned to your liking and heated through.
- Toast the slices of bread and arrange your sandwich. Drizzle dressing over the avocado and sprouts on your sandwich.
If you like tofu and avocados, you'll definitely love this sandwich! It's light and fresh and very tasty!
Amanda says
This is my favorite sandwich @ manatee cafe! I have it at least twice a month. Your recipe is very close, but you’re missing the very garlic-y hummus. I always get my sandwich with goat cheese…..gotta love the tangy saltiness with the cool avocado 🙂
Kara says
I came across this blog while searching via Google for a recipe for this very sandwich, at Manatee Cafe! I am psyched to try this and see if it tastes similarly to MC’s sandwich! I hear you on the service there…I’ve always waited a long time, too, but I think it’s because it’s a small business and I believe the owner does ALL the cooking. The food is soooo amazing.
Did you have their chocolate tofu pie? Because that was pretty amazing, too. Mmmm!
Jessica says
The next time you are in St. Augustine you should really check out The Floridian on Cordova St. They are doing some amazing things with Southern fare- with local ingredients, unique twists, and vegetarian options as well!
I highly recommend it- the service is spot on too!
Julie Deily says
Hi Jessica!
Thank you so much!!! I’m definitely going to remember this…we were just talking about doing a return trip to St. Augustine soon!
None says
Cheese tomato tofu sandwich.. Outstanding 🙂
None says
Cheese tomato tofu sandwich.. Amazing 🙂
Aleks says
This looks delicious – and healthy, too! I’m always looking for new ways to make tofu.
Anonymous says
Cheese tomato tofu sandwich.. Dandy 🙂
Helena says
I love this veggie sandwich! I know someone at work who would give me a high-five if I brought this and made an extra for him! Thanks so much!
andrea cammarata says
i’m in love! this sandwich was made for me I am sure of it! just found a salad that would pair with this sandwich and that will be saturday nights dinner for sure! a vegetarians delight! thanks for sharing.
Julie (thelittlekitchen) says
Thanks for the nice comments, everyone! If you try it, let me know how it goes. 🙂
Erica from Pies & Paws says
Yum, yum, yum! I want one of these in my carry on bag. Long flight to California calls for a delicious sandwich.
MollyinMinn says
This sounds amazingly good. Yum!
Anonymous says
Looks yummy – and should get me out of my toasted cheese rut 😉
Amanda says
You had me at cheese. 🙂
Great sandwich!
Anonymous says
This sandwich looks amazing.
Julie (thelittlekitchen) says
Hey, kellybeth! You’re the first commenter since I moved the blog to WordPress. Yay! 🙂 I’m glad you’re excited about this recipe, please let me know how it goes when you try it. If you don’t like tomatoes, maybe you can add roasted peppers (from a jar) or cucumbers? I also created a vegetarian category (on the left sidebar) and the other tofu recipe I have unfortunately has tomatoes as the other main ingredient but maybe you’ll try that too…the tomatoes are sauteed.
kellybeth . says
Looks great! I’m definitely interested in seeing vegetarian options on here once in awhile too. This looks simple yet tasty, I’ll have to try it out sometime soon. I really don’t like tomatoes at all, but I hate the fact that I hate them… This sandwich looks like it could be a good tool for acquiring a taste for them 🙂