This tofu panini is pressed with the unlikely addition of bacon. Served with a spinach sundried tomato pesto it’s absolutely delicious even if it’s not vegetarian.
Just saying that feels wrong. Very, very wrong. I kept looking over my shoulder while making this thinking the tofu police were about to pop out of the corner of my house for breaking the tofu code of conduct or something. “Thou shall not mix tofu with bacon.” Ok, that’s in the form of a commandment, but whatever. It felt wrong and dangerous. I kinda liked it.
I’m sure this combination makes vegetarians everywhere squirm, but let me tell the rest of you omnivore, bacon loving peeps out there something. This is a combination to die for. Seriously.
If paninis make normal sandwiches better and bacon makes everything better, this combo is like winning the friggin lottery.
Balsamic vinaigrette marinated tofu & peppers and a spinach sundried tomato pesto might also have a little something to do with it.
We had the rest of the tofu for dinner and all I did was mock fry it in olive oil. It was a sad, sad comparison to this lunch. Lucky for Ulysses, he didn’t know any better.
If this is wrong, I’m so over being right. I’ll take my chances with the tofu police.
Tofu Bacon Panini
Ingredients
- 2 slices wheat bread
- 2 slices bacon
- 3 thin slices of extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/4 orange pepper, sliced
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- 3 sundried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon hummus
- 3 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil & balsamic vinegar in a shallow bowl. Season tofu slices with salt & pepper and set in marinade. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, flipping once.
- While tofu marinates, combine spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, hummus, remaining olive oil (1 1/2 tablespoons) and salt & pepper to taste in a food processor. Pulse until a pesto consistency forms.
- Transfer tofu to a hot panini press and grill for about 7-10 minutes, flipping once.
- While tofu cooks, heat a small pan over medium high heat and cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- Remove bacon grease from pan, saute pepper slices with the balsamic vinaigrette marinade from tofu for about 5 minutes until peppers are just charred.
- Removed tofu from grill and assemble sandwich. Spread pesto on both pieces of bread, place tofu on one slice, then peppers, then bacon. Top with other slice of bread and press in the panini maker for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Ok = tofu AND bacon?!
This.Looks.Amazing. Such a good idea and it could easily be veg with veggie bacon. I want a panini press!
That looks ridiculously good! Love the idea of marinating tofu in balsamic (maybe I’m late to the tofu-party) – plus, of course, adding the bacon is a bonus. You know what, I bet adding some sliced avocado would bring this to the next level, too! Thanks for the idea!
I thought about using the avocado sitting on my counter when I was making it but then got too lazy. I bet it would be great!
I’m not going to lie, this is one of the best looking things I’ve come across in the blogosphere this week! The combination of flavors sounds divine.
Obviously, since I’m vegan, I’ll use a bacon replacement- but you can bet I’ll be making this ASAP. Thanks for sharing! :)
This would probably be good with smoked tofu instead, to get the smokey flavour of bacon without the bacon.
That said, in Asia, people have been mixing tofu and meat forever, so I think you’re safe considering they invented the stuff. :)
Ahh, very good point Jen!
Sent over from SR, looking forward to reading your blog:)
Thanks for stopping by!
You broke the rules. They’re coming for you.