Spicy Buffalo Tempeh & Cucumber Crunch Sandwich
Indulge in the bold flavors of the Spicy Buffalo Tempeh & Cucumber Crunch Sandwich, where crispy, golden-fried tempeh melds beautifully with zesty buffalo cucumber slices. Inspired by the delightful Buffalo Cucumbers and a long-lost scrumptious sandwich, this recipe is a homage to plant-based culinary excellence. Each bite delivers an explosion of umami goodness combined with the creamy richness of blue cheese and a refreshing crunch from grated carrots. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this sandwich elevates your everyday meal with a burst of flavor and creativity!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic
1 head (peeled)
olive oil
1 cup (or enough to keep garlic floating)
neutral oil
1 cup (for frying)
tempeh
1 package (12 ounces) (sliced)
cucumbers
2 units (peeled and sliced)
hot sauce
1/2 cup (preferably Frank's RedHot)
shallots
2 tablespoons (chopped finely)
whole grain sandwich rolls
4 units (sturdy)
blue cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
mayonnaise
1 cup
carrots
2 units (grated)
salt & pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the tempeh into 1/8 inch thick pieces and sprinkle both sides with salt. In a skillet, heat half of the neutral oil over medium heat. Fry the tempeh slices in batches, cooking until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. If necessary, add more oil to keep the pan sufficiently coated.
2
In a small saucepan, combine the peeled garlic cloves with the olive oil. Heat gently over low heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C), allowing it to cook for about 20 minutes. The garlic should turn slightly golden and tender. Once ready, drain the garlic and reserve the oil for later use.
3
Using a fork, mash the cooked garlic until smooth. In a mixing bowl, whisk the mashed garlic together with the hot sauce, chopped shallots, and 1 tablespoon of the reserved garlic oil until well blended.
4
Prepare the cucumbers by peeling them, then halving lengthwise and scooping out the seeds with a spoon. Cut each half into 1/4 inch thick slices. Toss the cucumber slices in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
5
To assemble the sandwiches, apply a generous layer of mayonnaise on both halves of each of the whole grain rolls. Start layering by placing fried tempeh on the bottom half, followed by a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the buffalo cucumbers, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top, and finish with a handful of grated carrots. Cap off each sandwich with the top half of the roll.
6
Enjoy your Spicy Buffalo Tempeh & Cucumber Crunch Sandwich immediately, and don’t forget to use any leftover garlic oil in your cooking for added flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this sandwich?
The main protein in this sandwich is tempeh, which is sliced and golden-fried.
How should I slice the tempeh for the best texture?
You should slice the tempeh into 1/8 inch thick pieces to ensure they become crispy and golden-brown when fried.
What type of oil is used for frying the tempeh?
A neutral oil is recommended for frying the tempeh slices.
How long does it take to fry the tempeh?
The tempeh should be fried for about 4-5 minutes per side until it reaches a golden brown and crispy consistency.
What is the temperature requirement for the garlic oil?
The garlic and olive oil should be heated gently over low heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C).
How long should the garlic cook in the oil?
The garlic should cook in the oil for approximately 20 minutes until it is tender and slightly golden.
What should I do with the garlic after it has finished cooking?
After cooking, drain the garlic and mash it with a fork until it is smooth.
What ingredients make up the buffalo sauce mixture?
The buffalo sauce consists of mashed garlic, hot sauce, chopped shallots, and one tablespoon of the reserved garlic oil.
Which hot sauce brand is recommended for this recipe?
Frank's RedHot is the preferred hot sauce for achieving the authentic buffalo flavor.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
Cucumbers should be peeled, halved lengthwise, deseeded with a spoon, and then cut into 1/4 inch thick slices.
What kind of rolls are best for this sandwich?
Sturdy whole grain sandwich rolls are recommended to hold the various fillings properly.
Is there cheese in the Spicy Buffalo Tempeh Sandwich?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
What role do carrots play in this recipe?
Grated carrots are added to the sandwich to provide a refreshing crunch and contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
Can I reuse the leftover garlic oil?
Absolutely! You should reserve the leftover garlic oil to use in other cooking for added flavor.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise, spread generously on both halves of the rolls.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredient list, this recipe is designed to make 4 sandwiches using 4 whole grain rolls.
Should the sandwich be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to enjoy the Spicy Buffalo Tempeh & Cucumber Crunch Sandwich immediately after assembly.
How do I prepare the shallots?
The shallots should be finely chopped before being whisked into the buffalo sauce.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Buffalo Cucumbers and a nostalgic sandwich, focusing on plant-based excellence.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this meal?
This sandwich features bold buffalo heat, umami from the fried tempeh, creamy richness from the blue cheese, and a fresh cucumber crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
While the recipe is plant-forward, standard mayonnaise and blue cheese are not vegan; however, you can easily use vegan alternatives for these ingredients.
What equipment is needed to cook the garlic?
You will need a small saucepan and a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 180°F.
How much tempeh is required?
You will need one 12-ounce package of tempeh.
Why should I remove the seeds from the cucumbers?
Removing the seeds prevents the sandwich from becoming too soggy and improves the texture of the cucumber slices.
What is the first step in assembling the sandwich?
The first step is applying a generous layer of mayonnaise to both halves of each whole grain roll.
How much olive oil is needed for the garlic confit?
Use 1 cup of olive oil, or enough to ensure the garlic head remains floating in the pan.
Do I season the tempeh before frying?
Yes, you should sprinkle both sides of the sliced tempeh with salt before placing them in the skillet.
Can I make the buffalo cucumbers in advance?
While best fresh, you can toss them in the sauce shortly before assembly to maintain their crunch.
What seasoning is added during assembly?
Salt and freshly ground pepper are added on top of the fried tempeh during the layering process.
Is this sandwich considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features whole grains, fermented tempeh, and fresh vegetables.