On a trip to Austin, Texas last year I was blown away by the well-known and beloved Popcorn Tofu Po’Boy from Wheatsville Co-op. For Valentine’s Day this here, Mr. Tuxedo Cat decided to re-create the sandwich for our dinner from the original Wheatsville recipe which can be found in Sunny Days in Texas (a vegan cookzine for charity). You can find both the popcorn tofu recipe and the accompanying cashew tamari dressing in the zine.

The popcorn tofu was amazing served in a toasted baguette roll with dill pickle slices and the cashew tamari dressing. We served it with sauteed kale tossed with ume(boshi) plum vinegar, vegan coleslaw, and pickled beets. We had lots of leftover popcorn tofu that we enjoyed for days. The tofu breading was so flavorful, eating it by itself sans sauce was still amazing. I also decided one night to dip the tofu in fresh lemon juice because it reminded me of breaded seafood that I used to enjoy with freshly squeezed lemon. That also was a delicious dipping choice! Anyway you fry it, slice it, or dress it, this meal is not-to-be-missed! The cashew tamari dressing was also a real game-changer and very versatile served on cooked greens, salads, and as a dipping sauce.

We’d rate the popcorn tofu as a strong 4 1/2 out of 5 carrots on the veganlicious scale!