What No Chef Ever Taught Me but Should Have
What No Chef Ever Taught Me but Should Have is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Derek Sarno on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 41 min | Total: 1 hr 26 min
Cost: $39.88 total, $6.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 blocks Firm Tofu (drained, not pressed; each block about 14 oz)
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder (for color and subtle flavor)
- 1 tsp Salt (helps draw water from tofu during poach)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Eggspired Seasoning Blend (store‑bought or homemade (turmeric, black pepper, onion powder, kala namak, garlic granules, cornstarch, smoked paprika))
- 6 tbsp Vegan Mayonnaise (for richer sauce)
- 6 tbsp Cashew Yogurt, Unsweetened Plain (for lighter sauce; brand Forager recommended)
- 6 slices Vegan Cheese Slices (full‑fat, melts well (e.g., Violife cheddar style))
- 6 pieces Gluten‑Free English Muffins (halved; frozen until ready to toast)
- 1 lb Frozen Hash Browns (store‑bought, shredded)
- 2 tbsp High‑Heat Oil (Canola or Vegetable) (for searing tofu; avocado oil optional)
- to taste Sriracha (optional hot sauce for serving)
Instructions
Prepare Turmeric Poaching Water
Fill a medium saucepan with water, bring to a boil, add 0.5 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp salt, stir, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: boiling
Poach the Tofu
Submerge the drained tofu blocks whole in the turmeric water, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes to absorb color and a hint of flavor.
Time: PT10M
Drain and Pat Dry
Remove tofu from the water, let excess liquid drain, then dab tops and sides with paper towels until mostly dry.
Time: PT5M
Slice Tofu for Sandwiches
Using a sharp knife, cut each tofu block into ½‑inch thick slices, roughly the size of a sandwich patty (about 3‑4 slices per block).
Time: PT5M
Make the Two Sauces
In one bowl combine 6 tbsp vegan mayo with 2 tbsp eggspired seasoning; in a second bowl combine 6 tbsp cashew yogurt with 2 tbsp seasoning. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Oven
Set convection oven to 375°F (or 400°F bake if no convection) and allow to fully preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Coat and Bake Yogurt‑Topped Tofu
Dip half of the tofu slices into the yogurt‑seasoning mixture, place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 375°F
Sear Mayo‑Coated Tofu
Heat a skillet over medium‑high, add 2 tbsp oil, then place the remaining tofu slices (coated in mayo‑seasoning) in the pan. Sear 3 minutes per side until browned and crisp.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium-high
Bake Hash Browns
Spread frozen hash browns on a second baking sheet, drizzle lightly with oil, and bake 12‑15 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 375°F
Toast English Muffins
Split the gluten‑free English muffins, lightly butter (optional), and griddle face‑down on a hot pan for about 2 minutes until lightly crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Assemble the Sandwiches
On the bottom half of each muffin place a hash brown, a tofu “egg” slice, a vegan cheese slice, and top with the muffin lid. Add a drizzle of Sriracha if desired.
Time: PT5M
Serve or Store
Enjoy the sandwiches hot, or let them cool and store components separately for meal‑prep.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free (with GF muffins), High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Soy, Tree nuts (cashew yogurt), Gluten (if non‑GF English muffins are used), Mustard (in some vegan mayonnaises)
Last updated: April 1, 2026








