Barbecue Tofu With Cajun Rice Food

CAJUN TOFU

Steps:

• In a shallow dish (I used an 8x8 baking pan), combine the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and cajun seasoning.
• Add the tofu and turn each piece over to coat it in the marinade. Arrange the tofu in a single layer and let marinate at least 15 minutes, turning once.
• Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil.
• Transfer the tofu to the prepared baking sheet making sure you leave room between each piece so they're not touching. Bake 45-60 minutes, turning once, or until browned and crisp on the outside.

TOFU AND RICE WITH SCALLION OIL

Steps:

• Cut the tofu block crosswise into 6 equal segments, then cut the segments into 3 equal pieces to make 18 pieces. Press the tofu pieces between paper towels to dry them. Set aside.
• Add the scallions, fish sauce and sugar to a medium heatproof bowl and place the bowl next to the stove. Place a wire rack in a baking pan or sheet and place next to the stove as well.
• Add 2 1/2 inches of oil to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or high-walled cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 190 degrees F (see Cook's Note), ladle out 1/2 cup of oil and slowly pour over the scallion mixture; it should sizzle. Set aside the scallion oil while you fry the tofu.
• Heat the remaining oil in the saucepan to 375 degrees F. Add the tofu and fry until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the tofu to the wire rack-lined baking pan to drain.
• Divide the tofu among 2 to 3 bowls of rice. Stir the scallion oil to incorporate the oil with the scallions, then ladle generous spoonfuls over the tofu.

FOLAMI'S BBQ TOFU

Steps:

• Two and a half hours before serving, start drying out the tofu: Place the slices in a single layer between clean, dry dish towels or double layers of paper towels. Press to remove water from the tofu, and let stand for 2 hours, replacing the soaked towels once or twice, until there is very little water left in the tofu. (You can press and dry the tofu quickly, and use it immediately, but it will be less crisp.)
• Heat a broiler to its highest setting. Heat a large skillet over medium and add the oil and butter, swirling to cover the bottom. Pour the tamari into a small, shallow dish. Press the tofu one last time. Quickly dip both sides of a single slice in the tamari and place it in the skillet. (Be careful as the liquid may lead to hot pops from the oil.) Repeat with the remaining tofu slices and tamari.
• Cook until the tofu gets the same beautiful golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. While the tofu browns, spread half of the barbecue sauce on a small rimmed baking sheet. Transfer the tofu to the barbecue sauce on the sheet, then cover with the remaining sauce. Broil, turning once, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve hot.

"BARBECUED" TOFU

Steps:

• Cut tofu cake horizontally (slicing parallel to work surface) into 4 rectangles and press.
• Cover the bottom of a small pan with half of barbecue sauce. One by one, rub both sides of each tofu rectangle with chile powder; place in a single layer on sauce. Top with remaining sauce. Let stand for 30 minutes.
• Preheat broiler with rack 6 inches from heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; place a baking rack on top. Spray rack with cooking spray. Take tofu slabs out of the barbecue sauce and place on rack with space between pieces. Reserve leftover barbecue sauce. Broil until top of tofu is browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
• Turn tofu over and brush with reserved sauce. Broil until browned and bubbly, about 5 more minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature, on bread with coleslaw if desired.