Caramelized Tofu Goodness Food

CARAMELIZED SPICY TOFU

Steps:

• Note: This dish utilizes the subtlety and texture of tofu to serve as a vehicle for the spicy flavors of the sweet dressing. The combination of the 2 works really well.
• Slice the tofu into 4 pieces and place them in a single layer on absorbent paper, lay some more paper on top and gently press down, leave for 20 minutes. This drains off excess water and makes frying easier.
• Heat up a fry pan and drizzle in the oil, add the tofu and fry until golden, gently flip over, and cook on the other side. Take out of the pan and place on a plate. Place a wok over heat and add the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and cook over a moderate heat, without stirring, until the sugar begins to caramelize and goes a golden amber color. Now add the ginger, galangal, chiles, lemongrass, shrimps, and lime leaves and stir it into the caramel. It will firm up a little, but keep it cooking over the heat for 20 seconds, then add the lemon juice and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Spoon the sauce over the tofu and eat while warm.

CARAMELIZED TOFU GOODNESS!

Steps:

• Wrap the tofu with paper towels, place a heavy skillet on top and press for a few minutes to remove some of the excess water.
• Cook the tofu strips in hot 12" nonstick skillet with a pinch of salt and about 1-2 teaspoons of oil. Saute until lightly golden, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, if using, and pecans(or other nuts), and cook for another minute. Stir in sugar. Cook for a few more minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro. Scrape the tofu out onto a plate with a spatula and set aside.
• Now, in the same pan (you don't need to wash it), add 1-1 1/2 teaspoons more oil, another pinch of salt, and turn up the heat to medium-high.
• When the pan is hot stir in the sliced brussels sprouts(they will appear shredded).
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times (only a few) until you get some nice golden bits and the rest of the sprouts are just tender.
• Great served with brown rice or over soba noodles.

BRAISED TOFU IN CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Slice the tofu in half along its length and then each portion into two thick slices. Place the slices between paper towels to drain, replacing towels as needed.
• Meanwhile, dissolve the sugar in 1/4 cup water and cook in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until small bubbles begin to appear around the edges of the pan. Carefully swirl the solution, but do not stir. Continue to heat, as bubbles move inward toward the center of the pan and the solution turns darker, 20 to 35 minutes, until the syrup has become a deep, golden caramel color. Carefully add 1/2 cup water to this mixture. (It will sputter violently. If some sugar crystallizes at this point, carefully stir the mixture with a metal spoon. The sugar will remelt.) Turn off the heat and allow to cool slightly.
• Transfer the caramel sauce to a wide saucepan, turn the heat to medium and add the shallots, cooking for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and stir again, cooking for about 1 minute. Now stir in the soy sauce. Simmer and stir until the mixture is viscous and the vegetables are well coated, about 10 minutes.
• Place the tofu in the sauce in a single layer and simmer uncovered for 7 minutes. Using a spatula, turn the pieces over. Simmer for 3 or 4 minutes more and then transfer to a warmed platter. Pour the sauce over the tofu and sprinkle with scallions and black pepper. Serve with white rice.