Coconut Tofu With Snap Pea Salad Food

CRISPY TOFU WITH CASHEWS AND BLISTERED SNAP PEAS

Steps:

• Slice the tofu in half horizontally, and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid.
• In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
• Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.

BASIL-CRUSTED SALMON WITH SNAP PEA SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Bring a medium pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Fill a medium bowl with ice water and set aside.
• Add the basil leaves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon shichimi togarashi, lemon zest, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to a food processor and process until finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Transfer to a small bowl and fold in the panko.
• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with 2 tablespoons honey. Press the breadcrumb mixture all over the tops of each fillet (about 1 tablespoon per fillet). Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the salmon is firm and flakes easily when pressed, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the pine nuts in a single layer in a small nonstick skillet and cook, shaking frequently, until they're golden brown and smell nutty, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• Add the sugar snap peas to the boiling water and cook until very bright green and crisp tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to immediately transfer the peas to the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain the snap peas, then cut them into thirds on a deep bias.
• Put the lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, fish sauce, shallots, 1/4 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper, the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey and the remaining pinch of shichimi togarashi in a large bowl. Use an immersion blender to mix and drizzle in the vegetable oil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until all the ingredients are emulsified.
• Fold in the snap peas until coated. Fold in the parsley leaves, toasted pine nuts and basil stems and serve alongside the salmon.

HOT AND SOUR SEARED TOFU WITH SNAP PEAS

Steps:

• Drain tofu, wrap it with a clean dish towel or several layers of paper towels and place on a rimmed plate; top with another plate and a weight (a can works). Let drain further.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine garlic, chiles, soy sauce, ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, fish sauce and honey.
• Unwrap tofu and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Pat slices dry.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. Add peanut oil and let heat for 30 seconds, then carefully add tofu. Don't touch tofu for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it sear until golden brown. Flip and sear for another 2 to 3 minutes. Move tofu to one side of pan (or stack pieces on top of one another to make room in pan), then add sugar snap peas, scallions and, if needed, a few drops more peanut oil. Stir-fry vegetables until they start to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add sauce and stir well, cooking until peas are done to taste, another minute or two. Spoon sauce all over tofu, unstacking it if necessary.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds over tofu and vegetables and serve over rice, sprinkled with cilantro or basil.