Crisp Tofu Leek Salad Food

THE BEST CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place on top of a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Place a heavy pan on top of the tofu and let it sit for 5 minutes to release as much moisture as possible. Unwrap the tofu and slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick by 1 1/2-inch-wide planks.
• Whisk the soy sauce, lime juice, agave syrup, scallion whites and sriracha together in a small bowl and set aside. Mix the panko, sesame seeds, cornstarch, garlic salt, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper in a pie dish or shallow bowl. Press the tofu planks into the panko mixture to coat on all sides.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the tofu with a metal spatula and continue cooking undisturbed until a deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the soy-sauce mixture to the pan. Cook until bubbling and slightly thicker, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the tofu planks and sprinkle with the scallion greens.

BRAISED LEEK SALAD

Steps:

• Thoroughly dry the leeks.
• Warm the olive oil in a saute pan set over moderate heat. Add the leeks to the pan, flat side down. Caramelize the leeks, paying careful attention to avoid burning them, about 4 minutes. Remove the leeks from the pan using tongs or a slotted spoon.
• If using wine, deglaze the pan with it and cook until the wine is reduced by half, a few seconds. Add the vinegar and reduce by one third, another few seconds. Add the stock and reduce by half, again, just a few seconds.
• Place one leek half on each of four salad plates. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle equal portions of the sauce over the leeks, sprinkle with crumbled cheese and garnish with the olives.

LEEK SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper.
• Toss the dressing with the leeks.
• Chop the tomatoes and cucumber, seeding them if desired, and add to leeks.
• Add the olives and cilantro and toss well.
• Add more salt and pepper if you like and chill for an hour.

ASIAN CRISPY TOFU SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk all ingredients except for tofu in a 9x9 inch square baking dish.
• Drain and slice tofu in half lengthwise to make two thinner slabs. Blot with a paper towel.
• Preheat non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick spray. Slide tofu slices onto skillet and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully with a large spatula. Brown it nicely to give it color and texture.
• Slip tofu slices into marinade, and turn with spatula at least once. While the tofu is sitting in the marinade, cut each slab 3 times lengthwise and widthwise with a sharp knife to make 16 squares per slab. Toss carefully.
• Let marinate for up to 30 minutes and remove garlic and ginger slices before serving warm, at room temperature or chilled.

CRISP LEEK SALAD

Steps:

• Soak the leeks to remove all dirt before slicing. Slice the white and light green portions of the leeks. In a covered saucepan, cook the leeks in a small amount of boiling salted water for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and cool.
• Cut tomatoes into thin wedges.
• Combine the leeks, tomato wedges, and chopped hard-boiled egg.
• For the dressing, combine the remaining ingredients in a jar. Cover and shake to mix well.
• Pour the mixture over the salad. Toss gently to coat. Cover and chill for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drain the salad before serving.

CRISP TOFU & LEEK SALAD

Steps:

• Cut tofu into 1 inch cubes.
• Fry tofu for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
• In a bowl, combine sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, chili, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
• Toss tofu and leeks in the prepared vinaigrette.