Marinated Tofu Salad With Sweet Balsamic Glaze Food

MARINATED TOFU

Steps:

• While the tofu is pressing in a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, Italian spice and Braggs and set aside. (you can also do this right in the ziplock bag????)
• Slice the tofu into approximately 1 inch cubes. Add the tofu to a large freezer bag with the marinade, making sure it is all coated. Squeeze the excess air out, seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight (longer is better but 30 minutes works great). After 30 minutes strain the tofu and reserve the marinade.
• Heat up a large non stick skillet on medium high heat with the oil. Once hot add the tofu and distribute evenly in the pan. Let cook for 3-5 minutes without touching so a crust forms. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes or so, careful not to burn the garlic. If you find the pan to hot turn it down to medium heat.
• Remove from heat and add the reserved marinade, stirring until evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste (brings out all the flavour) Serve hot or cold and enjoy! For step by step photos, tips, suggestions and more cooking methods (oil free) see above post.

TOFU SALAD

Steps:

• Press your tofu (see my full guide HERE on pressing tofu) and cut into your desired shape. I like larger cubes when serving in a salad but really anything works well.
• Make the marinade for the tofu by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic, water, maple syrup, garlic, and salt in a shallow dish. Put the tofu in and shake gently to coat the tofu in the marinade. Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
• To cook the tofu, you can bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. OR you can pan fry it, which is my favorite, by removing it from the marinade and putting it in a large skillet over medium heat. Flip every few minutes and cook until it's lightly browned on all sides.
• Whisk together all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside until ready to use.
• Make the salad by layering in a large bowl the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado and almonds. Pour on the dressing and toss gently to combine. Top with the tofu and any additional toppings.
• Serve and ENJOY!
• If making for meal prep, I suggest leaving off the avocado and simply add it right before serving or it will go brown.

EASY BALSAMIC TOFU

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the tofu and toss gently to coat. Arrange in a single layer and allow to marinate, turning once, for 30-60 minutes.
• Heat grapeseed oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the tofu from the marinade and transfer to the hot pan. Cook 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan or carefully turning the tofu cubes so they get brown and crisp on all sides.
• Add the remaining marinade to the pan and allow to cook, stirring, just until it has evaporated. Remove from the heat.
• Serve balsamic tofu however you can imagine such as over pasta, in sandwiches, or as a topping to salads.

BALSAMIC GLAZE

Steps:

• Mix the vinegar and sugar in a small pan over a low heat and simmer for 4-6 mins until thickened and glossy. Leave to cool (it will thicken as it cools), then transfer to an airtight jar. Will keep for up to 2 weeks. Drizzle over a caprese or green salad.