Miso Scallion Tofu Dip Food

CREAMY MISO DIP

Steps:

• Whisk together the mayonnaise, miso, mirin, vinegar and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

CHARRED SCALLION DIP

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
• Set 2 scallions aside. Drizzle the remaining scallions on a plate with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the oiled scallions to the grill pan and cook until slightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside to cool completely, then finely chop. Thinly slice the whites and light greens of the remaining 2 scallions and set aside for garnish.
• Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire, garlic salt, onion powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in the grilled scallions. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the fresh sliced scallions. Serve right away or chill.

SEARED TOFU WITH MISO SAUCE

Steps:

• Drain the tofu then slice it crosswise into 6 pieces. Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet. Add the tofu, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat until golden. At first it will twitch around as the water in the tofu turns to steam, but then it will settle down. (Note: Tofu has fat in it so it will brown without adding more oil.) Once the first side is browned, turn and cook the second side, around 10 minutes in all. Shake over a tablespoon or two of your sauce of choice (soy, tamari, Worcestershire), season with salt and pepper to taste, and immediately turn off the heat. You can move to Step 2 while the tofu cooks.
• While the tofu is cooking, using a small saucepan, mix the miso with the sugar and lemon juice. Cook over low heat and cook while stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly, about a minute. Let it cook, then stir in the lemon zest and vinegar. Taste to make sure the mixture has enough lemon (if using Meyer lemon, you might want to add a little more juice).
• Place the tofu on a plate. Spoon the sauce over the finished tofu and garnish with the scallions and sesame seeds.

RICE BOWL WITH OVEN-BAKED MISO TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Pat each slice of tofu dry with paper towels.
• Whisk together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, cayenne, honey or agave nectar, lime juice, miso, mirin, and oils. Pour into a dish that can accommodate all of the tofu slices in a single layer (such as a baking dish). Place the tofu slices in the marinade and turn them over. Leave to marinate for 15 minutes, turning once or twice. Transfer to the baking sheet. Add the peppers to the dish with the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly, then place on the baking sheet in a single layer.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the peppers once with tongs, until the edges of the tofu are just beginning to color and the marinade sets on the surface, and the peppers are sizzling and beginning to color on the edges. Remove from the heat.
• If desired, heat the kimchi in a small pan or saucepan. Spoon rice into 4 wide bowls or onto plates. Top with kimchi, tofu, and peppers. If desired, douse the rice with some of the remaining marinade from the tofu, and serve.

SPINACH TOFU DIP

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Transfer to bowl and serve with raw vegetables.

TOFU AND SPINACH SALAD SPICY MISO DRESSING

Steps:

• In a blender cup, add vinegar, soy sauce, miso, sambal oelek, sugar and gari. Blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in both oils. Check for seasoning. Pour dressing into a bowl and fold in scallions. Toss the spinach with the dressing.
• Plating: Place a ring mold in the center of a plate. Make a napoleon by alternating layers of tofu and spinach. Remove ring and drizzle with more dressing. Garnish with gari and sesame seeds.