Sesame Black Pepper Crusted Tofu Food

CRISPY SESAME CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• To prep the tofu: Prepare the tofu by draining it, and then pressing it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I love using my Tofuture tofu press, but you can also follow these instructions for a DIY tofu pressing method. Pressing the tofu squeezes excess water out so that the tofu can suck up more of the marinade and become more flavourful. Once pressed, remove the tofu and pat dry, then cut into triangles (about 16).
• Marinate: mix together all of the sesame marinade ingredients in a sealable bag or container, then add the tofu. Let the tofu marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or as long as overnight in the fridge, flipping the tofu every now and then to ensure all sides get marinated.
• OVEN: When ready to finish the tofu, preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.AIR FRYER: When ready to finish the tofu, preheat your oven to 370F (190C).
• Crust the tofu: Grab three big bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, add the flax and water and pour in any leftover unabsorbed marinade, and mix together, the flax will thicken the mixture in 5 - 10 minutes. For the third bowl, mix the sesame seeds and panko.
• Add the tofu to the flour bowl and toss to coat. Next, coat one tofu triangle at a time in the flax mixture and then roll it in the sesame panko coating. Place the crusted tofu on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining tofu.
• OVEN: Spread the tofu out on the baking sheet so that they aren't touching, this will ensure the tofu gets crispy all the way around. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and crusty.AIR FRYER: Place the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in batches. Fry 16 - 20 minutes, until golden and crusty.Serve hot as a main with sides of choice, or serve as an appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce.

SESAME CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• Slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick pieces (squares or rectangles - about 2x2 or 2x3). You should get between 6-8 pieces, depending on the tofu you choose. Arrange the tofu in a shallow dish (about 8X8).
• Now prepare the marinade in a small bowl. Whisk together the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour the marinade on the tofu and allow it to marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge. Flip midway through.
• While the tofu is marinating, prepare the dipping sauce. Combine the lime juice, tamari, maple syrup, garlic, and red chili flakes. Whisk well to combine. Now add the green onion and gently whisk to combine. Set in the fridge. Taste and adjust flavors after it has marinated for a bit. You can add more sweetener, lime juice or tamari if it needs balancing.
• When the tofu is almost done marinating, prepare the breading station. In a shallow bowl, combine corn starch, salt & pepper. In a second shallow bowl, place the aquafaba. In a third shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs and sesame seeds.
• Pick up one piece of tofu out of the marinade, gently shake off any excess liquid, and press it into the cornstarch to coat lightly. Gently shake off excess. Now, dip it into the aquafaba and let the excess drop off. Now press the tofu into the panko breadcrumbs & sesame seeds. Press gently on all sides to coat well. Place the coated tofu piece on a plate and repeat the process until all pieces are coated. *Discard marinade.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the tofu in the pan, leaving a few inches in between each piece (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the breading is crispy and golden brown.
• Place the tofu pieces on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess moisture. Garnish the tofu with spring onions and serve with steamed rice and dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy

SESAME TOFU WITH COCONUT-LIME DRESSING AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime zest and juice, sambal oelek and brown sugar until sugar dissolves completely. Slowly stream in the sesame oil and whisk until the mixture is emulsified and creamy. Taste and season with salt as needed; set aside. (You'll have 3/4 cup dressing. Save any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator.)
• Prepare the tofu: Pat the tofu dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. In a medium bowl, whisk together panko, sesame seeds and black pepper. Season the mixture generously with salt. In a second medium bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites. Using a pair of kitchen tongs, dip the tofu slices one at a time in the egg whites and coat well. Transfer to the bowl with the panko mixture, coating well on all sides, then move to a clean plate. Repeat with remaining tofu slices.
• Line a large plate with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium (10-inch) cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-low. Working in batches to avoid crowding, pan-fry the tofu until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. (Don't overcook, or the sesame seeds will turn bitter.) Transfer the fried tofu slices to the prepared plate. Repeat with the remaining tofu, adding oil and wiping out the pan as needed.
• Prepare the spinach: Wipe out the skillet, and heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add the shallot and sauté until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 45 seconds, taking care not to scorch the garlic. Add the spinach by the handful, increasing the heat after the first handful and allowing the greens to wilt before adding more. Sauté until wilted and most of the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes. Add the soy sauce and black pepper, and fold to coat well. Taste and add salt as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Place spinach in a serving bowl. Add fried tofu on top, and drizzle with half of the coconut-lime dressing. Sprinkle the chives over the tofu, and serve immediately, with more dressing on the side.