Spice Crusted Tofu With Kumquat Radish Salad Food

CRUNCHY VIETNAMESE CABBAGE SALAD WITH PAN-SEARED TOFU

Steps:

• To make vinaigrette, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce (if using), lime zest and juice, jalapeno and garlic. Whisk in 1 tablespoon peanut oil.
• Pat the tofu dry with paper towels. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a large non-stick skillet. When it simmers, add the tofu. Cook 5 minutes without moving, until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook 4 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce (if using). Move the tofu to a cutting board and brush both sides of each slice generously with this mixture. Cut tofu into bite-size pieces.
• In a large bowl, toss together tofu, cabbage, carrot, peanuts and cilantro and vinaigrette. Garnish with more peanuts and cilantro.

SPICE-CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• In a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast pine nuts, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant (~2 minutes). Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• In a small bowl, mix paprika, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper.
• Drain tofu and pat dry with paper towels. Cut crosswise into eight 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Dredge the tofu liberally with the spice mixture, coating all sides.
• In a small bowl, mix boiling water, lemon juice and honey.
• In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Swirl to coat the bottom.
• Add tofu and cook on one side until brown and crusty (~4 minutes). Flip and cook the other side (~3 minutes).
• Add honey mixture to the pan and quickly shake to coat the tofu. It will BUBBLE UP and EVAPORATE VERY QUICKLY.
• Serve immediately, sprinkled with toasted pine nuts.