Sweet Savory Sauteed Or Baked Tofu Food

ASIAN STYLE SAVORY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• For best results, tofu should be "pressed" in order to remove excess liquid and absorb the flavors of the marinade.
• Press tofu block between two plates, weighted down with a cast iron pan, large bowl of water, or heavy cans, for about 30 minutes.
• Halfway through, you may dump the plate of water and flip the tofu block.
• To make marinade, simply whisk together the ingredients in a bowl.
• After tofu is pressed, cut the block into small cubes or triangles.
• Place pieces of tofu into baking dish, and cover with the marinade.
• The tofu can sit overnight in the marinade, or can be prepared right away.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Bake tofu about 35-45 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
• Tofu can be eaten by itself, or added to stir-frys, salads, soups or sandwiches.

THE BEST PAN-FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Take your block of tofu and wrap it in several layers of paper towels.
• Gently press the tofu with your hands or against the counter top to release the liquid. This will take about a minute.
• Slice the tofu into pieces about 1/2 an inch thick.
• Set tofu aside.
• If you are using a non-stick pan heat it slightly on medium-high heat (about 30 seconds) before adding oil.
• If you are using a cast iron pan, please heat for about 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes on medium-high heat. Cast iron is very thick and you want the pan to be heated evenly before adding the tofu.
• Add oil to heated pan.
• Gently spread oil over the entire surface of the pan.
• Set the tofu pieces in the pan, leaving ample room between them. They should sizzle when placed in the oil. Sprinkle the tops with salt and a little cayenne pepper.
• Now, the MOST IMPORTANT step is -- LEAVE THEM ALONE for about 6 or 7 minutes. Just gently shake them to make sure they don't stick to the pan. Do NOT turn them or agitate them in any other way. When you see a golden crust beginning to creep its way up the sides of the slices, turn them and spice the other side. Add more oil if the pan seems too dry.
• The second side will only take about 4 minutes to cook.
• When they are evenly browned take them out of the pan and place them on paper towels to drain.
• These are very simply seasoned and basic and can now be used any way you like. I like these with steamed broccoli and peanut sauce -- or in a sandwich with grilled peppers and mushrooms and aioli -- or just eaten with ketchup:-).

SWEET & SOUR TOFU

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the tofu and fry for 5 mins, turning regularly, until golden brown on all sides. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Heat the remaining oil in the pan over a high heat. Fry the onion, pepper and garlic for 5-6 mins, or until the veg begins to soften. Add the pineapple, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce and 50ml water, and simmer for 1 min, or until slightly reduced. Stir the tofu back into the pan.
• Cook the basmati rice following pack instructions. Serve the tofu in bowls with the rice and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

SWEET AND SAVORY SAUTéED OR BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Blot well between clean tea towels or several layers of paper towel, and cut into 1/2-inch dice.
• To sauté, slowly heat the oil, honey, and soy sauce together in a wide skillet, stirring together as they heat. Add the tofu and stir quickly to coat with the liquid. Sauté over medium-high heat until golden-brown and crisp on most sides, about 10 minutes, and serve.
• To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine the oil, honey, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl and stir together. Stir in the tofu to coat with the sauce. Bake in a shallow, foil-lined baking pan, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and the liquid has been absorbed, 30 to 40 minutes, and serve.
• Sweet and Savory Sautéed or Baked Tofu (this page)
• Chinese-Style Vegetable Fried Rice (page 94)
• or
• Asian Sesame-Soy Noodles (page 85)
• Crisp raw bell pepper strips and carrot and celery sticks
• Calories: 138
• Total Fat: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrate: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 511mg