Thai Garlic Tofu And Spinach Food

EASY THAI PRA RAM TOFU (PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE)

Steps:

• Cut the block of tofu in half. Place each half in 2 clean paper towels one at a time and gently press/squeeze to remove excess stored liquid (without breaking up the tofu).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and pan fry on medium-high heat with 1 1/2 tbsp cooking oil. Mix and turn frequently until all the water is burned off and the tofu is lightly golden brown on most sides (be sure not to burn the tofu). If you find that the tofu is sticking to the pan, add a little more oil. Set aside.
• While the tofu is cooking, continue on to prepare the peanut sauce.
• Whisk all the ingredients listed for peanut sauce, adding the warm water last. Combine with a spoon until the peanut butter is well blended.
• In a wok or large non-stick skillet, combine pan fried tofu, chopped spinach, and prepared peanut sauce. Mix together on low-medium heat for 5-10min until the spinach is slightly cooked and the tofu has time to marinate in the sauce.
• Be careful not to let the sauce simmer and start to thicken too much. You can stir in a small amount of water if needed.
• Serve hot over cooked rice, quinoa, or fresh spinach for a lighter version.

THAI STYLE SPINACH SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable broth until it begins simmering, then add the green onion, garlic, and tofu.
• Let simmer for 5 minutes, then add the spinach leaves and simmer another 5 minutes.
• Add the coconut milk and simmer an additional 5 minutes, season to taste with salt and pepper (and a tiny bit Tabasco, if you like) then serve immediately.
• Note: regarding the 1 to 2 cups tofu- it depends on how"chunky" you want your soup or how many people you're feeding; you can also add a bit more vegetable broth, but not more than an additional 1/2 to 3/4 cup or you'll dilute the coconut milk too much.
• Also, you can make this a non-vegetarian soup by substituting tofu with cubed cooked chicken.

SPINACH, TOFU AND SESAME STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Heat the canola oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok, and add the tofu. Stir-fry until the tofu is lightly colored, three to five minutes, and add the garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute, and add soy sauce to taste. Add the spinach and stir-fry until the spinach wilts, about one minute. Stir in the sesame seeds, and add more soy sauce to taste. Remove from the heat.
• Using tongs, transfer the spinach and tofu mixture to a serving bowl, leaving the liquid behind in the pan or wok. Drizzle with the sesame oil, and add more soy sauce as desired. Serve with rice or other grains, or noodles. You may also use it as a filling for whole wheat pita bread.

SPICY THAI TOFU WITH RED BELL PEPPERS AND PEANUTS

Steps:

• Heat oil in wok over high heat. Add bell peppers, ginger, and garlic; sauté until peppers just begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add tofu and green onions; toss 2 minutes. Add next 3 ingredients. Toss to blend, about 1 minute. Add spinach in 3 additions, tossing until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute for each addition. Mix in basil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle peanuts over.