Tofu Vegetable Stack Food

CRISPY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Line a large plate with several layers of paper towels. Arrange the tofu slices on top in a single layer, then cover with more paper towels and set another plate on top; let drain 5 minutes. Season the tofu with salt and pepper; rub with 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch. Whisk the lemon zest, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch in a bowl; set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add the scallion whites and ginger and cook 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and carrots and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add the snap peas and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, 4 more minutes. Whisk the lemon zest mixture, add it to the pan and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in the scallion greens. Meanwhile, prepare the rice as the label directs. Serve with the tofu and vegetables.

THE BEST CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place on top of a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Place a heavy pan on top of the tofu and let it sit for 5 minutes to release as much moisture as possible. Unwrap the tofu and slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick by 1 1/2-inch-wide planks.
• Whisk the soy sauce, lime juice, agave syrup, scallion whites and sriracha together in a small bowl and set aside. Mix the panko, sesame seeds, cornstarch, garlic salt, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper in a pie dish or shallow bowl. Press the tofu planks into the panko mixture to coat on all sides.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the tofu with a metal spatula and continue cooking undisturbed until a deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the soy-sauce mixture to the pan. Cook until bubbling and slightly thicker, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the tofu planks and sprinkle with the scallion greens.