TOFU PROPERTIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Remove the extra-firm tofu from the packaging and place in a tofu press. Press for 15 mins.
• Once the tofu has drained, remove it from the press. Slice the tofu block in half, then into 1-inch cubes.
• Place the cubes into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch onto the tofu and gently toss using your hands or a wooden spoon until all tofu pieces are covered.
• Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the sesame oil is heated, add the tofu cubes to the skillet. Fry tofu until golden brown, approximately 2-3 mins on each side.
• Add all of the sauce ingredients into a small mixing bowl: soy sauce, filtered water, honey, chili garlic sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch.
• Whisk together until well-combined.
• Once the sesame bean curd (tofu) is crispy brown on all sides, add the sesame sauce to the crispy tofu. Cornstarch helps the sauce to begin thickening immediately.
• Toss the sesame tofu stir fry in the pan to coat, then remove from heat. Split into 4 servings, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
• Serve and enjoy your sesame-crusted tofu!

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Arrange tofu slices on a clean kitchen towel or on paper towels. Cover with another kitchen towel (or paper towels) and place a flat cutting board or baking pan on top. If your cutting board or pan is lightweight, stack a few cans or a skillet on top to weigh it down. Let tofu drain for at least 15 minutes, and up to 45 minutes.
• Transfer tofu to a cutting board and cut slabs into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides of the tofu with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon oil, cornstarch, garlic powder (if using) and 1/2 teaspoon of the oregano. Add tofu to cornstarch mixture and gently toss until tofu is evenly coated. Dump tofu onto one side of the prepared sheet pan.
• In a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil, tossing to combine.
• Arrange vegetables on other side of the prepared sheet pan. Bake until tofu is crisp and golden brown, and tomatoes are condensed, 25 to 35 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip tofu and toss vegetables while keeping the tofu and veggies separate.
• To serve, sprinkle cilantro on top and drizzle with balsamic and oil, if you’d like.