CRISPY SOY GLAZED TOFU
Tofu, if you’re not already a fan, is really one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. The texture can be firm or soft, depending on the type you buy, and it really takes on the flavor of whatever you’re cooking it in — so the possibilities are endless. For this recipe, we love to make it crispy, sticky and oh-so-delicious by baking it in the over before drizzling over it a sauce that is a mix of all of our favorite refill items from the shop. Simply add in some sautéed or roasted veggies (we used asparagus and broccoli) and serve over a steaming bowl of our perfect sushi rice.
1 block (15oz) organic extra-firm tofu
1 TBS avocado (or other neutral) oil
1 TBS soy sauce, + 1/4 cup for glaze
1 TBS cornstarch or arrowroot starch
3 TBS honey
2 TBS white wine (or rice wine) vinegar
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
2 TBS black and white sesame seeds
2-3 TBS of fresh cilantro
1. Preheat oven to 425F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up (and to prevent the tofu from sticking).
2. Cut the tofu into bite sized blocks and line them on a tea towel in a single layer. Fold the towel over them and place something heavy (like a cast iron or pan) to help push out any extra moisture. Let that sit for 10 minutes while you start making your rice.
3. Placed the strained tofu on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, 1 TBS of soy sauce and cornstarch. Gently toss to combine until no powdery spots remain. Arrange in a single, even layer across the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, gently flipping halfway through cooking, until tofu is deeply golden on the edges.
4. While baking, make your glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together remaining soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil and sriracha if using. Bring the glaze to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often and reducing heat as necessary. Simmer until the glaze is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve tofu immediately over rice and with a generous drizzle of the glaze. Add sesame seeds and a generous sprinkling of chopped cilantro leaves.