Jerktofu Recipes

TOFU JERKY II

Steps:

• Place tofu block between paper towels on a plate. Set another plate on top, and put a weight on top of the plate such as a can to press the water from the block of tofu while you prepare the sauce.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, black pepper, barbeque sauce and brown sugar until smooth.
• Slice tofu into 1/4 inch thick slices, and dip them in the sauce to coat. Place in a tightly sealed container. Place in the refrigerator, and let marinate for one to two hours.
• Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature, around 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Line the oven rack with heavy duty aluminum foil, and place in the lowest position of the oven. Place the tofu slices on the foil.
• Bake for about 8 hours, checking and turning over tofu slices every few hours. Tofu jerky is done when it is hard and uniformly dark in color.

BAKED JERK TOFU

Steps:

• Press the tofu by placing it between two plates or baking pans. Weigh the top down with something heavy such as a tin of beans or a book. You want it heavy enough that the sides of the tofu bulge out a bit, but not so much that they split - you're just trying to press some of the water out. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes, longer if you can.
• While the tofu is pressing, make the jerk sauce by combining the rest of the ingredients in a processor or blender, puree until smooth and then set aside.
• Drain the pressed tofu and cut each cake into three slices. Stack the slices and then cut through all three layers diagonally (making an x). This will make 12 triangles from each block of tofu. If you're grilling on the BBQ, these squares might be too small to work with, so you can make larger triangles or strips.
• Gently toss the tofu in the jerk marinade. If time permits, let this sit for half an hour, longer if you can, tossing now and again.
• Oven baking - When ready to bake, place the triangles in a baking dish and bake for one hour at 400 degrees, carefully turning each piece every 20 minutes.
• Grill - Medium heat is best on the top rack so as not to burn. Grill them for about 25-30 minutes.

GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA

Steps:

• Tofu
• Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15-30 minutes.)
• Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.
• Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day. Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.
• Salsa
• Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using),and ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5-10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.
• Plantains and assembly
• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.
• Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining ¼ cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.
• Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.
• Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.