Pan Fried Tofu With Green Tea And Honey Dressing Recipes

PAN-FRIED TOFU WITH GREEN TEA AND HONEY DRESSING

Steps:

• To make the dressing, first place tea leaves in a cup and pour boiling spring water over them. Cover and let steep for 1 to 2 minutes. Discard these tea leaves. Combine tea and remaining dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. Makes 1/2 cup.
• Place tofu on a flat surface and press out excess water with a paper towel. Cut tofu into 8 equal cubes.
• Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Add tea leaves, sesame seeds, and salt, and saute until fragrant.
• Place tofu slices on top and pan-fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Turn tofu and pan-fry the other side until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drain tofu on paper towels. Cut tofu slices to desired size.
• Toss together salad greens, pears, and tomatoes in a salad bowl. Arrange the tofu slices over the salad, and spoon the dressing on top.

THE BEST PAN-FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Take your block of tofu and wrap it in several layers of paper towels.
• Gently press the tofu with your hands or against the counter top to release the liquid. This will take about a minute.
• Slice the tofu into pieces about 1/2 an inch thick.
• Set tofu aside.
• If you are using a non-stick pan heat it slightly on medium-high heat (about 30 seconds) before adding oil.
• If you are using a cast iron pan, please heat for about 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes on medium-high heat. Cast iron is very thick and you want the pan to be heated evenly before adding the tofu.
• Add oil to heated pan.
• Gently spread oil over the entire surface of the pan.
• Set the tofu pieces in the pan, leaving ample room between them. They should sizzle when placed in the oil. Sprinkle the tops with salt and a little cayenne pepper.
• Now, the MOST IMPORTANT step is -- LEAVE THEM ALONE for about 6 or 7 minutes. Just gently shake them to make sure they don't stick to the pan. Do NOT turn them or agitate them in any other way. When you see a golden crust beginning to creep its way up the sides of the slices, turn them and spice the other side. Add more oil if the pan seems too dry.
• The second side will only take about 4 minutes to cook.
• When they are evenly browned take them out of the pan and place them on paper towels to drain.
• These are very simply seasoned and basic and can now be used any way you like. I like these with steamed broccoli and peanut sauce -- or in a sandwich with grilled peppers and mushrooms and aioli -- or just eaten with ketchup:-).