Saucy Vegetable Tofu Recipes

SAUCY VEGETABLE TOFU

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onion, pepper and zucchini in oil until crisp-tender., Stir in tofu and spaghetti sauce; heat through. Drain pasta; serve with tofu mixture.

CRISPY TOFU WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Put a large baking sheet on the middle or lower oven rack and preheat to 500 ̊ F. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, then halve each piece lengthwise to make 4 long wedges.
• Slice the wedges crosswise and combine in a large bowl with the green beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a generous grinding of pepper; toss well. Spread on the hot baking sheet and roast, tossing once, until tender and browned in spots, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the tofu into twelve 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-inch cubes. Press with paper towels to absorb some of the moisture; season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp on all sides, about 15 minutes.
• Combine the parsley, chives, lemon zest and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a mini food processor; pulse until chopped (or finely chop by hand). Add the remaining 3 tablespoons
• olive oil and pulse to combine. Scrape into a bowl and stir in the lemon juice and 1 to 2 teaspoons water to make the sauce loose enough to drizzle. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the vegetables and tofu among plates. Drizzle with the herb sauce and top with the almonds and more chives.

VEGETABLE TOFU CURRY

Steps:

• If using broccoli, trim the ends of the stems and discard, then cut the stems off near the base of the florets. Cut off the thick peel around the stems, then cut the stems into 1/2-inch slices. Cut the broccoli crowns into small florets. Drain the tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Open the can of coconut milk and spoon off an inch or so of the hard white solid part into a large saucepan with a lid. (If the milk is all liquid, add a few spoonfuls.) Turn the heat to medium-high. When the solids melt, add the onion and broccoli stems, if using, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. The coconut milk liquid should have evaporated, so the onions should be sizzling in coconut oil and the milk solids should be brown and smell toasty. Scrape up any bits sticking to the bottom.
• Turn the heat down to medium-low, add the curry powder and stir until evenly mixed, about 10 seconds. Add the remaining coconut milk, stir and bring to a simmer. Add the tofu and spread the cubes in an even layer, then top with the broccoli florets or other vegetables, sprinkle with salt and cover with the lid. Cook until the vegetables are just tender but still bright green, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Gently stir so the vegetables are also coated in sauce. Taste and stir in more curry powder, salt and pepper if you'd like. Serve hot over rice or other grains or noodles, with hot sauce if you want.

TOFU-VEGETABLE SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare the satay: Place the tofu in a folded dish towel and gently press to remove excess liquid. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
• Cut the thicker white and light green stalks of the scallions into 1-inch pieces. Thinly slice the thinner, dark green scallion stalks on the diagonal and reserve for the garnish.
• Make the peanut sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shallots, chiles and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor or blender. Add the peanut butter, 5 tablespoons kecap manis and ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon water, and blend until almost smooth. (It makes about 1 ½ cups.) Transfer sauce to a small bowl. (If the sauce thickens, add more water by the tablespoon until it is pourable.)
• Assemble the satay: Place a cube of eggplant onto a bamboo skewer, followed by a piece of pineapple, bell pepper, scallion, tofu and another piece of eggplant. Repeat with the remaining skewers.
• Heat the grill or a griddle pan over high. Use a pastry brush to dab the 1/4 cup oil all over the skewers. Once hot, line the skewers on the grill or griddle pan, working in batches as needed. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes with a metal spatula or tongs, until the eggplant is cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
• Prepare the glaze: Mix 4 tablespoons kecap manis with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Brush the glaze all over the skewers.
• Pool about 1 cup peanut sauce onto a large serving plate, spreading it close to the edges of the plate. Lay the cooked skewers on top, then spoon the remaining peanut sauce on top. Drizzle lightly with 1 tablespoon of kecap manis, and garnish with the sliced scallions.

SWEET AND SOUR TOFU VEGGIES

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups of the water to a boil over high heat. Add the rice, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rice is tender and water is absorbed, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and keep warm.
• Remove excess water from the tofu, and then cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.
• In a small bowl, whisk the pineapple juice, lemon juice, ketchup, maple syrup, tamari, sesame oil, arrowroot, and ginger together.
• In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, green beans, bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini and stir-fry until tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add the pineapple juice mixture, tofu and pineapple. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Spoon the veggies and sauce over the brown rice and serve.