Sesame Tofu With Spinach Recipes

SESAME TOFU WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• Slice the Tofu lengthwise into 4 rectangular slabs, than half each piece to get squares.
• Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Press all surfaces of each tofu square into the seeds to coat.
• Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
• Arrange the tofu in a single layer and cook about 5 minutes Carefully turn and cook 5 minutes on other side.
• Add soy sauce and Tabasco, turn the squares over, and cook another minute. Transfer squares to a plate (leaving stray seeds in the pan).
• Add the oil and garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, until golden. Add the still damp rinsed spinach and cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Cook until wilted but still bright green.
• Season to taste with salt & pepper.
• Serve the tofu on top of the spinach.

SESAME TOFU WITH COCONUT-LIME DRESSING AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime zest and juice, sambal oelek and brown sugar until sugar dissolves completely. Slowly stream in the sesame oil and whisk until the mixture is emulsified and creamy. Taste and season with salt as needed; set aside. (You'll have 3/4 cup dressing. Save any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator.)
• Prepare the tofu: Pat the tofu dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. In a medium bowl, whisk together panko, sesame seeds and black pepper. Season the mixture generously with salt. In a second medium bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites. Using a pair of kitchen tongs, dip the tofu slices one at a time in the egg whites and coat well. Transfer to the bowl with the panko mixture, coating well on all sides, then move to a clean plate. Repeat with remaining tofu slices.
• Line a large plate with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium (10-inch) cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-low. Working in batches to avoid crowding, pan-fry the tofu until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. (Don't overcook, or the sesame seeds will turn bitter.) Transfer the fried tofu slices to the prepared plate. Repeat with the remaining tofu, adding oil and wiping out the pan as needed.
• Prepare the spinach: Wipe out the skillet, and heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add the shallot and sauté until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 45 seconds, taking care not to scorch the garlic. Add the spinach by the handful, increasing the heat after the first handful and allowing the greens to wilt before adding more. Sauté until wilted and most of the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes. Add the soy sauce and black pepper, and fold to coat well. Taste and add salt as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Place spinach in a serving bowl. Add fried tofu on top, and drizzle with half of the coconut-lime dressing. Sprinkle the chives over the tofu, and serve immediately, with more dressing on the side.

SESAME CRUSTED TOFU WITH SPINACH AND CARROTS

Steps:

• Combine the flour and five- spice powder on a plate. Combine the egg whites, 2 tablespoons of the water or broth and 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce in a shallow bowl. Spread the sesame seeds out on a plate. Dip the top of each piece of tofu into the flour mixture, then into the egg white mixture and then gently press into the sesame seeds. Place seed side up on a plate and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the carrots, ginger, sesame oil, remaining water or broth and remaining teriyaki sauce. Cook over medium heat until the carrots are cooked but still crunchy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the spinach and red pepper flakes and steam until tender. Keep warm.
• Place a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Lightly coat with the vegetable oil spray. Add the tofu, seed side down and saute until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side until brown.
• Divide the carrot mixture with its liquid among 4 plates. Top each with 2 pieces of tofu and serve immediately.

SPINACH, TOFU AND SESAME STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Heat the canola oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok, and add the tofu. Stir-fry until the tofu is lightly colored, three to five minutes, and add the garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute, and add soy sauce to taste. Add the spinach and stir-fry until the spinach wilts, about one minute. Stir in the sesame seeds, and add more soy sauce to taste. Remove from the heat.
• Using tongs, transfer the spinach and tofu mixture to a serving bowl, leaving the liquid behind in the pan or wok. Drizzle with the sesame oil, and add more soy sauce as desired. Serve with rice or other grains, or noodles. You may also use it as a filling for whole wheat pita bread.