Shanghai Tofu And Peanut Salad Recipes

SHANGHAI TOFU AND PEANUT SALAD

Steps:

• Cut tofu crosswise into 1-inch thick slices.
• Let drain in a colander for 15 minutes, then place between paper towels and gently press out excess water.
• Place tofu on a rack in a shallow rimmed baking pan and brush all surfaces with oil.
• Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes.
• Let cool, then cut into 1/4 by 1/4 by 1 inch strips.
• Prepare Sesame Dressing and add tofu, stirring gently to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
• Meanwhile, fill a 24-quart pan half-full with water.
• Bring to a boil over high heat.
• Add bean sprouts and cook for 10 seconds; then drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again.
• Cover and refrigerate.
• Peel cucumber, if desired, and cut in half lengthwise.
• Scoop out and discard seeds, if large, and slice thinly; cover and refrigerate.
• Just before serving, combine tofu and dressing, bean sprouts, cucumber, 2/3 C.
• of the carrots, thinly sliced onions, and nuts in a large salad bowl; toss gently.
• Garnish with remaining carrots, coriander, and diagonally sliced onions.
• Sesame Dressing: Combine dressing ingredients and mix well.

YIN & YANG TOFU SALAD WITH PEANUT-SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Peanut-Sesame Dressing: Blend all the ingredients except the cilantro in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Add the cilantro and blend just until it's finely chopped. (Makes about 1 1/4 cups).
• Gingered Tofu: Drain the tofu and save the containers. Cut into 1-inch wide strips, and pat dry with paper towels. Cover a large baking sheet with more dry paper towels. Place Ihe tofu in a single layer over the towels on the baking sheet and let drain for 2 hours, changing the paper towels after 1 hour.
• Whisk the tamari, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl to blend. Pour half of the marinade into the reserved tofu containers. Return the tofu slices to the containers, and pour the remaining marinade over. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.
• Preheat the oven to 400'F. Oil a heavy, rimmed baking sheet with the canola oil. Drain the tofu and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through. Serve warm or cold, or at room temperature. (The tofu will keep for 1 day, covered and refrigerated.).
• Salad: Toss the cabbage, carrots, radish, and green onions in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat (about 1 cup). Mound the salad into 6 plates. Arrange the tofu around the salad and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.