tofu Archives - Page 5 of 7

Broccoli Almond Sweet-and-Sour Tofu

July 19, 2010 by epicureanvegan

There is definitely a method to this recipe and I learned that there are easier ways to make this dish than what the original recipe instructs. I also doubled the sauce recipe because I tend to wish I had done that with other sauces from this cookbook (Vegan Yum Yum). I’m glad I did because not only is the sauce delicious, it was made the tofu gooey with yumminess.

INGREDIENTS:
1 14-oz package extra firm tofu, drained
2 tsp egg replacer, plus 4 teaspoons water, mixed (I had to make a little more)
1/4 C cornstarch (Again, I needed a tad more)
1/4 C canola oil
1/2 C sliced almonds
1-2 cups steamed broccoli (I used 2 heads of broccoli)
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Sweet and Sour Sauce: (recipe below is doubled)
6-1/2 Tbs seasoned rice vinegar
1/2 C plus 2 Tbs water (I left this out for a thicker sauce)
4 Tbs plus 4 tsp sugar
4 Tbs tamari
4 tsp ketchup
2 tsp molasses
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp salt
1-1/2 Tbs cornstarch, plus 2 Tbs water, mixed (I didn’t double this–didn’t need to)

DIRECTIONS:
Slice the tofu into triangles or cubes. Toss the tofu with the end replacer/water mixture until coated . I would use a large ziploc bag–much easier than a bowl. Then toss in cornstarch. Again, I recommend using a ziplock bag for this and coat each piece thoroughly.

I would then make the sauce. You can also make it while frying the tofu, but I found it hard to do both at the same time. To make the sauce: In a small saucepan, mix rice vinegar, water (if using), sugar, tamari, ketchup, molasses, ginger powder, and salt and whisk over medium heat until the sugar and salt is dissolved. Add the cornstarch/water mixture and whisk until the sauce thickens.

Place the tofu in the hot oil—you can do all at once, or in batches. I transferred pieces to a plate lined with paper towels. Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add the almonds right before removing the tofu. (I did this after I drained the oil first). I then combined the tofu, sauce, and almonds in a large bowl and stirred to thoroughly coat the tofu. I served over rice and the steamed broccoli and topped with toasted sesame seeds.

Recipe source: Vegan Yum Yum

Breaded Tofu with Lemony Tomato Sauce

July 15, 2010 by epicureanvegan

If you liked chicken Parmesan before you were “enlightened” and became a vegan, I think you’ll love this recipe. I really wasn’t sure what to make for dinner tonight but I had tofu and diced tomatoes, so I winged it. The Husband and Sixth Grader informed me that this meal is a “make again” and I have to agree—it was yummy, no to mention easy—a good combo.

INGREDIENTS:
1-14oz tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into 8 slices
1 packet Shake n’ Bake
1/2 C vegetable broth
1 C vegan mozzarella, Vegan Rella
Sauce:
3 Tbs olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice
1/4 C fresh chopped basil
1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary
1 tsp lemon zest (then slice lemon into 8 slices)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400.

For sauce: In a small saucepan, heat garlic in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add tomatoes, basil, rosemary, oregano, onion powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

In the meantime, dip each slice of tofu into the vegetable broth, cover with Shake n’ Bake, then place into a 13×9″ dish. Top each with a lemon slice.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. It will basically look the same way coming out of the oven as it did going in, but the outside crust of the tofu will be crusty and crispy. The lemon slices will look a bit dried out, too. Remove the lemon slices before serving with the sauce and some very yummy vegan mozzarella.

Vegan Rella (they don’t seem to have a website) is excellent soy-free vegan mozzarella—very impressed with it. It’s a little slimy when you first open it, but it shreds nicely and tastes great! Enjoy!

Sweet Chili Lime Tofu

July 7, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This recipe is tofu-licious! Even though the recipe has a long list of ingredients and you’ll need 3 pans and a bowl, it was extremely easy and it was done in about 25 minutes. I recommend doubling the sauce. As it is, it makes a great glaze for the tofu, but I would have liked it a little more saucy. It made about 5 servings and as I was eating the final pieces of tofu, I was thinking that these would be great toothpicked (minus quinoa and kale) and served as a hot appetizer. Yum!

INGREDIENTS:
Quinoa:
3/4 C quinoa, rubbed/rinsed, drained
Zest from one lime, divided in half and slice lime for garnish (use 1/2 the zest)
2 bruised cardamon pods (optional–I used a dash or two of dried cardamon)
1/4 tsp salt
1 tiny cinnamon stick (optional)
1-1/3 C water
Sweet Chili Lime Sauce:
3 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs tamari
1-3/4 Tbs lime juice
1/2 zest of the lime
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (I didn’t have this, so I used 1/2 tsp of Ancho chili pepper)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
4 mint leaves, sliced thinly
The Greens:
1 bunch collard greens, washed with middle veins removed (I used kale)
2-3 Tbs water
1 tsp lime juice
1 pinch salt
The rest:
14-oz extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
Lime slices for a garnish (optional)
Mint leaves for a garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the quinoa, 1/2 the lime zest, cardamon, cinnamon stick, salt, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and don’t remove the lid. Let steam for 10 minutes.

Sweet chili lime sauce: Whisk together the sugar, tamari, lime juice, lime zest, red chili flakes, garlic, salt, and mint until the sugar and salt and dissolved. Set aside.

Tofu: Slice the tofu into 7-8 rectangles:

Then cut each rectangle in half to make two squares, and then each square into four triangles:

I sauteed the tofu in a dry skillet for about 10 minutes on each side. The recipe says to add it a “well-seasoned” skillet. Add the chili lime sauce and stir to coat the tofu. Turn off the heat. The sauce will bubble up, reduce, and form a glaze.

While this is happening, slice up the kale. In a wok (which I didn’t have, so I used a small skillet) add water, lime juice, and salt. Cover with a lid and steam until tender. (The other thing to do, is just add the greens to the quinoa and steam them that way).

To serve, layer plate with a scoop of quinoa, kale, then tofu. Garnish with lime slices and mint. Enjoy!

Recipe source: Vegan Yum Yum

Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

June 21, 2010 by epicureanvegan

These have always been a favorite of mine and are great for a big crowd. I won’t lie—there is a bit of prep work. Fortunately, you can chop up ingredients either earlier in the day, or even the day before. It also doesn’t hurt to enlist some help. The recipe is inspired by The Vegan Table, but I deviated off her recipe a bit and made some changes. These are definitely worth the work and can be served as an appetizer or light meal (depending on how many you put away)! 😉

INGREDIENTS:
20 rice paper wrappers
8-oz rice noodles
14-oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cut into strips
1 large cucumber, peeled and cut into strips
3 large carrots, peeled and grated
1 can water chestnuts (I steamed them for about 10 minutes, but that’s optional)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 C fresh mint leaves
1 cup chopped peanuts
2 avocados, sliced thin (optional)
Peanut Dipping Sauce:
1/2 C peanut butter
1/4 C water
3 Tbs tamari soy sauce
2 Tbs lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbs ginger, minced

DIRECTIONS:
Saute the tofu in a pan with a bit of oil:

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water. In a pie plate or other large plate, add some warm water and place a rice wrapper in it–let it absorb the water for about 30-45 seconds. Lay it onto a clean, dry surface and add another sheet to the plate of water so it’s ready to go when you’re done making the first roll.

Layer on noodles, carrots, tofu, cucumber, peanuts, water chestnuts, avocado (if using), 2 small basil leaves, and one mint leaf.

I found that it’s best to tightly fold over one side (top), then fold each side (on the left and right), then fold remaining side (bottom). Place onto a large platter. I got roughly 18 rolls.

Peanut Dipping Sauce:
Blend all ingredients. I used a food processor. The sauce is a little thick for my taste, so I added some more water. I think it’s easiest to spoon the sauce onto the rolls, otherwise, the innards will fall out. Slice in half to serve as appetizers or enjoy as they are!

Sauce recipe: The Vegan Table

Savory Tofu Spread

June 16, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Yum. That’s all I really have to say. Okay, really yummy. This is now one of my new favorite appetizer spreads–you would think this is loaded with cream cheese or goat cheese–it’s so creamy and flavorful. Like cookie dough, I’d like to just eat it with a spoon.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium yellow onion, roughly cut (not sure what this looks like, so I just chopped it up–going in a food processor anyway).
3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1 tsp salt
3/4 C vegetable broth, divided
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
12 oz extra firm tofu (not silken)
1/4 C light or white miso
1 tsp lemon juice (optional–I added it for a little extra flavor)

DIRECTIONS:
In a saute pan, combine onion, garlic, salt, and 1/4 C vegetable broth until onion starts to soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, oregano, pepper, nutmeg, and remaining 1/2 cup vegetable broth.

Cover and cook until liquid evaporates and onion and garlic are very soft and light brown, about 20 minutes (for me, this took only 10 minutes). Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature.

Add the tofu, miso, and cooled onion mixture to a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth. This is where I added the teaspoon of lemon juice. Makes 2-1/2 cups.

Serve with crackers, hearty bread like toasted slices of a baguette or vegetables. Enjoy!

Recipe source: The Vegan Table

Creamy, Tangy Potato Salad

June 12, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I’ve always loved potato salads, but never realized how boring they had all been until I tried this recipe. (My mom’s recipe is an exception 🙂 ) Plus, those made with mayo (vegan or not) can be a bit questionable at those July 4th picnics). I made some tweaks to the original recipe which consists of making a French dressing. I used only half of the dressing recipe because it made a lot more than I thought, but that’s okay. I can keep the rest as a dressing for a green salad. I would suggest that, or halving the dressing recipe, or add more potatoes (which I did already, but next time I’ll do even more potatoes).

INGREDIENTS:
5-6 cups organic potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
1 small leek, chopped small
1 green bell pepper, chopped small
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing:
1 C canola oil
1/4 C white vinegar
1/4 C lemon juice
1/2 pkg silken tofu, soft or firm
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp paprika

DIRECTIONS:
Boil potatoes for about 10-12 minutes. Drain, rinse and chill in the refrigerator. This can take a while, so if you’re in a hurry, run them under cold water for a bit. Add the leeks and bell pepper to the potatoes.

For the dressing, put tofu in a food processor and blend smooth. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, dry mustard, and paprika. Add oil mixture to the tofu and blend well until smooth.

Again, I recommend adding the dressing a little at a time to the potato mixture to reach the desired amount. Using a rubber spatula, fold the dressing into the potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Tofu Fries

June 10, 2010 by epicureanvegan

These are inspired by Home on the Range and I just had to try them. You can use any kind of seasoning you choose and Dale, of Home on the Range, lists several different spices you could use. These were super crispy on the outside and chewy, soft on the inside. I served these with some paninis and it made a great meal.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg 14 oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/4 C cornmeal
1/4 C brown rice flour
2 Tbs Old Bay Seasoning
1 tsp salt (optional)
Olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. Cover a baking sheet with foil and brush with oil. Slice tofu into fries and in a ziplock bag, combine flour, cornmeal and seasoning. Add tofu slices (about 5 at a time) to the bag and dredge with the mixture. Place slices on the baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes. These are great with some vegan ranch dressing. Enjoy!

Southwestern Tofu Burgers

June 6, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This recipe is from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s The Vegan Table and she recommends freezing the tofu for at least 48 hours and thawing 6-8 hours before using. It apparently makes a more chewy, enjoyable burger and I think she’s right! They were delicious. Incidentally, I’ve read in other places that freezing tofu before making patties, nuggets and other “meaty” meals, is a must. So if you can plan for that, it’s well worth it. Anyway, these burgers were tasty and full of flavor and better than any veggie patty I’ve had.

INGREDIENTS:
1-16oz pkg extra firm tofu, frozen and thawed
2 Tbs ground flaxseed
6 Tbs water, plus extra for binding
1-1/2 C bread crumbs
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 C corn kernels
1/4 C vegetarian refried beans
3 Tbs tomato paste
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste
Canola oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS:
Squeeze out water from thawed tofu and crumble into a large -sized bowl. Leave some large chunks, but crumble enough so it will bind well with other ingredients. (I think a pastry blender works great for this).

Combine ground flaxseed and water in a small food processor bowl or blender (I used a blender) and blend until thick and viscous. Add flaxseed mixture to tofu, along with bread crumbs, bell pepper, corn, refried beans, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Combine everything with a wooden spoon, and then with your hands to feel the consistency. Make sure spices are thoroughly combined and that you can create patties from the mixture. Taste and add salt, as necessary. Add water to help bind patties, as needed. (I didn’t find that I needed more water).(oops…I didn’t use a wooden spoon)!

Using your hands, form mixture into patties. (I got 9 patties out of it).

In a saute pan lightly coated with oil, fry over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and crispy. Be careful to keep patties in tact.

I served these on hamburger buns with lettuce and tomato. I think avocado slices and salsa would be great, too. Enjoy!

Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps

May 21, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This meal reminds me of Thanksgiving—lots of prep and then devoured in ten minutes! Not that the prep time took all day–more like 20 minutes, just lots of chopping. The recipe is from The Vegan Table cookbook, but I made a few minor alterations and added some ingredients. Despite the prep work, I’ll make these again and again.

INGREDIENTS:
4 Tbs water, divided
2 Tbs minced garlic
1 Tbs finely grated or minced ginger
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped (I used 1/2 of one)
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 pkg (16-oz) extra-firm tofu (I used just a 14-oz pkg)
1 Tbs chili paste
2 Tbs light brown sugar
2 Tbs light miso paste
2 tsp sesame seeds
10 Boston bibb or butter lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
10 basil leaves (I accidentally left these out)
2 small cucumbers, peeled and julienned (I found that one was plenty)
Optional ingredients:
1 can bamboo shoots, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
5 mushrooms, diced (these also make up for the 2 ounces of tofu I didn’t use)
Drizzle sauce:
1/2 C soy sauce
1-2 Tbs rice vinegar

Light miso paste

Chili paste

DIRECTIONS:
Heat 2 tablespoons of water in a saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes, until they softened. Add red pepper and carrot and cook another minute. This is where I added the bamboo shoots. Meanwhile, crumble the tofu in a separate bowl until pretty small–like bread crumbs (I diced it up ). Add to pan and cook for 10 minutes, thoroughly combining with vegetables (this is also where I added the mushrooms and green onions).

Add chili paste and stir to combine. To make sauce (not the drizzle sauce) place brown sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan and dissolve over low-medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in miso paste and sesame seeds. Add to tofu mixture and combine well.

To make sauce: combine soy sauce and rice vinegar. To make wraps: trim edges of lettuce leaves to make them uniformly circular. Add a basil leaf and a julienned cucumber to each “cup”, add tofu mixture and drizzle with soy sauce/rice vinegar sauce. Enjoy!

Western Tofu Scramble

April 29, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is a great way to start the morning! Especially when the morning is snowy. Yes…snowy. It’s the end of April, right? Well it snowed last night, so instead of heading out for my morning walk, I decided to cook up a protein-packed breakfast and tackle that walk later when things clear up.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1-14oz pkg. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and crumbled
3 Tbs fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 a large orange or red bell pepper, diced (about 3/4 C)
4 green onions, sliced (or 1/4 C of diced yellow onion)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/3 C salsa
1/4-1/3 C vegan cheddar or pepper jack cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add garlic and bell pepper. Reduce to medium heat and saute until pepper is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the green onion and saute another minute, then add the cumin and turmeric. Add tofu and stir to combine–the turmeric will immediately turn the tofu yellowy-orange, like real scrambled eggs. You don’t have to use it–totally optional. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the salsa, then the cheese. Serve alone, or wrap in a warmed flour tortilla and enjoy!