Anyone have an easy recipe using tofu--never used it before?

Question

The package is firm tofu. Interested in dinner ideas. We're not vegetarians, but wanted to try something different.

Answer 1

Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce


2 servings 20 min 5 min prep

200 g firm tofu
2 tablespoons cornstarch
salt and pepper, to taste
oil, for frying
Sauce
1 tablespoon peanut butter (i used crunchy)
3 tablespoons skim milk or soy milk or coconut milk (will do)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon soy sauce or oyster sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce or ketchup
1 dash chili flakes
salt and pepper, to taste


Drain tofu (i pressed gently between paper towels).
Cut into bite-sized cubes.
Toss with cornstarch, coating the cubes.
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper.
Heat some oil (about 3-4 tablespoon, just ensure pan is coated).
Fry the tofu cubes in batches, making sure all sides are lightly browned.
Drain on paper towels, then sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
Sauce: Heat the milk in small saucepan (you can make sauce in microwave too).
Add peanut butter, stirring well.
Add other seasonings, according to personal taste (I love spicy food, so i added LOTS of chilli flakes!). If you use coconut milk, add 1/2 - 1 tsp of lime juice too - it will be great!
Serve hot, as a snack or appetizer. Sometimes i serve them with a sweet Chinese dessert: Green Bean Soup.

Answer 2

Baked Tofu Bites serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 (16 ounce) package extra firm tofu
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 dash hot sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly spray a non-stick baking sheet with oil.

Slice tofu into 1/2-inch slices, and gently press excess water out of tofu. Cut sliced tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.
In a bowl, stir together the soy sauce, maple syrup, ketchup, vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir in sesame seeds, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Gently stir tofu cubes into sauce. Cover, and marinate at least 5 minutes.

Place the tofu on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn tofu, and bake until the tofu turns golden brown, about 15 minutes more.

Answer 3

ingredients
1/4 cup mild olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 (14- to 16-oz) packages firm tofu, rinsed and drained
2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish: pine nuts; fresh cilantro leaves; lime wedges
preparation
Preheat broiler and lightly oil a shallow flameproof baking pan with olive oil.
Cut each block of tofu crosswise into 6 slices and pat dry between several layers of paper towels. Arrange in 1 layer in baking pan and brush tops of slices with more olive oil. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat, without turning, until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

While tofu is broiling, purée cilantro, pine nuts, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until bright green and smooth, about 1 minute.

Transfer tofu with a slotted spatula to a platter and serve with cilantro pesto.

Yum!