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Sweet and Spicy Tofu

This recipe is 100 percent adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Try it with chicken pieces or strips, beef stew chunks, or turkey tenderloin (whole or in strips). I like to add some Brussels sprouts, yellow squash, any color bell pepper, or almost any vegetable found hiding in our fridge. After serving, be sure to scoop up all the sauce for maximum flavor. The complex flavor of this marinade, with hints of sweet and spice, lends an Asian tang with a tinge of heat. Adjust the chili sauce to your desired level of hotness. You can also use chopped fresh or canned chiles or even a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 2

Ingredients

2 teaspoons peanut oil
3 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup white wine, sherry, or rice wine
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon Asian chili sauce or chili oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
6 to 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into 1 x 1/2-inch slices (see page 168)
1 cup sushi rice
2 carrots, sliced into coins
1/4 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets (about 2 cups)
1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
2 cups snow peas

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 450°F.

    Step 2

    Wipe the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with peanut oil.

    Step 3

    In a medium bowl, mix the garlic, ginger, lime juice, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, wine, honey, chili sauce, parsley, and basil.

    Step 4

    Add the tofu cubes to the marinade. Stir to coat well and set aside.

    Step 5

    Rinse the rice in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Tip the rice into the pot, add 1 cup water, and stir to make an even layer. Add the carrots and cauliflower in a layer.

    Step 6

    Layer the tofu in the pot, leaving some marinade in the bowl. Add the bell pepper and snow peas and pour the remaining marinade on top.

    Step 7

    Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 8

    Calories: 533

    Step 9

    Protein: 17g

    Step 10

    Carbohydrates: 100g

    Step 11

    Fat: 6g

    Step 12

    Cholesterol: 0

    Step 13

    Sodium: 1966mg

    Step 14

    Fiber: 8g

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