Cuban Pan Seared Tofu Recipes

THE BEST PAN-FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Take your block of tofu and wrap it in several layers of paper towels.
• Gently press the tofu with your hands or against the counter top to release the liquid. This will take about a minute.
• Slice the tofu into pieces about 1/2 an inch thick.
• Set tofu aside.
• If you are using a non-stick pan heat it slightly on medium-high heat (about 30 seconds) before adding oil.
• If you are using a cast iron pan, please heat for about 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes on medium-high heat. Cast iron is very thick and you want the pan to be heated evenly before adding the tofu.
• Add oil to heated pan.
• Gently spread oil over the entire surface of the pan.
• Set the tofu pieces in the pan, leaving ample room between them. They should sizzle when placed in the oil. Sprinkle the tops with salt and a little cayenne pepper.
• Now, the MOST IMPORTANT step is -- LEAVE THEM ALONE for about 6 or 7 minutes. Just gently shake them to make sure they don't stick to the pan. Do NOT turn them or agitate them in any other way. When you see a golden crust beginning to creep its way up the sides of the slices, turn them and spice the other side. Add more oil if the pan seems too dry.
• The second side will only take about 4 minutes to cook.
• When they are evenly browned take them out of the pan and place them on paper towels to drain.
• These are very simply seasoned and basic and can now be used any way you like. I like these with steamed broccoli and peanut sauce -- or in a sandwich with grilled peppers and mushrooms and aioli -- or just eaten with ketchup:-).

CUBAN PAN-SEARED TOFU

Steps:

• Drain and press tofu. Cut into triangles. Sprinkle with spice mixture and set aside while preparing mojo. In a small saucepan on very low heat, make the mojo by combining the garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Let it come up to a light ­simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, and then remove from heat. Drain and press tofu. Cut into triangles. Sprinkle with spice mixture and set aside while preparing mojo. Pan-sear the tofu and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the canola oil on high heat until it starts to ripple, and add the onions and sauté them for about 2 to 5 minutes, until they begin to brown. Continue cooking onions for about 5 ­minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the mojo mixture into the skillet containing the onions. Place the tofu on a plate and spoon the onion mixture over it.