Curried Tofu With Asian Slaw Recipes

PANANG CURRY WITH CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wrap the tofu in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Set a cast iron skill over the tofu to squeeze out the moisture. Leave for at least 5 minutes.
• Unwrap tofu and discard the paper towels. Cut the tofu into small 1/2-3/4 cubes. Sprinkle the tofu cubes generously with salt.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and the tofu cubes. Sauté for 5 minutes, flipping to cook on all sides, until the tofu has a light golden crust on all sides.
• Transfer the cubes to a baking sheet and place them in the oven for 12-15 minutes to crisp. Set the large cast iron skillet back on the stovetop to reuse.
• Meanwhile, chop the onions and peppers into rough 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic. Then crush the kaffir lime leaves to help release their oils.
• Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining coconut oil. Once the oil melts, add the onions. Sauté for 1 minute, then add the peppers and garlic. Sauté another 2-3 minutes.
• Move the veggies to the sides of the skillet and add the panang red curry paste and peanut butter to the center of the pan. Sauté the curry for 2-3 minutes to intensify the flavor, moving around the pan. Then add the kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Stir to blend.
• Lower the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the curry thickens. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the basil leaves and crispy tofu. Serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles. *You can also ladle the curry into bowls and top with crispy tofu instead of stirring it into the curry.

CRUNCHY VIETNAMESE CABBAGE SALAD WITH PAN-SEARED TOFU

Steps:

• To make vinaigrette, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce, lime zest and juice, jalapeño and garlic. Whisk in 3 tablespoons peanut oil.
• Pat the tofu dry with paper towels. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a large skillet, preferably nonstick. When it shimmers, add the tofu. Cook 3 minutes without moving, until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce. Move the tofu to a cutting board, and brush both sides of each slice generously with this mixture. Cut tofu into bite-size pieces.
• In a large bowl, toss together tofu, cabbage, carrot, peanuts, cilantro and vinaigrette. Garnish with more peanuts and cilantro.