Fried Tofu Salad With Buttermilk Dressing Recipes

FRIED TOFU SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK DRESSING

Steps:

• Pour 1 1/2 cups buttermilk into a shallow dish. Add the tofu and turn to coat; let marinate at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk, the mayonnaise, chives, vinegar, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl.
• Put the snap peas in a medium microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon water; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave until just tender and bright green, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Discard the plastic wrap and set the peas aside to cool.
• Whisk the flour, herbes de Provence and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade to make shaggy clumps. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Dip the tofu in the flour mixture, turning to coat, dip back in the marinade, then redip in the flour to coat with the clumpy bits; transfer to a plate. Working in batches, fry the tofu, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a rack and season with salt.
• Divide the iceberg wedges among plates; season with salt and pepper. Top with the fried tofu, tomatoes and sugar snap peas. Drizzle with the buttermilk dressing.

EASY TOFU DRESSING

Steps:

• Add all of the ingredients into a blender and combine until smooth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve as a dressing for a salad, as a sauce for a hamburger or a dipping sauce for vegetables.

MARINATED FRIED TOFU AND VEGETABLE SALAD WITH MESCLUN

Steps:

• Combine the soy sauce and sesame oil in a mediumsize bowl. Add the tofu and, with a rubber spatula, gently toss it with the marinade. Let sit 30 minutes.
• In a large nonstick skillet, heat the tablespoon of oil over high heat until it is very hot but not smoking. Add the marinated tofu and spread it out so that it is in one layer. Fry it, shaking the pan often to prevent sticking, until it is a rich golden color all over. With a spatula, flip it over occasionally so it gets evenly browned. Place the tofu in a large bowl. Set the skillet aside.
• Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a jar with a tightfitting lid and shake vigorously. Pour half the dressing on the hot tofu and toss well. Chill the tofu until it is very cold, about 2 hours.
• Meanwhile place the broccoli in the skillet, add a little water, and cover the pan. Cook until it is crisp yet tender, about 4 minutes. Immerse it in a bowl of cold water to stop any further cooking. Drain the broccoli thoroughly, then place it on a cotton or linen kitchen towel and pat it very dry. In a large bowl mix the broccoli, scallions, red pepper with half of the remaining dressing and toss well. Let sit at least 30 minutes to marinate. Just before serving mix in the tofu. Toss the mesclun with the remaining dressing, then place a portion of the greens on each large serving plate. Spoon a moundful of the vegetables and tofu in the center. Serve immediately.

CHILE AND GINGER-FRIED TOFU SALAD WITH KALE

Steps:

• Arrange the tofu on a plate or baking sheet. In a blender, combine the soy sauce, chile sauce, chile halves, cilantro, garlic, and ginger; puree until smooth.
• Using a pastry brush, coat the tofu on both sides with two-thirds of the chile mixture (reserve the rest for serving). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
• Fill a 12-inch skillet with ½ inch of peanut oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Dip the slabs of tofu in the cornstarch, coating both sides, and tap off the excess.
• Working in batches, add the tofu to the hot oil and cook, turning it over once, until it is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the tofu to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain off the excess oil.
• In a large bowl, toss the kale with the olive oil and fine sea salt to taste. Add the tofu and toss. Some of the kale will wilt, which is what you want. Serve hot, topped with sliced scallions and cilantro leaves, and with the reserved chile marinade alongside for drizzling.

JAPANESE TOFU SALAD

Steps:

• Place tofu between two plates, and weigh down with a heavy book. Allow tofu to drain for 1 hour, pouring out the expelled liquid every 20 minutes.
• Whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat, stir in the garlic and ginger, and gently cook until lightly golden; stir into the soy sauce mixture.
• Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces, and toss together with the tomato, onion, and cilantro. Pour in the dressing and toss to coat. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.