Best Caramelized Tofu With Brussels Sprouts Recipes

CARAMELIZED TOFU W/ SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Drain the tofu. Slice the tofu into strips or triangles. Put the tofu pieces between two paper towels or woven dish towels (NOT terry cloth) and gently press, enough to get a lot of water out but not hard enough to squish it.
• If you have a non-stick pan, dry fry the tofu as follows (otherwise, fry it with a splash of peanut oil and a pinch of sea salt). Heat your non-stick pan on medium heat on an electric range (low to medium-low on a gas range) and add your tofu in a single layer. Slow cooking is the key to keeping the tofu from sticking to the Teflon and insures that the water has time to evaporate out before the outside is browned. Do NOT use oil. You want to leech all of the moisture out of your tofu, so do not use oil--leave the pan dry.
• As the tofu cooks, use a spatula to frequently press down on each piece. You will see the water seeping out and sizzling in the pan. Once the bottom sides are very firm and golden in color, flip the tofu pieces and fry the other side, again frequently pressing each piece with a spatula. When they are golden and firm on both sides, they are done.
• Add the garlic and pecans, and cook for another minute. Drizzle the agave nectar onto the tofu. Cook for another couple of minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Scrape the tofu out onto a plate and set aside while you cook the brussels sprouts.
• Shred the frozen brussels sprouts in the food processor.
• In the same pan (no need to wash), add the oil, pinch of salt, and dial the heat up to medium-high. When the pan is nice and hot stir in the shredded brussels sprouts. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring a couple times (but not too often) until you get some golden bits, and the rest of the sprouts are bright and delicious.

TOFU STIR-FRY WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu; stir-fry until browned, 12-15 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm. Stir-fry Brussels sprouts in remaining 2 tablespoons coconut oil for 2 minutes. Add red pepper, green onions and garlic; cover and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, 5-7 minutes longer., Stir in water, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce and salt. Return tofu to pan; cook and stir until heated through. Stir in almonds. Serve with noodles.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CRISPY BAKED TOFU WITH HONEY-SESAME GLAZE

Steps:

• Prep work: Position your oven racks in the lower third and upper third of the oven.Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup (and to prevent the tofu from sticking). Bring a large pot of water to boil for the rice. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh colander under running water and set aside.
• Drain the tofu and use your palms to gently squeeze out some of the water. Slice the tofu into thirds lengthwise so you have 3 even slabs. Stack the slabs on top of each other and slice through them lengthwise to make 3 even columns, then slice across to make 5 even rows (see photos).
• Line a cutting board with an absorbent lint-free tea towel or paper towels, then arrange the tofu in an even layer on the towel(s). Fold the towel(s) over the cubed tofu, then place something heavy on top (like another cutting board, topped with a cast iron pan or large cans of tomatoes) to help the tofu drain. Let the tofu rest for at least 10 minutes while you prep the Brussels sprouts.
• Trim the nubby ends and any discolored leaves off the Brussels sprouts, then cut the sprouts in halves lengthwise. Toss the sprouts with a light, even layer of olive oil. On a large baking sheet, arrange the sprouts in an even layer, flat sides down, and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Transfer the pressed tofu to one of your prepared baking sheets and drizzle with the olive oil and tamari. Toss to combine. Sprinkle the arrowroot starch over the tofu, and toss the tofu until the starch is evenly coated, so there are no powdery spots remaining. Arrange the tofu in an even layer across the pan.
• To cook the rice: Once the water is boiling, add the rice. Let the rice boil for 30 minutes, then remove from heat and drain the rice. Transfer the drained rice back to the cooking pot and cover for 5 minutes. Remove lid, add a dash of sea salt and use a fork to fluff the rice. Set aside, partially covered, until you're ready to serve.
• To bake the sprouts and tofu: Transfer the pan of Brussels sprouts to the lower oven rack, and the pan of tofu to the top rack. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing the contents of each pan halfway through cooking, until the sprouts and tofu are deeply golden on the edges.
• To make the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the glaze ingredients (start with 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha and add more to taste). Bring the glaze to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often and reducing heat as necessary. Simmer until the glaze is reduced by about half (about 5 to 10 minutes; it's about done when it starts bubbling up substantially). Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.
• To assemble: Divide the rice onto four plates. Top each plate with sprouts and tofu and drizzle with glaze. Finish each plate with a very generous sprinkling of sesame seeds and a small handful of chopped cilantro.

CARAMELIZED SPICY TOFU

Steps:

• Note: This dish utilizes the subtlety and texture of tofu to serve as a vehicle for the spicy flavors of the sweet dressing. The combination of the 2 works really well.
• Slice the tofu into 4 pieces and place them in a single layer on absorbent paper, lay some more paper on top and gently press down, leave for 20 minutes. This drains off excess water and makes frying easier.
• Heat up a fry pan and drizzle in the oil, add the tofu and fry until golden, gently flip over, and cook on the other side. Take out of the pan and place on a plate. Place a wok over heat and add the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and cook over a moderate heat, without stirring, until the sugar begins to caramelize and goes a golden amber color. Now add the ginger, galangal, chiles, lemongrass, shrimps, and lime leaves and stir it into the caramel. It will firm up a little, but keep it cooking over the heat for 20 seconds, then add the lemon juice and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Spoon the sauce over the tofu and eat while warm.

CARAMELIZED TOFU AND BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH CILANTRO AND NUTS

Steps:

• Brown tofu and garlic in olive oil until crispy one side. Add butter, brown sugar, nuts, chili, and stir. Separately cut Brussels sprouts in half lengthways and steam in pot or microwave. When tofu is caramelized, drain Brussels sprouts and add to mix. Toss, remove from heat, then add cilantro, salt, and lemon juice. Serve hot.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
• Place trimmed Brussels sprouts, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal tightly, and shake to coat. Pour onto a baking sheet, and place on center oven rack.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, shaking pan every 5 to 7 minutes for even browning. Reduce heat when necessary to prevent burning. Brussels sprouts should be darkest brown, almost black, when done. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt, if necessary. Serve immediately.