Best Cilantro Scented Tofu Rice Salad Recipes

CILANTRO RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook rice according to package directions, either on stove top or in rice cooker.
• Once rice is cooked, transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool, tossing with a rubber spoon until at room temperature.
• Wisk together ingredients for the dressing: oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Fold tomatoes, onion, cilantro and olives into the cooled rice.
• Add vinaigrette and toss to combine.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• **Notefor Leftovers: Leftover rice salad can be tossed with a can or two of white tuna, drained and flaked.
• Makes a nice lunch!

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.

RICE NOODLE SALAD WITH CRISPY TOFU AND LIME-PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Place the rice threads in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Let sit for 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes and add 1 tablespoon peanut oil, canola oil or rice bran oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and saute on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Cut in matchsticks.
• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste if desired. Drain the noodles and add to the boiling water. Boil 1 minute, then drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and using a scissors, cut into manageable lengths. Transfer to a salad bowl and add the tofu, red pepper, chives, cilantro, lettuce and half the peanuts.
• Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour over the noodles and toss together. Sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top and serve.

RICE SALAD WITH PEANUTS AND TOFU

Steps:

• Combine the two kinds of two rices in a medium saucepan. Add water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until rice is tender and all of the liquid in the pan has been absorbed. Remove from heat. Remove lid, place a clean dishtowel across the pan (not touching the rice) and return lid to the pan. Let sit undisturbed for 15 minutes or longer. Remove lid and towel, transfer to a bowl and allow to cool. Add cilantro, peanuts, peas, scallions or chives and chiles and toss together.
• While rice is cooking, preheat oven to 375 degreesºF. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Pat tofu dry with paper towels and cut laterally into 4 equal squares, then cut squares into strips.
• In a large, wide bowl whisk together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, shallot, cumin, cayenne, honey or agave nectar, 2 teaspoons of the lime juice, 3 tablespoons of the grape seed or canola oil, and cilantro to taste. Pat each square of tofu dry with paper towels, then dip into marinade, making sure to coat both sides. Transfer to baking sheet. Do not drain the marinade.
• Bake tofu for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to color and marinade sets on the surface. Remove from heat.
• Add remaining lime juice to the marinade and whisk in remaining oil. Add to rice mixture and toss.
• Line a platter or wide bowl, or individual plates with lettuce leaves and top with rice mixture. Lay tofu strips on top, garnish with avocado slices, black sesame seeds if desired, and cilantro, and serve.