Best Coconut Tofu With Snap Pea Salad Recipes

HOT AND SOUR SEARED TOFU WITH SNAP PEAS

Steps:

• Drain tofu, wrap it with a clean dish towel or several layers of paper towels and place on a rimmed plate; top with another plate and a weight (a can works). Let drain further.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine garlic, chiles, soy sauce, ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, fish sauce and honey.
• Unwrap tofu and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Pat slices dry.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. Add peanut oil and let heat for 30 seconds, then carefully add tofu. Don't touch tofu for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it sear until golden brown. Flip and sear for another 2 to 3 minutes. Move tofu to one side of pan (or stack pieces on top of one another to make room in pan), then add sugar snap peas, scallions and, if needed, a few drops more peanut oil. Stir-fry vegetables until they start to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add sauce and stir well, cooking until peas are done to taste, another minute or two. Spoon sauce all over tofu, unstacking it if necessary.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds over tofu and vegetables and serve over rice, sprinkled with cilantro or basil.

SNAP PEA SALAD

Steps:

• Vinaigrette: In a blender, add mustard, vinegar, yogurt, ¼ cup water, a pinch of salt, and 8 grinds of black pepper. Turn on high, and immediately drizzle in the oil; the dressing is fully emulsified when it looks smooth, about 30 seconds. Turn blender off and add another pinch of salt, ¼ cup more water, and Parmesan. Close the lid and blend on high to incorporate the cheese, 10 seconds. The dressing should be thick and creamy, like a Caesar dressing. Makes 3 cups. (Store extra dressing in a lidded container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.)
• Salad: Trim snap peas by pulling off the tough string that runs along the length of the pod. Julienne whole pods lengthwise and add to a large bowl. Trim and julienne snow peas and add 1½ to 2 cups to the bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and 2 grinds of black pepper. Add sunflower seeds and pea shoot tendrils. Trim green tops from radishes, cut in half, then thinly slice and add to the bowl.
• Assembly: With your hands, gently toss the salad with ¼ cup of dressing. Pile salad on a serving platter and garnish with additional pea shoot tendrils.

CRISPY TOFU WITH CASHEWS AND BLISTERED SNAP PEAS

Steps:

• Slice the tofu in half horizontally, and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid.
• In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
• Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.