BAKED TOFU WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

BAKED TOFU WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 block (14 ounces) extra firm tofu
4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons canola or sesame oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
8 stalks fresh asparagus
hot pepper oil ***
optional: sliced green onions and /or black sesame seeds for garnish

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Drain the tofu of excess water. Cut the block of tofu in half horizontally, and in half again to make four "steaks." Place between paper towels and press to get any remaining water out. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and oil. Place the tofu on the baking sheet and brush with the marinade. Let sit for at least twenty minutes or up to two hours in the fridge, letting the juices soak in. Toss the asparagus and red pepper in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and arrange on the baking sheet next to the tofu slices. Season everything with a generous sprinkling of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake in the oven for about one hour, turning once, until tofu is golden and crispy. The edges should look crispy and glazed and the vegetables should be caramelized. Brush any extra sauce over top if necessary. Remove from the oven and plate the tofu slices with the vegetables. Serve with a drizzling of hot pepper oil. *** Make your own hot pepper oil by heating 5 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper in a small saucepan until the oil starts to bubble and brown. Place in a lidded container and set aside for a few days so the infusion has time to really come alive and age. Use sparingly to add flavor and spice to any dish. But be careful, this is going to be spicy!