MAPLE-ROASTED TOFU WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BACON

Maple-Roasted Tofu With Butternut Squash and Bacon image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (14- to 16-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and patted dry
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons peeled and grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
12 ounces butternut squash (1 small to medium squash), peeled, trimmed, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed, small ones left whole, large ones halved
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
2 ounces bacon, diced into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 teaspoons fresh lime juice, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
1/2 cup sliced scallions (white and green parts), for garnish

Steps:

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice tofu into 1-inch-thick slabs. Pat them dry with paper towels and arrange in single layer on a plate. Cover tofu slabs with more paper towels and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, ginger and red-pepper flakes. Simmer until syrup thickens slightly, about 1 minute, then stir in 1/4 cup olive oil.
Place squash, brussels sprouts and onion in a bowl. Toss with salt, pepper, coriander, sage and half of the maple syrup mixture. Spread vegetables in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle bacon on top.
Add soy sauce and 2 teaspoons lime juice to remaining maple mixture.
Remove paper towels from over tofu, and sprinkle salt on tofu slabs. Tuck tofu onto the baking sheet with squash and brush half of the soy-maple mixture over the slabs. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing the vegetables occasionally. Halfway through roasting, flip the tofu slabs, and brush with remaining soy-maple mixture. Turn oven off and heat broiler.
Broil tofu and vegetables for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp up the bacon and the edges of the tofu. When vegetables are still hot, toss with remaining 1 teaspoon lime juice and the fish sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions and drizzle with more olive oil and a little more lime juice if you like.