Baked Spicy Tofu With Bean Thread Noodles Corn And Mango Recipes

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tofu from sticking.
• To prepare the tofu: 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 a 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 (preferably more like 30 minutes, if you have the time).
• Transfer the pressed tofu to a medium mixing bowl and drizzle with the olive oil and tamari. Toss to combine. Sprinkle the starch over the tofu, and toss the tofu until the starch is evenly coated, so there are no powdery spots remaining.
• Tip the bowl of tofu over onto your prepared baking sheet and arrange the tofu in an even layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing the tofu halfway, until the tofu is deeply golden on the edges. Use as desired.

SPICY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Lay the tofu on a plate lined with a couple sheets of paper towel. Layer more paper towel atop tofu and place another plate atop the stack to press water from the tofu. Let sit at least 5 minutes.
• Cut tofu into 1/2-inch strips and put into a large, sealable plastic bag; add soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce. Squeeze bag to remove excess air and seal. Marinate tofu in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Remove tofu from the marinade, shake to remove excess moisture, and arrange onto the prepared baking sheet. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, flip, and continue baking until firm, 15 to 20 minutes more.

SPICY BAKED MARINATED TOFU

Steps:

• Mix vinegar, ketchup, peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and black pepper together in a small, microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat vinegar mixture in microwave oven until the peanut butter is softened, 10 to 15 seconds; stir mixture until smooth.
• Put tofu into a large bowl. Pour sauce over the tofu and stir to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to a full day, stirring occasionally to assure tofu remains coated in sauce.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Spread tofu onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake in preheated oven until slightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.

SPICY RICE NOODLES WITH CRISPY TOFU AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As the oven heats, press the tofu (you can do this by sandwiching the block in paper towels and placing a cutting board, plus a heavy pot, can or book on top).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and oils, and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, panko and sesame seeds, if using, and toss gently so the tofu cubes are coated.
• Spread on the prepared sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and crisp.
• While the tofu bakes, start the noodles: Put the dry rice noodles in a big, wide bowl. Fill a kettle, bring the water to a boil, and pour the boiling water over the noodles to cover. Set aside for 6 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are fully rehydrated and soft. (Time may vary by brand.) Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• As the noodles soak, prepare the spicy sesame oil: In a small pot, combine sesame oil, peanut oil, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on the lowest heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the garlic slices turn golden.
• Meanwhile, on your cutting board, make a small mound with the teaspoon of salt. Place the basil and the scallions on top, and use your knife to furiously chop and smash until you have a rough paste.
• Mix the basil paste into the bowl of rice noodles. Pile the baby spinach on top. Pour at least half of the hot oil immediately over the spinach, tossing so that the heat wilts the leaves slightly. Then add the juice of the 1/2 lime and toss to combine. Taste for salt and lime juice, and add more oil as you see fit.
• Arrange the tofu on top of the noodles, or mix them in so that the cubes hide like little treasures. For extra flair, garnish with additional sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

TOFU VEGETABLE SOUP WITH BEAN THREAD NOODLES

Steps:

• In a heatproof container, combine the noodles with enough boiling water to cover. Let stand, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until al dente. Drain well, then place on a cutting board and chop in several directions to shorten the noodles.
• Meanwhile, combine the broth with 2 cups water in a soup pot. Bring to a simmer, then add the snow peas, bell pepper, spinach, tofu, ginger, and sesame oil. Cook briefly, just until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
• Remove from the heat, stir in the noodles, and season with soy sauce and pepper to taste. Serve at once.
• This pairs nicely with Bok Choy, Edamame, Cashew, and Orange Rice (page 83). A platter of sliced bell peppers, daikon radish or turnip, and grape tomatoes or sliced tomatoes completes the meal.
• For a lighter meal, serve with store-bought vegan spring rolls and Bok Choy, Red Cabbage, and Carrot Salad (page 176).
• Calories: 198
• Total Fat: 7.5g
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 435mg

BAKED SPICY TOFU WITH BEAN THREAD NOODLES, CORN, AND MANGO

Steps:

• Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a small baking dish.
• Preheat oven to 450 Fahrenheit.
• Drain tofu and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Drop the cubes into the marinade and turn them gently to coat each one. Make sure the cubes are close together and sitting in the marinade. Bake in the hot oven for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, soak the bean thread noodles in a pot of hot water for 20 minutes., then drain in a colander.
• Simmer the onion and corn in the vegetable stock in a large saute pan until the onions are tender and the corn is bright yellow, about 3 minutes. Add the tamari, mangoes, tofu, and juices from the marinade. Pinch the leaves off the cilantro and sprinkle them into the mixture. Add the noodles and toss until everything is thoroughly coated. Cook for 2 more minutes.
• As an alternative, make a bed of the noodles on a serving platter and put the tofu mixture on top, to be tossed at the table.
• Garnish with mint.