Marinated Fried Tofu And Vegetable Salad With Mesclun Recipes

FRIED TOFU SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK DRESSING

Steps:

• Pour 1 1/2 cups buttermilk into a shallow dish. Add the tofu and turn to coat; let marinate at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk, the mayonnaise, chives, vinegar, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl.
• Put the snap peas in a medium microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon water; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave until just tender and bright green, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Discard the plastic wrap and set the peas aside to cool.
• Whisk the flour, herbes de Provence and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade to make shaggy clumps. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Dip the tofu in the flour mixture, turning to coat, dip back in the marinade, then redip in the flour to coat with the clumpy bits; transfer to a plate. Working in batches, fry the tofu, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a rack and season with salt.
• Divide the iceberg wedges among plates; season with salt and pepper. Top with the fried tofu, tomatoes and sugar snap peas. Drizzle with the buttermilk dressing.

MESCLUN WITH CREAMY LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine the baby greens in a salad bowl. In a mini food processor, pulse together the shallot, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, zest and cayenne. Add the olive oil and pulse again to combine. Add the sour cream and blend for 30 seconds until creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over the greens and toss to coat and serve.

MARINATED VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Scrape the carrots and cut into large matchsticks. Top and tail the green beans, and cut in half lengthwise if fat. Shred the cabbage with a knife. Trim the cauliflower and cut into bite-size bouquets.
• Stir together the mustard seeds, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Heat the oil in a saute pan and gently fry the shallots for 2 minutes to soften slightly. Add the spice mixture and cook for 1 minute. Toss in the remaining vegetables for just 1 minute. Remove from the heat, toss in the vinegar and let sit for 15 minutes, or, even better, several hours. (It keeps in the refrigerator for several days.) Taste and correct the seasonings. Serve at room temperature with crusty bread.

MESCLUN SALAD

Steps:

• In a small saute pan add 2 tablespoons whole butter, dash of cayenne, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the 1/2 cup of pecans. Cook this slowly over a very low flame, taking care to stir carefully and occasionally. The sugar will burn easily if the flame is too hot. On a stable cutting board, julienne the red pepper and then peel and section the 2 oranges. Squeeze the remaining orange pulp over a large bowl and to this add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the salad greens in this and then place on a salad plate. Arrange the oranges and red bell pepper slices on the top and garnish with the caramelized pecan halves. Allow the pecans to cool before eating.

GRILLED OR PAN-FRIED MARINATED TOFU

Steps:

• Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a 2-quart bowl. Whisk together well.
• Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels. Slice into 1/2-inch thick slabs, and blot each slab with paper towels. Add to the bowl with the marinade, and gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to an hour, or for up to a day.
• To pan-fry the tofu, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy nonstick skillet. When the oil is hot, add the tofu in one layer (you may have to do this in batches). Cook on one side for one to two minutes, until lightly colored. Using tongs, turn the tofu over and cook for another one to two minutes, or until lightly colored on the other side. Remove from the pan, and serve with additional marinade or soy sauce. To grill the tofu, prepare a medium-hot grill. Brush the grill with oil, and grill until grill marks appear, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from the heat, and serve with additional marinade or soy sauce.