Penne Crispy Tofu And Green Bean Salad Recipes

SKILLET SOBA, BAKED TOFU AND GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH SPICY DRESSING

Steps:

• Make the baked tofu: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels and cut into dominoes, about 1/3 inch thick. In a large, wide bowl whisk together all of the marinade ingredients for the tofu. Pat each piece of tofu with paper towels, then dip into the marinade, making sure to coat both sides. Transfer to the baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to color and the marinade sets on the surface of the tofu. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
• Bring 3 or 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt to taste and the green beans. Boil 5 minutes and using a slotted spoon or skimmer, transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Set aside.
• Bring the water back to a boil. Add the soba gradually, so that the water remains at a boil, and stir once with a long-handled spoon or pasta fork so that the noodles don't stick together. Wait for the water to come back up to a rolling boil - it will bubble up, so don't fill the pot all the way - and add 1 cup of cold water. Allow the water to come back to a rolling boil and add another cup of cold water. Allow the water to come to a boil one more time and add a third cup of water. When the water comes to a boil again, the noodles should be cooked through. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of the sesame oil. (If using rice noodles, boil 5 to 6 minutes without adding the water, until cooked al dente).
• Whisk together 1 tablespoon of the tofu marinade, the rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, hot chile oil or cayenne, soy sauce, remaining sesame oil and buttermilk. Pour over the noodles, add the beans, tofu and cilantro, and gently toss together.
• Heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat and add the noodle salad. Toss in the pan until heated through and serve.

GREEN BEAN AND TOFU SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, stir the peanut butter, hoisin, lime juice, sugar and red-pepper flakes in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons boiling water from the saucepan to the peanut dressing and stir well. The dressing should be runny but still thick. If needed, stir in another tablespoon boiling water.
• Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until brighter in color and just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well, rinse under cold water until cool, then drain again. Transfer the green beans and tofu to the peanut dressing and stir gently until evenly coated. Season to taste with salt, then sprinkle with more red-pepper flakes. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

GREEN BEAN, POTATO, AND TUNA SALAD

Steps:

• Season tuna steaks liberally with lemon pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place tuna steaks in the hot skillet and sear until lightened but still a little pink in the centers, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl of ice water to "shock" the beans and preserve the green color.
• Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until they are just a little firm when pierced, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl of ice water.
• Combine garlic, lemon, juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Add tuna, potatoes, green beans, and tomatoes. Stir in Italian dressing and coat all ingredients with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 2 hours or best overnight.