Tofu And Spinach Salad Spicy Miso Dressing Recipes

SPINACH AND TOFU SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Slice tofu into 1-inch-by-2-inch pieces about 1/4-inch thick and place in a deep bowl or on a platter.
• Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sake, brown sugar, ginger and cayenne. Pour marinade over tofu slices to coat well. Leave in marinade for at least 15 minutes. (You may marinate the tofu up to 24 hours in advance.)
• While the tofu marinates, pick over spinach leaves and remove any tough stems. Swish the spinach in a deep bowl of cold water. Lift leaves from water into a colander. If you see any sand in the water, repeat up to 3 times, using fresh water each time. Drain well and dry spinach, then wrap in a kitchen towel and refrigerate until ready to use. (You may wash the spinach up to 24 hours in advance.)
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, vegetable oil, soy sauce, miso, garlic and ginger.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer. Spoon remaining marinade over tofu. Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until slightly crisped. Remove and leave at room temperature.
• To make the salad, arrange spinach in a low, wide salad bowl or on a deep platter. Scatter cucumber, daikon and edamame over spinach, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and peanuts. Tuck slices of tofu here and there.
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt over everything, then drizzle salad with dressing and serve.

WARM BACON AND SPINACH SALAD WITH MISO DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Lay the bacon in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the crispy, 12 to 13 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a cutting board and chop; set aside. Carefully pour the bacon fat into a small heatproof bowl and measure 2 tablespoons of the fat into a small saucepan. Discard any remaining bacon fat or reserve for another use.
• Meanwhile, soak the onion in a medium bowl of cold water for 15 minutes, then drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the spinach, carrots and sliced fennel and let sit at room temperature.
• Add the ginger and garlic to the saucepan with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the miso and cook, whisking, until smooth and just warm. Add the vinegar, honey and sesame oil and cook, whisking frequently, until just simmering and smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Add the bacon to the bowl with the spinach then pour in the warm dressing. Toss gently until the spinach just begins to wilt. Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl and garnish with the fennel fronds and sesame seeds.