Grilled Tofu Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing

Grilled Tofu Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing Recipe | Vegan & Vegetarian Food from Asia

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Grilled tofu salad with ginger miso dressing is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of grilled tofu, fresh vegetables, and flavorful dressing creates a satisfying and nutritious meal.

History

Tofu, a staple in Asian cuisine, has been enjoyed for centuries as a versatile and nutritious ingredient. The idea of grilling tofu and serving it in a salad with a ginger miso dressing is a modern twist on traditional tofu dishes, combining different flavors and textures for a unique and delicious meal.

Ingredients

0.5 cup water
4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp chili paste
1 lb (454 g) firm tofu, cut into 1 inch cubes
4 cup mixed salad greens
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Dressing

2 tsp light-colored miso paste (found in the ethnic food section of the grocery store or Asian food market)
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

How to prepare

Prepare the grill.
In a medium bowl, combine the water, soy sauce, oil, garlic, ginger, and chili paste.
Add the tofu cubes and gently toss until well-coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight.
Drain and reserve the marinade.
Make the dressing: In a small saucepan, heat 0.5 cup of water over medium-high heat.
Add miso paste and stir until dissolved.
Remove from heat, then stir in the rice wine vinegar, oil, ginger, and sesame seeds. Set aside to cool completely.
Skewer the tofu cubes on wooden or metal skewers.
Brush with reserved marinade and grill for about 3–4 minutes or until slightly browned, turning once.
Remove from the grill and set aside to cool.
In a medium-sized bowl, add the mixed salad greens, cucumber, and tomatoes.
Add the tofu cubes, then drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Gently toss to coat, then serve.

Variations

Add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the salad.
Top the salad with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Substitute the tofu with grilled chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before marinating it to remove excess water and allow it to absorb the flavors of the marinade better.

- Use firm tofu for grilling to ensure that it holds its shape and doesn't fall apart on the grill.

- Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the tofu and enhance its taste.

- Grill the tofu over medium-high heat to achieve a nice char and smoky flavor.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the tofu cubes and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled tofu salad with ginger miso dressing as a light lunch or dinner. It can also be served as a side dish or appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling, marinating, tossing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute white miso paste for light-colored miso paste if unavailable.

- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

The tofu can be marinated and grilled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled tofu cubes on top of the salad greens and vegetables for an attractive presentation. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the grilled tofu salad with ginger miso dressing with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the tofu cubes in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 16g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Calcium: 20% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Grilled tofu salad with ginger miso dressing is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Grilled tofu salad with ginger miso dressing is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a combination of grilled tofu, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Grilled Tofu Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished harvesting some fresh vegetables from my garden. As I was flipping through a magazine, I stumbled upon this unique recipe that caught my eye.

The combination of grilled tofu, mixed greens, and a tangy ginger miso dressing sounded like the perfect dish to try out. I had never cooked with tofu before, but I was eager to give it a shot. I quickly gathered all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen.

I marinated the tofu in a delicious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic before grilling it to perfection. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply mouthwatering. I could already tell that this dish was going to be a hit.

Next, I prepared the ginger miso dressing. I whisked together miso paste, rice vinegar, ginger, and a touch of honey until it formed a smooth and creamy dressing. The flavors were bold and vibrant, with just the right amount of sweetness and umami.

Once the tofu was grilled and the dressing was ready, I tossed together a colorful mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. The vibrant colors and textures made the salad look like a work of art.

As I plated the salad and drizzled the ginger miso dressing on top, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This dish was not only visually appealing but also incredibly nutritious and flavorful. I knew that my family would enjoy every bite.

When my family sat down to eat, their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bite of the Grilled Tofu Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing. The tofu was perfectly grilled, with a crispy exterior and a tender center. The dressing added a burst of flavor that tied everything together beautifully.

As we enjoyed our meal together, my family couldn't stop raving about how delicious the salad was. They were impressed by the unique combination of ingredients and flavors. It was a dish unlike anything we had ever tasted before.

From that day on, the Grilled Tofu Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over or wanted to enjoy a light and refreshing meal, this salad was always at the top of the menu.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with many friends and family members, each one falling in love with its bold flavors and vibrant colors. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am proud to have in my recipe collection.

As I look back on that warm summer day when I first discovered this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey it has taken me on. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and this dish has allowed me to share that passion with others in a delicious and satisfying way.

I am grateful for the many recipes and techniques I have learned over the years, each one adding a unique flavor and story to my culinary repertoire. The Grilled Tofu Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing will always hold a special place in my heart as a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to all who enjoy it.