Grilled Tofu with Wasabi-Honey Glaze

Grilled Tofu with Wasabi-Honey Glaze Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Japan

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Grilled tofu with wasabi-honey glaze is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of tofu with the spicy kick of wasabi and the sweetness of honey. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for a tasty and satisfying meal.

History

Grilled tofu with wasabi-honey glaze is a modern twist on traditional tofu dishes. Tofu has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, but this particular recipe adds a unique flavor profile with the addition of wasabi and honey. The combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors makes this dish a standout.

Ingredients

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
4 cups cooked rice (brown rice, wild rice or japonica)
0.25 cup tamari
0.25 cup minced fresh ginger
2 tbsp shallots
2 tbsp sesame oil
0.25 cup rice vinegar
1 lb (454 g) extra-firm tofu, drained and sliced into 0.5 inch-thick slabs
2 tbsp wasabi
0.25 cup honey

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine tamari, ginger, shallots, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Place tofu cutlets on a platter and coat both sides with the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
Arrange tofu cutlets on a grill or in a grill pan and cook on both sides until the outside is lightly browned and the center is warmed through, about 3 minutes per side.
Carefully remove the tofu to a platter.
While the tofu is cooking, combine wasabi and honey in a small mixing bowl.
Add water as needed to form a thick glaze.
Arrange the grilled tofu steaks on a bed of hot rice.
Brush them with the wasabi-honey glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Add sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the marinade for extra flavor.
Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan version of the glaze.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before marinating it to remove excess water and allow it to absorb more flavor.

- Adjust the amount of wasabi to suit your taste preferences – if you like it spicy, add more, if you prefer a milder flavor, use less.

- Be careful not to overcook the tofu on the grill, as it can become tough and rubbery. Cook until lightly browned on the outside and heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve grilled tofu with wasabi-honey glaze over a bed of wild rice or japonica rice for a complete meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a side salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the tofu gives it a smoky flavor and crispy texture, while the marinade adds depth of flavor. Make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates before cooking to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tamari, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. You can also use regular honey instead of wasabi-honey for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tofu in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to develop and makes for a more flavorful dish.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled tofu on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or sliced green onions. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Grilled tofu with wasabi-honey glaze pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with green tea or sparkling water with a splash of lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tofu in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 14g

Fats

Total Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 200mg

Iron: 3mg

Vitamin C: 6mg

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Grilled tofu with wasabi-honey glaze is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C. However, it is important to note that this dish contains soy, so it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.

Summary

Grilled tofu with wasabi-honey glaze is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. With a balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon the most delightful dish of Grilled Tofu with Wasabi-Honey Glaze. I remember it like it was yesterday, the sun shining down on me as I leafed through an old cookbook at a garage sale.

As I flipped through the pages, I came across a section on vegetarian dishes that caught my eye. Being a lover of all things food-related, I couldn't resist taking a closer look. That's when I saw it - the recipe that would forever change my perspective on tofu.

The ingredients were simple enough - firm tofu, wasabi paste, honey, soy sauce, and a few other pantry staples. But it was the combination of flavors that intrigued me the most. The spicy kick of the wasabi paired with the sweet honey glaze seemed like the perfect marriage of opposites.

I couldn't wait to try it out for myself, so I purchased the cookbook and hurried home to gather the necessary ingredients. As I prepared the marinade for the tofu, the pungent smell of the wasabi filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the tofu had soaked up all the flavors of the marinade, I fired up the grill and carefully placed each piece on the hot grates. The sizzle of the tofu as it cooked, the tantalizing aroma that wafted through the air - it was pure bliss.

When the tofu was perfectly grilled and had developed a beautiful char, I removed it from the heat and drizzled the remaining glaze over the top. The honey glistened in the sunlight, beckoning me to take a bite.

With trembling hands, I brought a piece of the grilled tofu to my lips and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the spicy wasabi, the sweet honey, the savory soy sauce - it was a symphony of tastes that left me breathless.

From that moment on, Grilled Tofu with Wasabi-Honey Glaze became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were equally enamored with its unique flavor profile.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks here and there to suit my tastes - a dash of ginger for added warmth, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch. But the essence of the dish remained the same - a harmonious blend of flavors that never failed to impress.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day at the garage sale, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this incredible recipe. It's a testament to the power of food to bring joy and excitement into our lives, and I will forever cherish the memories of creating this dish for loved ones.

So, the next time you're in the mood for something different, something bold and flavorful, I urge you to give Grilled Tofu with Wasabi-Honey Glaze a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. After all, a good recipe is like a hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed - and this one is a gem.