Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze

Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Japan

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of tofu with the sweet and tangy flavor of orange glaze. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and vegetarian option that is also packed with protein and vitamins.

History

Tofu, also known as bean curd, has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. It is made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the curds into blocks. Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to desserts. The addition of orange glaze to seared tofu adds a unique twist to this traditional ingredient, creating a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) firm tofu, rinsed and drained
0.5 cup fresh orange juice, strained (1 to 1.5 oranges)
2 tbsp shoyu or soy sauce
2 tbsp sake
1 scallion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1.5 tbsp plus 1 tsp vegetable oil
2 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 bunches watercress, rinsed well, thick stems removed
1 tbsp sesame seeds
A few drops of toasted sesame oil

How to prepare

Lay the tofu block on its side and cut it lengthwise into 4 equal slices. Then, cut through the block diagonally to make 8 triangles. Keep the block intact and place the tofu on a plate. Place another plate on top and weigh it down with a heavy can. Let it stand for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the orange juice to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until it is reduced to 2 tbsp, which should take about 8 minutes. Transfer the reduced orange juice to a small bowl and stir in the shoyu, sake, scallion, and 2 tbsp of water. Set it aside.
Spread flour on a plate. Press each tofu triangle into the flour, making sure both sides are well coated. Heat a large, heavy skillet over high heat and add 1.5 tbsp of vegetable oil. Immediately add the tofu and cook until it is lightly golden, turning once. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Divide the tofu among 4 plates and set it aside.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tsp of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the garlic and stir for 10 seconds. Add the orange juice mixture (be careful, as it will steam quite a bit) and cook for 30 seconds. Pour the orange glaze over the tofu triangles.
Add the watercress to the skillet and stir-fry over high heat until it is just wilted, which should take about 30 seconds. Remove it from the heat. Stir in the sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mound the watercress alongside the tofu. Serve hot.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Add diced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the stir-fried watercress for added vegetables.
Use lemon or lime juice instead of orange juice for a different citrus flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture and allow it to crisp up nicely.

- Be careful when adding the orange juice mixture to the hot skillet, as it will steam quite a bit.

- Wilt the watercress quickly to retain its vibrant green color and fresh taste.

- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Garnish with additional sliced scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the tofu before cooking helps it to crisp up and absorb flavors better.

- Stir-frying the watercress quickly over high heat retains its vibrant color and fresh taste.

- Cooking the orange glaze for a short amount of time ensures that it is not over-reduced and maintains its sweet and tangy flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Substitute mirin or rice vinegar for sake if needed.

- Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The tofu can be pressed and sliced ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The orange glaze can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the seared tofu triangles on a platter and drizzle with the orange glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a beautiful presentation. Serve the watercress alongside the tofu for a colorful and nutritious meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or green tea for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the tofu in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Do not overcook to prevent the tofu from becoming tough.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for vegetarians and those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

Summary

Seared Tofu with Orange Glaze is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. With a balance of savory tofu, sweet and tangy orange glaze, and fresh watercress, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this dish for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Margaret was always experimenting with new recipes, and that day she had prepared a delicious dish that left my taste buds tingling with delight.

As we sat down to lunch on her sun-drenched porch, she unveiled a plate of seared tofu with orange glaze that looked simply divine. The tofu was golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the tangy orange glaze glistened invitingly in the sunlight. I took a bite, and instantly I knew that this was a recipe I had to learn how to make.

Margaret smiled at me as I savored the flavors, knowing that she had once again introduced me to a culinary masterpiece. "I learned this recipe from a friend who traveled to Asia and brought it back with her," she explained. "It's a wonderful combination of sweet and savory that is sure to please even the most discerning palate."

I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. She walked me through the process, from marinating the tofu in a flavorful broth to searing it to crispy perfection in a hot skillet. The secret, she revealed, was in the orange glaze, made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.

I was mesmerized by the simplicity of the recipe and the depth of flavor it yielded. As I made a mental note of each step, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following Margaret's instructions meticulously. The tofu sizzled in the skillet, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water.

As I drizzled the orange glaze over the seared tofu, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my culinary creation. I plated the dish with a garnish of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and I knew that I had truly mastered the art of seared tofu with orange glaze.

From that day on, this recipe became a favorite in my household. I would often prepare it for family gatherings and dinner parties, and it never failed to impress my guests. The combination of flavors was so unique and delicious that it left everyone asking for the recipe.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to create new variations. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a touch of citrusy freshness that is simply irresistible.

I have shared this recipe with many friends and family members, passing on the culinary legacy that Margaret so generously bestowed upon me. It is a recipe that brings people together, sparking conversation and joy around the dinner table.

As I look back on that fateful day at Margaret's cottage, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has become a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for sharing good food with those I hold dear.

And so, I continue to make seared tofu with orange glaze, each time with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the journey that led me to discover this cherished recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

In the end, it is not just a dish on a plate – it is a story, a connection, a legacy that will live on for generations to come. And for that, I am forever grateful.