Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens

Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens Recipe | Vegetarian Asian Food

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of green tea with the crispy texture of tofu. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal that is easy to prepare.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Asian cuisine, where tea is often used in cooking to add depth and flavor to dishes. The combination of tea-crusted tofu and fresh greens creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 tsp mirin (Japanese rice wine)
0.5 oz (14 g) galanga root, peeled and grated
4 bags green tea with 1 cup boiling water, reduced by half
1 tsp brown rice syrup
1 tsp organic sucanat
2 cloves roasted garlic
1 roasted shallot
3 tbsp honey
3 drops Bragg’s Liquid Amino Acids
4 tbsp mango purée
3 drops ume plum vinegar

Salad

1 lb (454 g) block Nasoya extra firm tofu (bake tofu for 20 minutes if too moist)
1 Bosc or asian pear, sliced but not peeled
1 beet, boiled with skin on, cooled and diced
1 tbsp Colavita extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp loose green tea or 2 opened green tea bags
1 cup boiled water
1.5 tsp toasted sesame seeds
0.13 tsp herbamare seasoning
8 cups Earthbound Farm organic salad greens
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes or quartered pear tomatoes
8 parsley sprigs

How to prepare

Vinaigrette

Pour boiling water over tea in a medium bowl.
Steep for 3 minutes, strain, and reserve the tea.
Discard the tea leaves.
Combine the tea, onions, and the remaining ingredients; set aside.

Salad

Cut the tofu into 8 slices.
Dry the tofu on paper towels to remove moisture.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat.
Add 2 tsp of green tea, sesame seeds, and salt.
Stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Arrange the tofu on the tea mixture and sauté for 6 minutes, or until golden brown, turning after 3 minutes.
Place the tofu on a paper towel.
Combine the greens, pears, and tomatoes in a large bowl.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well.
Arrange 1 cup of salad greens on each plate.
Top each serving with two tofu slices.
Garnish with parsley sprigs.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different protein option.
Add sliced avocado or roasted vegetables to the salad for extra flavor and nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dry the tofu thoroughly before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.

- Use a high-quality green tea for the crust to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the tofu, as it can become tough and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the tofu in a skillet until golden brown for a crispy texture.

- Toss the salad greens with the vinaigrette just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Replace the green tea with black tea or oolong tea for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vinaigrette and tofu ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

- Keep the salad greens and vegetables separate until serving to prevent wilting.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tofu slices on top of the salad greens for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens with a light and refreshing white wine or green tea for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the tofu in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or enjoy cold as a salad the next day.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 10% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains soy and sesame seeds

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in saturated fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a crispy tofu crust and a fresh salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a unique combination of flavors and ingredients that I had never seen before. Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens. The name alone intrigued me, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I first came across this recipe at a small tea shop in Chinatown. I had gone there with a friend for a relaxing afternoon of tea and conversation. As I perused the menu, my eyes landed on the Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was curious to try it.

When the dish arrived at our table, I was mesmerized by its presentation. The tofu was perfectly crispy on the outside, with a delicate tea-infused crust. It was served over a bed of fresh greens and drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing. With my first bite, I was hooked. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - earthy, slightly smoky, and incredibly satisfying.

I immediately asked the server for the recipe, but she politely declined, saying it was a closely guarded secret. Determined to recreate this dish at home, I set out on a mission to learn how to make it.

I started by researching different tea varieties and their flavor profiles. I discovered that the key to the crust on the tofu was a blend of black tea, sesame seeds, and a touch of soy sauce. The tea added a depth of flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

Next, I experimented with different methods of preparing the tofu. I tried marinating it in the tea blend overnight, as well as dusting it with the mixture just before frying. After several failed attempts, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I then turned my attention to the greens. I wanted to create a bed of fresh, crisp greens that would complement the bold flavors of the tofu. I settled on a combination of kale, spinach, and arugula, tossed with a light citrus dressing. The greens added a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory tofu.

After weeks of trial and error, I finally perfected the recipe for Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens. I was thrilled to share it with my friends and family, who were equally impressed by the unique combination of flavors. It quickly became a staple in my repertoire of recipes, and I would often make it for special occasions and dinner parties.

Over the years, I have passed down this recipe to my children and grandchildren, who have all come to love it as much as I do. It has become a cherished family tradition, and whenever we gather for a meal, Tea-crusted Tofu over Greens is always on the menu.

I am grateful for the journey that led me to discover this incredible dish. It has taught me the importance of perseverance and creativity in the kitchen, as well as the joy of sharing delicious food with the ones we love. And so, I continue to cook and experiment, always on the lookout for new recipes and flavors to add to my collection. Because in the end, it is the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal that brings us together and nourishes both body and soul.