Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Roasted Bell Peppers - Pair with 2 Late

 

Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Roasted Bell Peppers

This dish is vibrant and flavorful. It's about creating something delicious and nourishing for yourself. The combination of textures and flavors signifies a well-rounded and satisfying life, independent of past regrets.

This vibrant and flavorful dish is a fantastic meal for Lola, highlighting her favorite tofu and bell peppers with a rich, creamy, and subtly spicy peanut sauce. The tofu is baked to crispy perfection, and the entire meal is completely free of mushrooms, eggplant, jalapeños, or any other ingredients Lola dislikes.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Equipment:

• Large baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Medium bowl (2 of them)

• Small bowl

• Whisk

• Knife

• Cutting board

• Measuring cups

• Liquid measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

• Spatula

• Colander (for tofu pressing)

• Oven

• Serving plates

• Spoon

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Tofu:

• 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Pinch of black pepper

For the Roasted Bell Peppers:

• 2 large bell peppers (any color), cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch strips (Lola likes peppers!)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Pinch of black pepper

For the Creamy Peanut Sauce:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional, using a grater)

• 1 clove garlic, minced (using a knife and cutting board)

• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (Lola likes sriracha!), adjust to taste

• 2-4 tablespoons warm water (to thin to desired consistency)

For Serving (Optional):

• Cooked rice or noodles (Lola likes pasta/noodles!)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

Preparing the Tofu and Peppers:

Step 1.) Preheat your oven to 400∘F (200∘C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2.) Press the extra-firm tofu using a colander or paper towels with a heavy object for 15-20 minutes to remove excess water. Using a knife and cutting board, cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.

Step 3.) In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss gently with a spatula until the tofu is evenly coated.

Step 4.) On the same cutting board, cut the bell peppers into 1-inch strips. In another medium bowl, toss the bell pepper strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 5.) Spread the seasoned tofu cubes and bell pepper strips in a single layer on the prepared large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Roasting the Tofu and Peppers:

Step 6.) Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu and peppers halfway through with a spatula, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy, and the bell peppers are tender with slightly charred edges.

Making the Creamy Peanut Sauce:

Step 7.) While the tofu and peppers are roasting, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or brown sugar), optional fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha.

Step 8.) Whisk vigorously with a whisk until smooth. Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking well after each addition, until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency.

Step 9.) Taste the sauce using a spoon and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness (add more sriracha if Lola wants extra heat!) as needed.

Assembling and Serving:

Step 10.) Remove the crispy tofu and roasted bell peppers from the oven.

Step 11.) Arrange the crispy tofu and roasted bell peppers on serving plates. If desired, serve over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.

Step 12.) Drizzle generously with the creamy peanut sauce.

Step 13.) Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Tips for Success:

• Crispy Tofu Secret: Thoroughly pressing the tofu and coating it with cornstarch are key steps for achieving that desired crispy texture without deep frying.

• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the warm water in the peanut sauce gradually. You want it thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to cling to the food.

• Peanut Butter Choice: Use a creamy, not chunky, peanut butter for the smoothest sauce.

• This dish is also excellent for meal prep; store components separately and assemble just before eating.