Teriyaki Tofu Lettuce Wraps

A veggie spin-off on the more traditional chicken version, this recipe uses tofu and lots of veggies to make a fresh and crunchy meal.

Ingredients:

one block of tofu, drained and sliced into thin rectangles

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

12 lettuce leaves

1/2 cup shredded carrot

a cucumber, thinly sliced into half moons

pea shoots or other sprouts

Combine the teriyaki and sesame oil in a bowl, place the tofu in a single layer on a glass baking dish and cover with sauce. Marinate for an hour, flip the tofu and marinate the other side for another hour.

Drain the marinade from the tofu and set aside for dipping sauce.

Bake the tofu at 350 degrees for 15 minutes each side, then remove from the oven and cool.

Cut the spiney bottom off the lettuce leaves (I used Romaine) and discard.  Layer one slice of tofu, 1 tbsp. shredded carrot, 2 slices of cucumber and pea shoots. You might also get creative and try other toppings like mint, cilantro or chopped peanuts.

To eat, wrap the sides of the lettuce around the filling.

Serve with dipping sauce.

Teriyaki Sesame Greens with Beer Battered Tofu

This recipe is so screamingly easy it barely qualifies as a "recipe." My lovely friend Leslie made this dish for me last week when I was visiting and I couldn't wait to come home and try it out!

To make the greens, simply cut and wash the greens of your choice (I prefer kale and chard) and place in a large pot. Use a lot of greens, they cook down, well, a lot!

Add in a generous splash of Soyaki, or similar teriyaki sauce, and cook over medium heat. Continue to toss until the greens are wilted. Enjoy!

Beer Battered Tofu


Tofu doesn't have a flavor, really, so it helps to season the batter. I served these with a bowl of peanut butter and jelly dipping sauce, which I made by mixing peanut butter, a splash of rice wine vinegar and mango chutney.

1 cup flour
1 egg, or substitute
1 1/2 cups beer of your choice
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp. 21 Seasoning Salute or Mrs. Dash season mix

Combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth and set aside.

Meanwhile, cut a block of extra firm tofu into fingers and dredge in flour. Then dip in batter and fry in hot oil until brown.