Sesame Tofu w/ Garlic, Ginger & Greens

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Sesame Tofu w/ Garlic, Ginger & Greens

Prep time: 10mins (30 mins if you don’t have a microwave)
Cook time: 10 mins

What is tofu?

Tofu is a plant based protein food. Basically, condensed soy milk pressed into solid white blocks. Unlike most other plant-based proteins, soy protein is a complete protein (It provides all of the essential amino acids that your body needs but cannot make and needs to obtain from food).

Soybeans are also high in ‘healthy fats’ especially omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. This makes tofu high in protein and fat, but low in calories. It also contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals. The calcium and magnesium in soy may help strengthen bones, lessen symptoms of PMS, regulate blood sugar, and prevent migraine headaches.

Types of tofu

We only really use extra-firm tofu (for now), but there are many different kinds:

  • Silken: good for creamy foods like smoothies, desserts, sauces & dips
  • Medium: denser than silken but still delicate 
  • Firm: absorbs flavors well. can be stir-fried or great crumbled (like eggs)
  • Extra-firm: Holds its shape, acts like a little flavor sponge. Great meat replacement. Good for slicing, cubing, pan-frying, baking, grilling, and scrambling… 

So what’s the difference?

“The difference is in how much water is pressed out of the tofu. The more water you press out of it, the firmer it gets. As we make it firmer, with less water content, both the fat and protein go up.” – Tim Kenny, VP of Marketing at Nasoya, a company that makes organic, non-GMO tofu.

Tofu Tip

The firmer the tofu, the longer it takes to bake or fry out the extra water. We want to remove the water in order to make it crispy. It’s not difficult to remove excess water, but it can take some time (~30mins). If you are in a hurry, wrap the tofu in paper towels and through it in the microwave for 30 secs. 😉

What do you need?

A big bowl
A pan 
 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 block extra firm tofu (firmness is important!)
  • 4 tbsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • Greens (we used beans & broccoli)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1-2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water

Step 1. Remove excess water from tofu. Wrap tofu in paper towels, place on a plate. Place additional plate or heavy skillet over top and leave for 30 mins. 

(If you are short on time, you can zap the paper towel wrapped tofu in the microwave for 30 secs) 

Cut tofu into cubes and press down to remove any remaining excess water.

 

Step 2.

Toss the cubes in a bowl with 2 tbsps (half) the cornstarch. Heat a pan to med-high heat and add sesame oil to pan. Add the tofu to the pan and brown on all sides ~2 mins per side (do not keep moving them around or they will not brown/get crispy)

Step 3. Mix all of the remaining ingredients for the sauce. (2 tbsps cornstarch, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1-2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tsps cornstarch, 2 tbsp water) Add Greens (we used beans & broccoli) 

Step 4. Once the tofu is browned, add the saucey greens. Mix well. Reduce to med-low heat. Cover and simmer until the greens soften. (Use your judgement, you might need to add a little more water here depending on how much greens you are using)

Step 5. (Optional) Top with sesame seeds, serve over rice or greens, in a wrap, bowl, or on its own.

Enjoy!