Daylight savings and this seriously addictive spring weather have prompted a post-work routine of River-view runs (when I'm not at Loflin), followed by creative dinners on the patio. During the last documented occurrence, I toyed with a one-pan chicken sausage sauté. This time at Whole Foods, however, the tofu caught my eye. I was initially intimidated by the cooking process of tofu, but my friend Jeanine Donofrio appeased my suspicion through her new Love and Lemons cookbook. I felt immediately inspired by the pages' bright colors and wholesome ingredients. Here's my attempt at Jeanine's well-followed style and technique...
Makes 4 servings
Bibb lettuce leaves 1 14 ounce box of extra firm tofu 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 glove garlic, minced 1/8 teaspoon black sesame seeds 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1 lime 1 teaspoon honey Heirloom carrots, shaved Radishes, shaved 1 avocado, cubed Srirarcha
1. Remove tofu from package and slice into 1-inch cubes. Carefully blot tofu with a paper towel to remove water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, juice of a lime, and honey. Toss tofu in oil mixture and allow to marinade for 15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add tofu in batches, ensuring that tofu pieces have at least once inch between them. Cook untouched, until pan-facing side is caramelized and golden. Flip and continue to cook. Remove tofu from pan and add remaining batches until all is prepared.
4. Layer carrots, tofu, avocado and radish on lettuce leaves. Top with srirarcha and serve.
