Baked Seasoned Tofu

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* Exported from MasterCook *

 

Baked Seasoned Tofu

 

Recipe By : The New Soy Cookbook by Lorna Sass (p. 90)

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Miso & Tofu

 

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 pound extra-firm tofu -- drained and pressed

1 1/4 cups water

1/4 cup shoyu (soy sauce)

1 tablespoon fresh ginger -- coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon garlic -- coarsely chopped

4 star anise, broken in petals, optional -- * see note

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 1/2 teaspoons toasted Asian sesame oil

2 teaspoons sesame seeds

 

Set the block of tofu on a cutting board with the longer end of the block facing

you. Using a serrated knife, cut the tofu crosswise into nine slices, each a

scant 1/2-inch thick. Cut each slice in half to create 2 squares. Set aside.

 

Place a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a 10- or

12-inch skillet, combine the water, shoyu, ginger, garlic, star anise (if using)

and red pepper flakes. Arrange the tofu squares in the marinade in one layer.

Over high heat, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and

simmer for 15 minutes.

 

Meanwhile, brush the sesame oil on the bottom of a large, shallow baking dish

(about 7 " x 11 " ). When the tofu squares are ready, carefully remove them one by

one from the simmering marinade, brush off any bits of garlic or ginger, and set

in the baking dish. Flip over each piece so that the second side gets a light

coating of the oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the sesame seeds. Bake

uncovered until the top is a deep caramel-brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Flip over,

sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds and bake until the second side is

deeply browned, about 15 minutes more.

 

Remove the baking dish from the oven and set on a rack. (The tofu will become

firmer as it cools.) When cool, refrigerate in a tightly sealed container until

needed, up to 1 week.

 

Makes about 3/4 pound.

 

*NOTE*

Star anise is a characteristic Chinese seasoning for tofu. As the name

suggests, it has a flavor akin to licorice. Whole star anise pods are available

in Chinese groceries and by mail order. They last a year or so when stored away

from heat and light in a well-sealed container.

 

 

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