Chinese Five Spice Tofu Atop Seasonal Vegetables
When you're cooking vegetarian fare, the vegetables become the centerpiece of your meal, rather than the meat course. And that's a good thing because cooking with plant-based foods is a whole lot more interesting to me. The different colors of the vegetables, the delicacy, and the different techniques make cooking that much more fun.
This dish uses four different techniques in preparation. The broccoli and cabbage are shocked, just to bring out the colors and flavors without overcooking. The onions are "cooked" in vinegar, the tofu is fried, and the red pepper, cilantro, and peanuts are served raw.
The array of colors on the plate lends itself to loads of antioxidants because each color of the produce rainbow holds the key to optimal health and the protein in the tofu and the peanuts make the dish satiating even for those that enjoy heartier fare.
Cruciferous vegetables are also known as a super veggie that in most areas of the country, can be found locally. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale and are known for a compound that neutralizes toxins in the liver and helps cleanse the system as a result.
INGREDIENTS
| 7 oz | organic extra firm tofu |
| ¼ cup | organic soy sauce |
| 1 tbsp | Chinese five spice mixture |
| 1 head | broccoli, chopped |
| ¼ medium head | cabbage, sliced |
| ¼ purple | onion, sliced |
| ½ cup plus 2 tbsp | rice vinegar |
| ½ to 1 cup | vegetable oil |
| 2 tbsp | organic sesame oil |
| 1 tsp | minced jalapeño |
| 1 tsp | sugar |
| ½ red | pepper, sliced |
| 2 tbsp | cilantro, chopped |
| ¼ cup | chopped raw peanuts |
PREPARATION:
Method
- Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a weight (like a teapot or book) on it for about 15 minutes. Remove from the cloth. Marinate the tofu in soy sauce and Chinese five spice for about 30 minutes. Drain the liquid and slice into matchsticks.
- At the same time, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in broccoli. Cook for 3 minutes and then remove from the heat, drain, and cover in ice. Do the same with the cabbage, except only cook for 1 minute.
- Add the purple onion to a bowl and add in vinegar. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat up vegetable oil in a large pot to medium high and add in tofu. Use a fork to turn the tofu so that it doesn't stick or burn. Don't crowd the pot. Cook each batch about 5 minutes before removing and placing on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, vinegar, jalapeno, and sugar. Combine broccoli, red pepper, cabbage, and onion and top with dressing. Combine with your hands.
- Add to a plate and top with a handful of tofu, cilantro, and peanuts. Serve immediately.
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