Peanut Coconut Grilled Tofu

Okay, I know this is an old one, but I've been meaning to post the recipe...
It will also be appearing in the Get Sconed! column of next month's issue of Perpetual Toxins, if you're in the Long Island, NY area. It's a magazine co-created and run by one of my best friends in the world, so you should check it out.

Of course this isn’t actually a steak, but if you use the extra or super firm tofu, it’ll hold up to even the fiercest grill. Trader Joe’s makes a super firm, vacuum sealed tofu that would work well in this. If you can find bulk extra firm tofu, definitely give it a try and grill away. Personally, I prefer just 'firm' most of the time.

Peanut sauces are ridiculously versatile, so feel free to change this around. If you don’t have a shallot, use a sweet onion; feel like giving it some more flare, add more heat and the curry powder, etc.

Peanut Coconut Grilled Tofu 'Steak'

Serves 4

Ingredients:

- 1 lb. of firm to super firm tofu, drained and pressed.

- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or other mild tasting oil)

- 2 minced shallots

- 3 cloves of minced garlic

- 1 tablespoon minced ginger

- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon hot water or vegetable broth

- ½ cup coconut milk (light is fine to use)

- 3-4 tablespoons peanut butter

- 1 tablespoon tamari, shoyu or soy sauce

- 3/4 tablespoon rice vinegar

- ½ teaspoon ketchup

- 1 tablespoon sweetener, to taste (agave nectar is very good here)

- ¼ -1 teaspoon Srichi chili sauce, or other hot sauce, to taste

Optional:

- ½ teaspoon lime juice

- ¼ teaspoon curry powder

For the tofu:

1. Cut the tofu into shapes of your choice. I like to cut it width wise into 3 or 4 pieces, and then length wise into large triangles. This can also be cut into cubes and skewered.

Saucin'

1. In a medium sized saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

3. Set the heat to low and whisk in the coconut milk, broth or water and peanut butter.

4. Increase the heat to medium, and stir in the tamari, vinegar, ketchup, sweetener, hot sauce and optional ingredients, if using.

5. Remove from heat and adjust the flavors and puree in a blender or food processor for a smooth consistency, if desired. If you’d like a thicker sauce, add more peanut butter. For a thinner sauce, add more vegetable broth or hot water by the tablespoon.

6. Place the tofu in a container with a lid large enough so the pieces can all lie flat or slightly overlap. Pour half the sauce on the bottom of the container, then add the tofu, and then the rest of the sauce.

7. Refrigerate and marinate for at least an hour, preferably overnight, turning the tofu pieces once.

8. Heat your grill, grill pan or electric grill (such as a classic George Foreman) and cook the tofu on each side for 2-4 minute, until desired doneness. Brush each side with some of the remaining sauce before cooking.

Alternatively, pan fry the tofu in peanut oil or canola oil, and stir in the sauce once both sides have been cooked.

9. Enjoy with steamed or fresh greens, grains, topped or served on the side with additional peanut sauce – either warmed or at room temperature. Any leftover sauce will keep refrigerated for a week.

P.S. Happy Post 200 to meeee.