Citrus-Grilled Tofu with Avocado and Spinach Medley
This vibrant and flavorful dish features succulent grilled tofu marinated in fresh citrus juices, perfectly paired with a refreshing salsa made from sweet grapefruit and oranges. The added crunch of red bell pepper and red onion, along with fragrant cilantro, brings a delightful texture and taste. The dish is served on a bed of wilted baby spinach, providing a beautiful presentation that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner, this recipe is not only low in fat but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and anyone looking to brighten up their meal with fresh flavors. The longer you marinate the tofu, the more flavorful it becomes, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm tofu
2 packages (drained and sliced)
Texas Star Red Grapefruits
2 (juiced and segmented)
Navel Oranges
3 (juiced and segmented)
olive oil
4 teaspoons (for marinade and cooking)
cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (divided for seasoning)
red bell pepper
1/2 (seeded and minced (about 1/2 cup))
red onion
1/4 (minced (about 1/4 cup))
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (minced and packed)
Florentine Baby Spinach
1 bag (washed and dried)
ripe but firm avocado
1/2 (diced just before serving)
Instructions
1
Drain the tofu packages and gently press the tofu to remove excess moisture.
2
Slice each block of tofu horizontally to create thinner slices, then cut each slice diagonally into triangular pieces.
3
Place the tofu triangles on paper towels to drain while you prepare the marinade.
4
Juice one grapefruit and one orange to yield 1/2 cup of juice from each. In a bowl, mix the citrus juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5
Pat the tofu dry with more paper towels, then arrange the pieces in a single layer in a large dish.
6
Sprinkle the tofu with cayenne pepper and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
7
Pour the marinade over the tofu, making sure to coat it evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator overnight or for at least several hours, turning the tofu once during marination.
8
While the tofu marinates, prepare the grapefruit and orange salsa. Start by peeling the remaining grapefruit and oranges.
9
Using a paring knife, gently cut between the membranes to release the fruit segments, working over a bowl to catch any juices. Once completed, cut each segment in half.
10
In a separate bowl, combine the citrus segments with diced bell pepper, minced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Season with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of salt, cover, and refrigerate.
11
When ready to cook, preheat a grill pan over high heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Carefully add the marinated tofu along with any leftover marinade to the pan.
12
Grill the tofu for about 3 minutes on each side, using tongs or a spatula to flip it gently until it has nice grill marks and is heated through.
13
Remove the grilled tofu from the pan and add the washed and dried baby spinach. Stir it briefly, allowing it to wilt for 1 to 2 minutes.
14
To serve, create a bed of wilted spinach on each of four plates and lay two triangles of grilled tofu on top. Generously spoon the fresh citrus salsa around the tofu and garnish with diced avocado just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Citrus-Grilled Tofu recipe?
The main protein is firm tofu, which is drained, pressed, and sliced into triangles before being marinated and grilled.
What kind of citrus fruits are needed for this dish?
This recipe requires Texas Star Red Grapefruits and Navel Oranges for both the marinade and the fresh salsa.
How do I prepare the tofu for marinating?
Drain the tofu, press it to remove moisture, slice it horizontally into thinner pieces, and then cut those into triangles.
What are the ingredients in the tofu marinade?
The marinade is made from 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How long should the tofu marinate?
For the best flavor, marinate the tofu in the refrigerator overnight or for at least several hours.
What spices are used to season the tofu?
The tofu is seasoned with cayenne pepper and a portion of the salt before the marinade is poured over it.
How do I make the citrus salsa?
Combine grapefruit and orange segments with diced red bell pepper, minced red onion, chopped cilantro, and salt.
How should the citrus be cut for the salsa?
Use a paring knife to cut between the membranes to release fruit segments, then cut each segment in half.
What should I do with the citrus juices while segmenting?
Work over a bowl while segmenting the fruit to catch any juices so they are not wasted.
What kind of onion is used in the salsa?
The recipe calls for 1/4 of a red onion, finely minced.
Is there any preparation for the bell pepper?
Yes, use 1/2 of a red bell pepper that has been seeded and minced to yield about 1/2 cup.
How is the tofu cooked?
The tofu is grilled in a preheated grill pan over high heat with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
How long does it take to grill the tofu?
The tofu should be grilled for approximately 3 minutes on each side until it has grill marks and is heated through.
What do I do with the extra marinade during cooking?
Add the leftover marinade to the grill pan along with the tofu while grilling.
How is the spinach prepared for this dish?
The baby spinach is washed, dried, and then added to the grill pan to wilt for 1 to 2 minutes after the tofu is removed.
What specific type of spinach is recommended?
The recipe calls for one bag of Florentine Baby Spinach.
When should I add the avocado to the meal?
The avocado should be diced and added as a garnish just before serving to ensure it stays fresh.
What is the recommended texture for the avocado?
Use an avocado that is ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape when diced.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish focused on plant-based ingredients like tofu and fresh produce.
Is the Citrus-Grilled Tofu recipe gluten-free?
Yes, according to the tags, this recipe is gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The plating instructions suggest the recipe is designed to serve four people.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for seasoning the tofu.
What is the total amount of salt used?
A total of 1/4 teaspoon of salt is used, divided between the tofu seasoning and the salsa.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
You will need 4 teaspoons of olive oil in total, divided between the marinade and the cooking process.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Place a bed of wilted spinach on a plate, top with two tofu triangles, spoon the salsa around it, and garnish with avocado.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutrient-packed, low-fat meal ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, the tofu can be marinated overnight and the salsa can be prepared and refrigerated ahead of time.
What provides the crunch in the citrus salsa?
The minced red bell pepper and red onion provide a delightful crunch to the salsa.
What herb is used to flavor the salsa?
Fresh cilantro is minced and added to the citrus salsa for fragrance and taste.
How many tofu triangles are served per portion?
Each serving consists of two triangles of grilled tofu laid over the spinach.