Crispy Tofu and Peanut Crunch Salad
Experience a delightful fusion of textures and flavors with our Crispy Tofu and Peanut Crunch Salad. This vibrant dish features baked medium-firm tofu marinated in a sesame dressing that perfectly complements the freshness of crunchy vegetables and the saltiness of roasted peanuts. A quick blanching technique preserves the crispness of bean sprouts while adding a satisfying snap to the dish. This salad can serve as a refreshing entree or a light side, perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy this wholesome salad that brings the essence of Shanghai to your dining table.
6
Servings
75
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Medium Firm Tofu
1 lb (Cut crosswise into 1-inch thick slices, drained, baked, and cut into 1/4-inch strips.)
Salad Oil
as needed (For brushing tofu and mixing dressing.)
Bean Sprouts
3/4 lb (Blanched and cooled.)
Cucumber
1 medium (Sliced thinly and refrigerated.)
Shredded Carrot
1 cup (For mixing and garnishing.)
Green Onions
3 (Thinly sliced, including tops, for mixing and garnishing.)
Salted Peanuts
3/4 cup (Coarsely chopped for mixing.)
Fresh Coriander (Cilantro)
to garnish (Sprigs for topping.)
White Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup (For the dressing.)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (For the dressing.)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (For the dressing.)
Sesame Oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (For the dressing.)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (For the dressing.)
Ground Red Pepper (Cayenne)
1/4 teaspoon (For the dressing.)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the medium-firm tofu into 1-inch thick slices.
2
Drain the tofu in a colander for 15 minutes. After draining, place the tofu slices between paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture.
3
Position the tofu on a baking rack inside a shallow rimmed baking pan and brush all sides lightly with salad oil.
4
Bake the tofu slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes until they are golden and slightly crispy.
5
Once baked, allow the tofu to cool, and then cut it into 1/4 by 1/4 by 1-inch strips.
6
To make the Sesame Dressing, combine the white wine vinegar, sugar, additional salad oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and ground red pepper in a bowl, whisking together until well mixed.
7
Gently toss the cooled tofu strips with the Sesame Dressing in a bowl. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
8
In a large pot, fill it halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
9
Quickly add the bean sprouts to the boiling water and blanch for 10 seconds. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and maintain crispness. Drain again and refrigerate.
10
Prepare the cucumber by peeling (if desired) and then slicing it in half lengthwise. Remove any large seeds and cut the cucumber into thin half-moon slices. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
11
When ready to serve, combine the marinated tofu and dressing with the blanched bean sprouts, cucumber slices, 2/3 cup of shredded carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and coarsely chopped roasted peanuts in a large salad bowl. Gently toss to mix all ingredients well.
12
For garnishing, top the salad with the remaining shredded carrots, fresh coriander leaves, and additional diagonally sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
5.8g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
1.7g
Fiber
0.8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Tofu and Peanut Crunch Salad?
It is a vibrant dish featuring baked medium-firm tofu marinated in a sesame dressing, mixed with crunchy vegetables and roasted peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of tofu is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of medium-firm tofu.
How should the tofu be prepared before baking?
Slice the tofu into 1-inch thick slices, drain for 15 minutes, and press between paper towels to remove moisture.
At what temperature should the tofu be baked?
The tofu should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to bake the tofu?
The tofu slices should bake for approximately 20 minutes until they are golden and slightly crispy.
How is the tofu cut after baking?
Once cooled, the tofu should be cut into 1/4 by 1/4 by 1-inch strips.
What ingredients are in the Sesame Dressing?
The dressing is made of white wine vinegar, sugar, salad oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and ground red pepper.
How long should the tofu marinate in the dressing?
The tofu should marinate for at least 30 minutes, though it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
How do you prepare the bean sprouts for this salad?
Add them to boiling water for 10 seconds to blanch, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Why are the bean sprouts rinsed in cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and helps maintain the sprouts' crispness.
How should the cucumber be sliced?
Peel the cucumber if desired, cut it in half lengthwise, remove large seeds, and cut into thin half-moon slices.
What are the nutritional values for calories and protein?
Each serving contains 75 calories and 3.3g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan.
Is the Crispy Tofu and Peanut Crunch Salad gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free, but ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What gives the salad its crunch?
The crunch comes from the blanched bean sprouts, fresh cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and roasted peanuts.
What garnishes are used for this dish?
The salad is garnished with shredded carrots, fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, and diagonally sliced green onions.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate and fiber content?
Each serving contains 5.8g of carbohydrates and 1.7g of fiber.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe specifically uses white wine vinegar.
How much sugar is included in the recipe?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of sugar, resulting in 0.8g of sugar per serving.
Is the salad spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper (cayenne) in the dressing.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses 3 green onions, thinly sliced.
Can this salad be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for meal prep.
How much sesame oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of peanuts should I use?
Use 3/4 cup of salted peanuts, coarsely chopped.
Is the cucumber refrigerated before mixing?
Yes, the instructions suggest covering and refrigerating the sliced cucumber until ready to use.
How much soy sauce is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
What cultural essence does this salad represent?
The description mentions the dish brings the essence of Shanghai to your dining table.