Crispy Tofu with Zesty Spicy Peanut Sauce over Fresh Spinach Salad
Indulge in a vibrant dish where crispy pan-seared tofu is generously coated in a rich and zesty spicy peanut sauce. This delightful creation is served over a refreshing bed of organic spinach mixed with crunchy cucumber, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The earthy taste of spinach complements the savory tofu beautifully, while the spicy peanut sauce adds a tantalizing kick. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Trust me, the spinach is a must!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm tofu
0.5 (14 ounce) package (Cubes)
Thai spicy peanut sauce
to taste (Store-bought or homemade (I recommend Melissa's organic "Flavor Your Tofu" sauce))
fresh salad spinach
1-2 cups (Cleaned and torn into bite-sized pieces)
cucumber
1/2 (Sliced or diced)
Instructions
1
Chop the firm tofu into small cubes and wrap them in two layers of paper towels. Place a heavy object on top to press out excess moisture for 10-15 minutes.
2
In a bowl, add the pressed tofu cubes and pour enough spicy peanut sauce over them to coat all sides. Stir gently to ensure even coverage.
3
Cover the bowl and marinate the tofu in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to soak in (the longer, the better!).
4
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and carefully add the marinated tofu, reserving any extra sauce.
5
Pan-sear the tofu for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until golden and crispy. Feel free to add more sauce during cooking if desired.
6
While the tofu cooks, prepare the cucumber by slicing or dicing it and place it on a plate along with the fresh spinach.
7
Once the tofu is crispy, arrange it in the center of the spinach and cucumber bed. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the dish for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is firm tofu.
Is this Crispy Tofu recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and can be vegan if the peanut sauce used does not contain animal products.
How long should I press the tofu before cooking?
You should press the tofu for 10-15 minutes using paper towels and a heavy object to remove excess moisture.
What type of sauce is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for Thai spicy peanut sauce, specifically recommending Melissa's organic "Flavor Your Tofu" sauce.
How long does the tofu need to marinate?
The tofu should marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours.
Can I marinate the tofu for longer than 4 hours?
Yes, the instructions state that the longer it marinates, the better the flavors will soak in.
How is the tofu cooked?
The marinated tofu is pan-seared in a saucepan over medium heat.
How long does it take to pan-sear the tofu?
It takes about 10 minutes to pan-sear the tofu until it is golden and crispy.
What vegetables are included in the salad base?
The salad consists of a bed of fresh spinach and sliced or diced cucumber.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is portioned for 1 serving.
Should I use firm or silken tofu?
The recipe specifically requires firm tofu to ensure it holds its shape during searing.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The fresh salad spinach should be cleaned and torn into bite-sized pieces.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the dish uses a Thai spicy peanut sauce which adds a tantalizing kick.
What is the cooking heat level for the tofu?
The tofu should be cooked over medium heat.
How should the tofu be cut?
The tofu should be chopped into small cubes.
What do I do with the extra marinade?
Reserve any extra marinade and drizzle it over the final dish for extra flavor.
Can I add more sauce while the tofu is searing?
Yes, you can add more sauce during the 10-minute cooking process if desired.
How often should I stir the tofu while it cooks?
You should stir the tofu every couple of minutes to ensure even browning and crispiness.
How much spinach is needed for one serving?
You will need 1 to 2 cups of fresh salad spinach.
Is the cucumber sliced or diced?
The cucumber can be either sliced or diced depending on your preference.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Soy/Tofu.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a rich, zesty, and spicy flavor profile balanced by earthy spinach and refreshing cucumber.
How many main ingredients are required?
There are 4 main ingredients: firm tofu, spicy peanut sauce, fresh spinach, and cucumber.
Is this dish suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
How much tofu is used for one person?
The recipe uses 0.5 of a 14-ounce package of firm tofu.
What texture should the tofu have when finished?
The tofu should be golden on the outside and crispy.
Can I use homemade peanut sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for either store-bought or homemade Thai spicy peanut sauce.
Where do I place the tofu when serving?
Arrange the crispy tofu in the center of the spinach and cucumber bed.
Why is spinach recommended as a must for this recipe?
The earthy taste of the spinach complements the savory tofu and balances the heat of the sauce.
Does this recipe include any grains?
No, this specific recipe is a salad-based dish without grains like rice or quinoa.