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Lemongrass and Five Spice Tofu





Yields
Serves 6



Active Time
1 hr



Total Time
4 hrs



Total Time
5 hrs

Inspired by the sandwiches at TigerTiger, this herbaceous tofu marinade is irresistible. Fresh ginger and lemongrass excite the senses, and soy sauce adds a salty, Asian-inspired kick. Make sure the tofu is extra-firm, as softer consistencies will collapse and not be able to hold up in a sandwich. Find this blend of fennel, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger with the spices at well-stocked grocery stores. Cut, marinate, and chill tofu up to a day ahead, keeping chilled and covered the entire time.

su- Lemongrass and Five Spice Tofu Image




Photo: Thomas J. Story

 20 ounces extra-firm tofu
 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped lemongrass (tender inner part)
 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh ginger
 2 garlic cloves
 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 2 tablespoons canola oil
 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder*
 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
 1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
Step 1
1

Cut tofu into 7 or 8 slices, each 1/2 in. thick and about 2 by 4 in. wide, and set in a 9- by 13-in. dish. In a food processor, whirl lemongrass, ginger, and garlic to mince. Add 2 tbsp. water and remaining ingredients; whirl to blend. Spoon marinade over tofu and turn to coat, distributing seasonings. Chill, covered, at least 3 hours, turning occasionally.

Step 2
2

Preheat oven to 450°. Set tofu on an oiled baking sheet, brushing off seasonings with fingers. Bake tofu until browned and a little crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 3
3

*Find this blend of fennel, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger with the spices at well-stocked grocery stores.

Step 4
4

Wine pairing: Fresh, aromatic Poet's Leap 2015 Riesling (Columbia Valley; $20).

Step 5
5

Make ahead: Through step 1, up 1 day, chilled.

Step 6
6

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving of tofu.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories117
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g9%

Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 544mg24%
Total Carbohydrate 4g2%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Protein 10g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.