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1.18.2010

Warm BBQ Crispy Tofu Buckwheat Soba & Arugula Salad

When I tweeted that I was developing a recipe for tofu, they all laughed and threatened to de-friend me. I have tried to like tofu, and seem to like it better when I order it elsewhere. Still not a favorite, but I have had some good tofu in my life. A package of tofu accidentally fell into my organic delivery box and I didn't want to waste it. I perused the Internet and found an interesting recipe for BBQ tofu here. I gleaned more from the comments about technique. See I don't like that slimy soft factor so much in my tofu. But I love a fried tofu puff. One commenter suggested baking the tofu slices first in an oven for more firmness and crispness. So that's what I did. I have created another recipe all together than the one referenced and have taken it further by tossing the crispy BBQ Tofu nuggets with Buckwheat Soba and fresh Arugula in a spicy vinaigrette. I know fried anything isn't the healthiest, but sometimes its OK especially balanced out with other healthy things. If you are looking for a meat alternative these chunks make a good tasty substitute. Use your own homemade BBQ or some stir bought. I used a Ginger Teriyaki sauce for mine. I also chose Peanut oil both the nutty flavor, its really one of the best oils for frying , and great with Asian cuisines.
This is a very filling and spicy salad that will win over those that may be skeptical about Tofu.
Warm BBQ Crispy Tofu Buckwheat Soba and Arugula Salad
Serves 4
Crispy BBQ Tofu
1 14 oz package Extra Firm Tofu
1/2 cup egg substitute or 2 eggs beaten
1 .5 cups Rice Flour
1/2 cup Peanut Oil(* great oil for high smoking points )
1/2 cup of BBQ sauce of your choice

Salad Fixings
4 serving bundles of Buckwheat Soba( 1 per person) boiled according to instructions
1 bunch Fresh Arugula washed and dried
Thin sliced White Onion to taste
Salad Dressing
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Chili Oil
1/4 cup Peanut Oil
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Ginger Powder


Slice your Tofu into squares. On a Parchment lined baking sheet brushed with a little oil, bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes. Tofu will start to brown slightly. Remove from oven and let cool. Save sheet as you use again.
Place Rice Flour in a zip lock bag. Dip each Tofu slice in egg mixture and then place in bag. Shake the tofu pieces until evenly coated with Rice Flour.
In a large fry pan heat the Peanut Oil. Place the Tofu Slices and fry o each side until Golden and crispy. Remove from heat and place back on Parchment lined Baking sheet from earlier. Brush each piece with the BBQ sauce of your choice. Bake at 375 until sauce starts to bubble and caramelize. Turn each piece mid way. Remove from oven.

Boil Soba according to instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Mix dressing ingredients and toss into Soba . Add Arugula and thin sliced Onions.
Arrange each serving dish with several pieces on Tofu on top of the Soba and Arugula.

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14 comments:

The Duo Dishes said...

Doesn't matter what anyone says....tofu is out of this world. You can make it work for whatever your taste may be. It's interesting that you baked and fried them. That's a nice way to get the texture just right. Delicious.

Darius T. Williams said...

Served this way - I could possibly try it - lol

Courtney said...

looks great I will have to try this out

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

An interesting and original salad! Fried tofu is so great!

Cheers,

Rosa

Hendersonville Epicurean said...

I recently tried Baked Peanut Butter Tofu. Sounds horrible, doesn't it? It was actually really good and I'm not what you'd consider a big tofu lover.

Get Togetha said...

This recipe looks slammin. Will try. And thanks!

~~louise~~ said...

It took me quite some time to warm up to tofu. However, now, I've actually gotten to the point where I've considered making my own. I figure why not, I think it is fairly easy to make and it freezes so well!!!

You have done an outstanding job with this recipe Courtney. The best thing about tofu is that it absorbs flavors so easily you don't even have to imagine what you're eating. Your procedure and ingredients bring out the best in my book. Definitely saving this one! Now, I wish I would have picked some up while shopping today. How did CS like it???

Thanks for sharing...

Esi said...

Love the new blog design! Also, this is a gorgeous and great sounding salad.

Anonymous said...

This looks and sounds delicious, you may have just convinced me to give tofu a try :)

Bren said...

Love love love the new design!!! This is great! open space is always good! :)

great chatting with you! :)

Proud Italian Cook said...

Looking good here Courtney, love the new design, nice and fresh... Oh, I love soba noodles too.

Maris said...

Looks so good! I always hesitate to make Asian food because in restaurants it sounds complicated! But I love when the sauces, etc. are ingredients already in my pantry.

The Caked Crusader said...

ooh - that glossy greenery does it for me! So healthy and tasty looking!

Chou said...

Yum. I like fried tofu, and imagine that anything you come up with is worth trying!