Barbecue Tofu With Cajun Rice Recipes

Steps:

• Cut the tofu block crosswise into 6 equal segments, then cut the segments into 3 equal pieces to make 18 pieces. Press the tofu pieces between paper towels to dry them. Set aside.
• Add the scallions, fish sauce and sugar to a medium heatproof bowl and place the bowl next to the stove. Place a wire rack in a baking pan or sheet and place next to the stove as well.
• Add 2 1/2 inches of oil to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or high-walled cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 190 degrees F (see Cook's Note), ladle out 1/2 cup of oil and slowly pour over the scallion mixture; it should sizzle. Set aside the scallion oil while you fry the tofu.
• Heat the remaining oil in the saucepan to 375 degrees F. Add the tofu and fry until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the tofu to the wire rack-lined baking pan to drain.
• Divide the tofu among 2 to 3 bowls of rice. Stir the scallion oil to incorporate the oil with the scallions, then ladle generous spoonfuls over the tofu.

Steps:

• Rinse and pat the tofu dry, then slice it horizontally into 5 long rectangular slabs. Wrap in a dishtowel and press GENTLY all over to remove excess moisture.
• Stack up the tofu slabs again and slice them in half diagonally so you now have 10 triangular slabs. NOTE: If you are planning to grill them, you may want to leave the tofu in rectangles and slice them in half last thing, so they'll be easier to flip on the barbecue.
• Mix all other ingredients together and pour into a 9-by-13 baking dish. Spread the tofu slabs in the dish and turn them carefully, using a basting brush to make sure all sides are coated with sauce.
• Let rest for 15 minutes. NOTE: If time permits, you can prepare this a few hours early (even the night before) and let it marinate for stronger flavor.
• Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F, turning halfway through.
• If grilling, it's basically the same as anything else, but you have to be more careful about burning tofu than meat! Just grill till it reaches your desired done-ness (my crazy family likes it burned), basting occasionally with leftover sauce.
• Serve with baked potatoes, fries, steamed/grilled veg, salad -- endless possibilities! Leftovers taste GREAT crumbled in a sandwich with a little mayonnaise (or vegan version :-)!

Steps:

• Cut tofu cake horizontally (slicing parallel to work surface) into 4 rectangles and press.
• Cover the bottom of a small pan with half of barbecue sauce. One by one, rub both sides of each tofu rectangle with chile powder; place in a single layer on sauce. Top with remaining sauce. Let stand for 30 minutes.
• Preheat broiler with rack 6 inches from heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; place a baking rack on top. Spray rack with cooking spray. Take tofu slabs out of the barbecue sauce and place on rack with space between pieces. Reserve leftover barbecue sauce. Broil until top of tofu is browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
• Turn tofu over and brush with reserved sauce. Broil until browned and bubbly, about 5 more minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature, on bread with coleslaw if desired.

Steps:

• Two and a half hours before serving, start drying out the tofu: Place the slices in a single layer between clean, dry dish towels or double layers of paper towels. Press to remove water from the tofu, and let stand for 2 hours, replacing the soaked towels once or twice, until there is very little water left in the tofu. (You can press and dry the tofu quickly, and use it immediately, but it will be less crisp.)
• Heat a broiler to its highest setting. Heat a large skillet over medium and add the oil and butter, swirling to cover the bottom. Pour the tamari into a small, shallow dish. Press the tofu one last time. Quickly dip both sides of a single slice in the tamari and place it in the skillet. (Be careful as the liquid may lead to hot pops from the oil.) Repeat with the remaining tofu slices and tamari.
• Cook until the tofu gets the same beautiful golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. While the tofu browns, spread half of the barbecue sauce on a small rimmed baking sheet. Transfer the tofu to the barbecue sauce on the sheet, then cover with the remaining sauce. Broil, turning once, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve hot.