Lemon Tofu
INGREDIENTS
1 pack extra firm tofu
2 tbsp. soy sauce, divided*
½ tsp. kosher salt*
½ tsp. black pepper*
¼ cup, plus 2 tsp. cornstarch, divided
3 tbsp. coconut oil, divided*
4 cloves garlic*, minced
1 - 1-inch piece of ginger*, finely chopped
¼ cup water*
1 tsp. lemon zest*
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice*
¼ cup sugar*
Cooked brown rice*
3 green onions, chopped
Sesame seed for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Remove tofu from packaging and pat dry. Cut into bite sized pieces. Place the tofu pieces in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp. soy sauce and stir gently. Add . cup cornstarch, the salt and pepper, and stir to evenly coat the tofu. Heat 2 tbsp. coconut oil in a large frying pan. Add the tofu cubes to the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove the cooked tofu to a plate. Add 1 more tbsp. coconut oil to the pan. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 1 minute. Be very careful not to burn the garlic! Add the water, soy sauce, lemon zest (be sure to zest your lemon before you juice it), lemon juice and sugar. Mix together. Mix 2 tsp. cornstarch with 2 tsp. water until well blended. Add the mixture to the pan and simmer the sauce until it is thick and sticky. Stir frequently. Add the tofu to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Serve the tofu over brown rice and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
WINE PAIRING
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
KID VERSION
My kids love this tofu dish. If you don’t think your kids will like it, serve them a portion of brown rice, raw veggies that they like (cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, etc.) and simple baked chicken breast. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pat the chicken breast dry, rub with olive oil and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Bake for 35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and let it rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Since this tofu recipe is all done on the stovetop, your oven is free to bake this simple chicken. Tip – bake chicken for your kids to enjoy for dinner tonight and add another breast or two to have for the week. Use the extra chicken for another dinner, add to salads or slice for sandwiches.
