Recipe: Grilled Tofu with Peanut-Coconut Sauce
- by bonappetit
Go vegan for dinner tonight and try this grilled tofu recipe! The peanut-coconut sauce will unleash an umami flavor (the 5th taste we crave) and quickly become a favorite.
Serves 2-3
• 1 pound extra-firm (sometimes labeled super-firm) tofu
• 2 small zucchini, cut in 1/2″ rounds
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons, divided, low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2-1/2 teaspoons, divided, seasoned rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1/4 cup peanut butter, preferably natural-style
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 scant teaspoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Steamed brown rice, optional
Preheat the grill to medium-high.
Lay the tofu flat on a cutting board and, with your knife parallel to the board, carefully slice into equal thirds. (You’re essentially creating three thinner rectangles of tofu, each roughly 3/4″ thick.) Pat well with paper towels and place in a large zip-top bag along with the zucchini.
In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce, garlic oil, sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of the rice vinegar. Pour into the bag. Spread the marinade around the tofu and zucchini and lay flat on the counter while you make the sauce. Flip once or twice, if possible.
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, the remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons of rice vinegar, and the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, ginger, and garlic. Whisk over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. (Overcooking may cause it to separate.) Remove from heat and set aside.
Turn the grill heat down to low. Lay the tofu and vegetables on well-oiled grates and grill, flipping 2-3 times, for about 6 minutes for the tofu and 10 minutes for the zucchini. Serve with the sauce and steamed brown rice, if desired.