Why would you want to eat tofu? It’s a great source of vegan protein and calcium that can be served with many flavours, much like chicken. I am not big on eating tons of tofu due to the slight potential for it to affect thyroid function, albeit a very small risk. When you eat it a couple of times a week you have nothing to worry about!
When I do eat tofu, I like to make it at home, because when you eat tofu in restaurants it is most likely genetically modified and deep fried in toxic fats. My favourite type of tofu is the sprouted version, available at Whole Foods Market and some other health food stores.
I love the chewy texture when the tofu is first frozen, then pressed to remove liquid and finally coated in a mixture to add flavour. I use my convection oven to speed cooking and ensure maximum crispiness.
Here are directions for:
SESAME GARLIC ROASTED TOFU
1 – 350 g. block of extra-firm sprouted tofu
1 T. Coconut Sauce or Tamari Soy Sauce
2 tsp. roasted sesame oil
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
freshly ground pepper (approximately 1/4 tsp.)
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees (450 degrees if non-convection oven).
2. Take 1 block of extra-firm tofu (about 350 g) preferably previously frozen, thawed and squeezed in a clean dishtowel to release most of the liquid in the block and cut into 1/2″ cubes. You can also make 1/2″ thick steaks of any size or triangles if you prefer but I like the maximum surface to get browned and crispy.
3. In medium/large bowl, place the cubed tofu and add 1 T. tamari soy sauce or coconut sauce, 2 tsp. roasted sesame oil, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Arrange cubes in a single layer on an oiled sheet pan or silicone mat placed on sheet pan, and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until browned to your satisfaction, turning over the cubes halfway through the baking time with a metal pancake flipper.
5. You can store the cubes in the refrigerator for a few days and use as a topping for salads, in a stir fry or in sandwiches.
OPTIONAL: You can dust the tofu cubes with 1 T. cornstarch just before distributing cubes on sheet pan to make extra crispy tofu! If you like your food spicy, you can add some cayenne, hot sauce or paprika. If you want to barbecue your tofu, I would cut the tofu into steaks or skewer it in cubes. Make sure to oil your grill to keep it from sticking.
PRO TIP: I like to shake the cornstarch through a sieve to avoid lumps!
