Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tasty Baked Tofu {+ Lemony Kale)

 

Throw out all your preconceived notions of tofu, and give this guy another chance. Marinated and baked, tofu can be flavorful and seriously satisfying. Baking slightly dries out the tofu pieces giving them a rather meaty and chewy texture. Soy is packed with high quality protein and these tofu pieces are sure to fill you up quickly.


Baked Tofu

1 package Organic Tofu, firm, cut into bite size chuncks
2-3 Tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce
2 Teaspoons Honey
1 Tablespoon Paprika

1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Dash Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice

Place cut tofu into container for marination, and add all ingredients. Toss tofu to ensure equal marination among all pieces. Let sit in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.

*Marinating tofu for several hours to days seems to result in the tofu breaking down and falling apart. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spread tofu onto baking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.


Sugars burns once hot enough. Don't be alarmed if you see burnt-ness on your baking pan - it's from the honey. As long as it's not on your tofu, you're good.


I like the combination of flavors here: a little acid from the lime juice, a little sweetness from the honey, some spice from the cayenne and a little salty and savory from the soy sauce and paprika.


For the kale, I did a simple saute with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. This little dish is packed with vitamin A and K, protein, calcium and antioxidants isoflavones and flavonoids (found in soy and kale, respectively . Enjoy!