LBD Tofu

This is the Little Black Dress of Tofu. I KNOW it's weird to compare tofu to a little black dress, but hear me out. This tofu is simple, it's a staple, it goes with almost everything, and you can dress it up in so many different ways. It matches Asian flavors, Italian flavors, and Tex/Mex flavors.

This is not the dress/tofu that will stand out in a crowd, but it is the protein that will make everyone notice how delicious your dinner is. In fact, if you serve this to your family, they'll think you're a good parent without you actually having to think about dinner. Ok, maybe I over sold that. But we are currently eating this tofu 1-2 dinners a week and everyone is always happy to see it on the menu.

ABOUT LBD TOFU FOR PESTO PASTA: If you're going to mixed into this pesto pasta, just cook as described below and add an optional 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and a few grinds of pepper. Mix tofu directly into pasta and fold into pesto! Kids (and some adults) might even mistake it for cheese!

ABOUT LBD TOFU FOR ENCHILLADAS: Cook tofu as described below, but add 1/2 teaspoon cummin and a bit of paprika or chili pepper. I had grilled a poblano peppers and corn the night before and I sliced up a pepper and an ear of corn, and added it to the cooked tofu along with a handful of chopped cilantro. Proceed with your enchillada recipe.

ABOUT OTHER LBD TUFO MEALS: Enjoy this tofu: 1) With hot honey lime sauce (1:1:1 honey, hot sauce, lime juice. 2) With soy sauce and sautéed spinach over rice. 3) With steamed veggies and sweet chili sauce. On it's own when your kids reject whatever fancy food you're making for dinner.

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LBD Tofu

Cook time 20 minutes. Prep time 5 minutes. Use cast iron or non stick pan for easy cleanup. Serves 3-5

Ingredients

1 pound super firm tofu

2-4 tablespoons avocado oil

1-3 scallions sliced, green and white parts seperated (red onions or shallots work too, but we like scallions the best)

1/2 teaspoon Diamond kosher salt (or to taste)

Optional Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

STEP ONE

Pat dry your super firm tofu. Grate it with a box grater. Set asside.

STEP TWO

Heat a nonstick or cast iron pan on medium heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of your neutral cooking oil, and cook the white part of the green onions for 2 minutes. Add your tofu, salt, and any seasoning, and increase heat to medium high. Set a timer for 14 minutes. Cook stirring occasionally for about 7 minutes.

STEP THREE

You'll notice that at about 7 minutes your tofu will start to crisp and start to stick to the pan a bit. If tofu seems super sticky, you may need to add the extra 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Keep cooking your tofu on medium high heat for another 7 minutes. Tofu should be crispy without seeming dried out. Once it's cooked through you can add the green parts of the green onions. Serve immediately!