Tofu Steaks with Creamy Miso Sauce

I'm always looking for new ways to cook tofu and this idea was inspired by my favorite health food store's hot bar. You can either grill the tofu or bread and bake it. Both are yummy because it's all about the sauce anyway. I liked to serve the breaded tofu steaks over garlicky greens with mushrooms and leeks for a more upscale dinner, but there are so many other veggies that would work with this dish (Bok Choy, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, etc). It would also be good with rice or pad Thai noodles. Side note, you can skip the tofu and serve this sauce over veggies--see Garlicky Greens with Creamy Miso Sauce.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 14 oz container of firm or extra firm tofu (pressed and dried ahead of time)

Breading

• 2-3 tbsp tamari

• 2 tbsp flour (I used spelt)

• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder

• 1/2 tsp sage powder (or poultry seasoning)

• Black pepper and salt to taste

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup brown rice bread crumbs (or other kind bread crumbs)

• 1-2 tbsp sesame seeds (I used white but black would work too)

• Spray bottle of olive oil

Sauce (can be made ahead of time)

• 2 tbsp tamari or liquid aminos

• 2 tbsp Miso (yellow or white)

• 1 1/2-2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1/2 cup soy milk

• Red pepper flakes

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder

• 1-2 tsp arrowroot powder

Toppings and Sides

• Sautéed leeks (1-2 chopped)

• Sautéed mushrooms (1 container)

• Garlicky Greens (any combo of greens--I like 1 bunch kale, 1 bunch collards)

• 6 cloves garlic

• 8 oz container veggie broth

• 2-4 tbsp tamari

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

• Optional other choices: chopped scallions, cilantro

Instructions:

To make the tofu:

1. Press and dry tofu ahead of time if possible.

2. Slice tofu into thin tofu steaks. I made 6 steaks by slicing the block of tofu into thirds lengthwise and then cutting each piece into two widthwise.

3. Set tofu in a dish and sprinkle with tamari (about 2-3 tbsp).

4. If grilling, spray the tofu steaks with a little olive oil and place on hot grill pan or grill.

5. If baking, preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Make breading batter--Whisk together all breading ingredients except for the breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. Place the breadcrumbs and sesame seeds in a different dish.

7. Roll/dip/cover each tofu steak in the batter and then roll in the breadcrumb and sesame seed mixture.

8. Place on parchment lined baking tray and bake for 30-35 minutes.

9. Meanwhile, make the sauce and sides.

To make the sauce:

1. This sauce can be made ahead and kept in fridge until ready to heat and serve.

2. Whisk together all sauce ingredients and place in a small pot. You will heat the sauce right before you are ready to use it (I have actually eaten the sauce without heating it, but it tastes better warmed).

To make the Garlicky Greens with Mushrooms and Leeks see link.

To assemble: There are a few ways to do this.

• Serve the tofu steak on the bed of greens and top the tofu with mushrooms, leeks, sauce, sesame seeds, and pepper flakes. Serve with brown rice on the side.

• Serve the tofu steak on the bed greens and mushrooms and top the tofu with drizzle of sauce, leeks, sesame seeds, and pinch of pepper flakes. Serve with brown rice on the side.

• Serve the mushrooms on the side of the tofu steak and greens.

• Skip the greens and serve grilled or breaded tofu steaks with sauce topped with scallions, cilantro, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.