Resolution Menus. Thursday: Veg w/a Twist

No that does not mean vegetarian with a strip of bacon.

Crispy Fried Tofu
Green Beans



This recipe comes from a book on fancy plated Vegan food. Many of the recipes are a bit fussy but this one, with some modifications is okay. I originally served this in appetizers portions but have changed the portions to make a main course.


The "fat" portion of this is all in the oils, which are all healthy and you need some good oils here and there.

Serves 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids.

Crispy Tofu

Tempura Batter
2/3 cup cold water
2 Tbsp sherry vinegar (rice wine works as well)
2 tsp Sesame oil
1 tsp grapeseed oil
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking powder

Mix water, vinegar and oils in a bowl. Add dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. Do not make too far ahead of time, batter is only good for about an hour. You will have some left over and can try with some veggies or buy more Tofu.

Sesame Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp grapeseed oil
1.5 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 Tbsp dijon mustard
3 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
1.5 Tbsp lime juice (fresh)
1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt.

Mix well.

Salad Topping
1/2 cup Radish (I used red one time and black, from the ballard farmers market this time. Red is nicer for color)
1/2 cup green beans (or of you want to go fancier go with sea or Thai beans)
1 Tbsp grated ginger
1/2 lime, skin removed, diced

Tofu
15 oz firm Tofu cut into 8 equal pieces. (obviously cut much smaller for appetizer version)
Rice flour for dredging (maybe 1/4 cup)
Salt and pepper

Pat Tofu dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Heat skillet to high with 1/4 cup oil. Dip in tempura batter and place in pan. Fry until slightly crispy and brown on each side. Place on paper towels (can keep warm in oven if you are making multiple batches).

To plate, spoon 3 tsp vinaigrette on plate and place tofu on top. Top tofu with 2-3 Tbsp salad mixture and 1-2 tsp additional oil.

For dinner I served with green beans topped with some of the vinaigrette.


Points/Calories per serving
Tofu 5/177
Vinaigrette 6/213
(The green beans are free...)

Cost. Not including any oils, vinagars or spices.
About $15.00