Spicy Deep-Fried Tofu Salad
Easy and Delicious Recipe Using Deep-Fried Tofu
Not being much of a meat eater, I need to find different ways to get my protein and one of my favorite protein sources come from beans. I love beans in all its various forms, however preparing them takes time. When I'm short on time and patience, I reach for tofu. I like to use tofu in my cooking not only because it's easy to prepare, but also because it's really good for you.
This dish is perfect as a salad on hot summer days. However the best way to eat it is with a steaming bowl of rice. Add a bowl of miso soup and you have a perfect complete meal. This dish also works well as a side dish for all your favorite dishes.
Did you know...
One 4 ounce serving of tofu contains 20% of the daily recommended protein.
Although this vegetarian dish is called a salad, it's best eaten with a side of fluffy white rice. Add a bowl of miso soup and you have a complete meal.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 10
Total Time: 20
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 1 block deep-fried tofu ( aburaage ) cut into small blocks
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 1 large tomato chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped spring onion ( green onion )
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mirin ( 1/2 teaspoon sugar may be substituted )
- 1/2 teaspoon chili bean paste
Instructions
- 1.Cut tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice cucumbers.Set aside.
- 2.Cut aburaage into bite-sized pieces. Grill in a toaster oven (regular oven or grill is fine) until crispy on the outside.
- 3. Mix together in a large bowl, soy sauce, vinegar, mirin or sugar, chili bean paste, grated ginger and grated garlic. Add chopped spring onion and set aside.
- 4. Add the aburaage and vegetables into the bowl and mix until coated well. Finally add sesame oil and toss. Serve.
The Recipe in Photos to Make it Easier
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Benefits of Sesame Oil
I like to use sesame oils in my dishes for its distinctive and nutty flavor. Just a little goes a long way in giving your dishes that extra boost. Sesame seeds and oil have been used in countries throughout the world for their wonderful flavor and health enhancing benefits. It's especially a good oil to keep in your pantry. Due to its high antioxidants present in sesame oil, it is the least prone to turning rancid kept in the open.
In Japan, sesame oil is used in a variety of ways including making tempura. The best restaurants use sesame oil or a combination of sesame oil and vegetable oil for frying tempura. This gives tempura that distinct flavor found in many famous tempura restaurants throughout Japan. In regular households, sesame oil is mostly used to season food such as salads and stir-frys. A simple way to make a Japanese dressing is to mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, a little sugar and sesame oil.
Did you know...
Sesame oil is a great source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that is believed to help in lowering cholesterol.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is great to have in your pantry for many uses. It can be used for almost anything including salad dressings, dips and stir-frys. Not only is it delicious, it also comes with a host of health benefits.
Great Tofu Recipes on Video
There are so many great recipes on the internet today using tofu. Watch some of my favorites to see how easy it is to use tofu for delicious and healthy recipes.
If you like spicy, this is for you. Perfect with a bowl of white rice or noodles. If you are watching your carb intake, this is a great dish.
This is perfect as a snack. It also works as a firm base for stir fries and other dishes.
