Teriyaki Tofu

I didn’t post yesterday.  I know bad blogger.  I will be honest with you.  I didn’t have any thing for WIAW 😦  Sad but true.  Tuesday morning I couldn’t find my camera but no worries I will just take photos of Wednesday eats.  Um that didn’t happen!  Obviously!  Because I was so busy I forgot to take pics at work.  That and my bottom lip looks like a meat cleaver attacked it on the inside.  I am not a happy person.  Since I didn’t feel well, I took a day/night off.  Please forgive?  Hopefully today’s post will make up for it 🙂

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I was raised in a meat and potatoes type of family.  I mean we had a huge garden so veggies were also frequently on the table, but a meat and potatoes family none the less.  Of course the only difference was that my family raised their own “meat” for years, we didn’t have to worry about steroids and hormones…..

I married a meat and potatoes kind of guy.  No seriously he is.  As in he orders a rib eye every time we go out to eat.  I do mean every time.  Going to Olive Garden – he gets steak gorgonzola.  Going to the Mexican restaurant – don’t be surprised if he orders the steak, but if he doesn’t he will order some steak dish. 

So of course he refused to try my latest dinner adventures.  Oh he was just fine with the vegetables and the rice.  I could even convince him to use the Teriyaki sauce.  The tofu on the other hand….that was a no go!

Now I have to be honest.  I am not the biggest tofu person myself.  Yes, I eat it occasionally but mainly in restaurants.  I have cooked it at the house once or twice but never the same.  I am intimidated by it.  That was until I got my hands on the book!  If you do not know what book I am talking about go here to check it out. 

The book talks about how to broil the tofu.  Which I love!  I have pan fried it.  I have baked it.  I have never broiled it.  This method gives it the perfect texture.  Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside…does that make sense?  I can see tofu making its way into my kitchen more often 🙂

Teriyaki Tofu

• 1 pkg cubed tofu
• 1/2 c teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 c vegetable broth
• 1c cooked brown rice
• 1 bag frozen stir fry veggies

1. First thing is to press the tofu.  This is really simple.  Do not be intimidated.  Place a dish towel over your cutting board, place the drained tofu on towel, then place another towel over the tofu.  Now pile on the heavy stuff.  I use two cast iron skillets and like four cook books.  Let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes.  I try to leave it on for around an hour.  The longer you press, the firmer the tofu will be.
2. Place the teriyaki sauce and vegetable broth in a measuring cup and mix together.  Once the tofu has been pressed, place in a bowl, pour the sauce over the top, and allow it to marinate a minimum of 30 minutes.  It is best if marinated overnight.
3. Preheat broiler.  Cover your pan with aluminum foil and spray with non stick spray – easy clean up!  Using a slotted spoon, remove tofu from sauce and place on tray (save the marinade).  Broil on hi a few minutes on each side until you get a “charred” look on the pieces. 
4. While your tofu is broiling, place veggies in a microwave safe bowl with 2T water.  Micro for 3.5 minutes.  Stir and place back in microwave for another 3.5 minutes.  Drain.
5. Now place some rice, veggies, and tofu in our serving bowl, drizzle with left over marinade.

Dinner is served.  If you pre-pressed/marinated the night before then guess what.  You literally have dinner ready in 10 minutes.  Yep, 10 minutes – now who doesn’t love that!

I can see this making it’s way into my dinner rotation.  I am not sure what the hubster will do.  Does any one have any steaks lying around?