Sesame Apricot Tofu

This is a unique crispy tofu preparation. The shape of the tofu was reminiscent of chicken pieces.

Recipe from Pinch of Yum.

Ingredients:

Crispy Tofu:

• 1 block of extra firm tofu (high protein tofu works really well in this recipe, if you can find it!)
• 2 TBSP cornstarch
• 1 TBSP soy sauce
• 2 TBSP olive oil

Apricot Sauce:

• 1/3 c. apricot preserves
• 1 TBSP soy sauce
• 1–2 TBSP rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1–2 cloves garlic, grated 
• 1/4 tsp. salt + more to taste

Extras for Serving:

• Toasted sesame oil to taste (I like about 1-2 TBSP)
• Steamed green beans
• Green onions, chopped
• Cooked rice

Directions:

1. Cut the tofu block in half horizontally (like a hamburger). If using extra firm high protein tofu, it helps to cut it in half again horizontally. Press the water out of the tofu by wrapping it in paper towels and setting a few heavy books on top of it. Let it stay like that for a few minutes while you prep the sauce.
2. In a bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients together. 
3. In an other bowl, take each piece of tofu and gently pull it into small chunks with your hands (this just gives the tofu pieces a unique shape and texture that holds onto the sauce really well). Toss with soy sauce and a teaspoon or two of olive oil; then sprinkle with cornstarch and give it a few gentle tosses to coat.
4. In a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, heat the olive oil and then add the cornstarched tofu. Leave it undisturbed for a few minutes on each side, letting it get really nice and brown and crispy – this can take 10-15 minutes. Flip and repeat until the whole batch is browned and crispy.
5. While it’s browning, you can start up your rice and/or sides! 
6. Finally, add the sauce to the tofu and remove from heat – the pan will still be hot, so it’ll be sizzly and smell really good from the garlic. The sauce will coat the tofu right away.
7. Top with the sesame oil and green onions. Serve with rice and green beans, and finish with more salt and lots of black pepper to taste. The tender crunch of the beans with the steamy rice and sticky tofu! SO good.

Sesame Apricot Tofu: