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Spicy Ketchup-Braised Tofu

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Makes 6 to 8 servings 1x

Time 20 minutes

Units Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup good-quality vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2–2 pounds firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into 8 slices and pressed lightly
  • All-purpose flour for dredging
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • Cayenne
  • Fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Put about 1/3 cup of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, dredge the tofu slices lightly in the flour and add them, one at a time, to the skillet. Do not crowd; you may have to cook in batches. Sprinkle the tofu with salt and pepper as it cooks. As the pieces brown, turn and brown the other side; total cooking time per piece will be 4 to 6 minutes. When the pieces are done, transfer them to a plate. Wipe out the skillet.
  2. Put the remaining oil in the skillet over medium heat and immediately add the garlic. Cook for a minute or 2, until fragrant but not colored. Add the ketchup and cayenne to taste (start with about 1/4 teaspoon). Cook, stirring and adjusting the heat if necessary, for about 5 minutes, until the sauce bubbles, thickens, and starts to caramelize around the edges of the pan.
  3. Return the tofu to the sauce and turn until evenly coated; stir in lemon juice to taste, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve.

— How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

Recipe variations

Marinated Tofu with Japanese Flavors
Instead of the olive oil, lemon juice, onion, and garlic, marinate in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon each mirin and rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger.

Marinated Tofu with Spanish Flavors
Add about 1 teaspoon each ground cumin and smoked paprika (pimentón) to the marinade.

Crisp Marinated Tofu
For ultra-crisp and crunchy slices: This technique works for the main recipe or either of the variations. Slice the tofu even thinner, into 18 to 24 slices, and broil, grill, or panfry until the slices are very crisp and dry. (You may have to panfry in 2 batches.)