Serves 2
Extra crispy baked tofu
2 blocks organic extra-firm tofu
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
2 tablespoons arrowroot starch or cornstarch
Spicy honey-sesame glaze
1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
6 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 to43 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (depending on how spicy you like it)
Garnish
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (I used black sesame seeds but regular white are fine as well)
Big handful fresh cilantro leaves, torn by hand
Serve with brown rice. Also goes well with roasted brussel sprouts.
Prep work: Position your oven racks in the lower third and upper third of the oven.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup (and to prevent the tofu from sticking). Start rice.
Drain the tofu and wrap tofu block in a small towel and heat in microwave for 4 minutes to remove water. Slice the tofu into thirds lengthwise so you have 3 even slabs. Stack the slabs on top of each other and slice through them lengthwise to make 3 even columns, then slice across to make 5 even rows.
Transfer the tofu to one of your prepared baking sheets and drizzle with the olive oil and tamari. Toss to combine. Sprinkle the arrowroot starch over the tofu, and toss the tofu until the starch is evenly coated, so there are no powdery spots remaining. Arrange the tofu in an even layer across the pan.
To make the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the glaze ingredients (start with 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha and add more to taste). Bring the glaze to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often and reducing heat as necessary. Simmer until the glaze is reduced by about half (about 5 to 10 minutes; it’s about done when it starts bubbling up substantially). Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.
To assemble: Divide the rice onto four plates. Top each plate with tofu and drizzle with glaze. Finish each plate with a very generous sprinkling of sesame seeds and a small handful of chopped cilantro.