Couscous with Tofu and Heirloom Tomatoes

We enjoyed our very first couscous recipe so much (Whole Wheat Couscous with White Beans, Tomatoes, Spinach and Red Peppers) we went searching for another way to use our box of couscous. We ended up combining ingredients that looked good at the store and the lucky winners were tofu and mini heirloom tomatoes.

This dish is flavorful, high in protein, and makes for great leftovers. 

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 16 oz. packages of firm tofu, cubed and dried
• 1 16 oz package of mini heirloom tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup dry couscous
• Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sriracha 
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 medium sized cucumber, sliced (optional) 

In a shallow pan, make the couscous according to the directions. Set aside.

Heat the olive oil and brown the onion. Place the onions in a bowl. 

In a very hot pan, pan fry the tofu until it is browned, about 3 minutes per side. Place the browned tofu in the bowl with the onions.

In the same pan, saute the tomatoes and garlic for 2-3 minutes. 

Combine the onions, tofu and couscous with the tomatoes and heat for about 5 minutes. mix in the sriracha. Feel free to top with the cucumbers, if desired. 

Easy Warm Tofu Salad

With the holidays upon us, perhaps like us, you need a palate cleanser. This tofu salad has Asian flavors, mainly from the soy sauce and sesame seeds. Alone, it makes a light lunch, or a light dinner side salad. The flavors are mild, so if you're looking for something a bit bolder, toss the salad with our Thai Vinaigrette dressing. 

To keep the tofu from becoming too crumbly and losing its shape in the salad, be sure to pat it as dry as you can and properly brown it before mixing.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 14-ounce package firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 bag mixed salad greens of your choice
• 2 medium carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced (we went with the pre-sliced carrots...because why not)
• 1 large cucumber, chopped

In a small bowl, combine peanut oil, rice vinegar, honey and sesame seeds. Set aside. (If using other dressing, skip this). 

Heat up one additional tablespoon of peanut oil and 2 tablespoons of dressing in a large pan. Pan fry the tofu over medium-high heat, turning every 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove from heat and combine with salad greens, carrots and cucumbers. Toss with remaining dressing

Really Spicy Tofu

You have been warned: this is really, really, REALLY spicy. The mix of peppers gives this dish a complex heat, but it does have a kick. If tofu doesn't tickle your palate, chicken will fit the bill. Just be sure to cube and brown it before adding the rest of the ingredients.


Ingredients:

• • 3 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 pound firm tofu, cubed
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 serrano peppers, chopped (to reduce the heat, use 1 pepper)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (to reduce the heat, use 1 teaspoon)
• Brown rice (optional)

1. Heat peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium. Brown the tofu for at least 3 minutes.
2. Once browned, toss in onion, bell pepper, serrano pepper and garlic for 5 minutes.
3. Whisk together hot water, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Pour over tofu and coat vegetable. 
4. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly. Tastes great over brown rice!