Susan Spungen's Crispy Tasty Tofu with Tahini Sauce
September 12, 2022

Susan Spungen's Crispy Tasty Tofu with Tahini Sauce

This easy, delicious and healthy recipe comes from our friends Susan Spungen's newsletter, Susanality. It's the perfect low maintenance supper that can be riffed on endlessly with different seasonings and accompaniments, depending on what you have in your pantry. Susan suggests serving it with rice, cooked chickpeas, and raw or pickled cabbage for crunch. We can't wait to add this to our weeknight rotation!

INGREDIENTS
For the tofu

1 14oz block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp sriracha (or another thick hot sauce)
Kosher salt, to taste
2 tsp sesame oil or neutral vegetable oil, plus more for cooking
1 tbsp cornstarch 
2 tsp dried minced garlic or garlic flakes

For the sauce 
½ c Seed + Mill Organic Tahini 
Chili crisp, to taste
Dash of umami seasoning, something like miso or fish sauce, to taste
¼ c water

STEPS
For the tofu

  1. Cut the block of tofu widthwise into 4 pieces. Then cut each bar of tofu in half so you have 8 rectangles. Lay the tofu out in a single layer on a double thickness of paper towels and press lightly. Let sit until paper towels are saturated, and, if desired, repeat with fresh towels.
  2. Place the tofu in a wide shallow bowl or on a dinner plate. Sprinkle with the soy, sriracha, salt, and oil. Use your hands to coat the tofu well. Let sit, tossing once or twice until the tofu absorbs the liquid.
  3. Use a small strainer to sift half the cornstarch over top, turn the pieces and sift the remaining cornstarch over, then use your hands to coat everything well.
  4. Heat a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons neutral vegetable oil and add the tofu with one of the large sides down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the tofu is well browned and crisp on the first side. Turn using a small offset spatula and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the second side.
  5. Add the minced garlic or garlic flakes and cook one minute longer, tossing, until the garlic is a shade darker.
  6. Serve as soon as possible with a drizzle of the tahini sauce! 

For the sauce

  1. Mix all ingredients until creamy and smooth, adding more water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Adjust ingredients to taste. 

Serves 2-4