Name: Tea-smoked tofu with crispy ginger
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted; 800 g/1 lb 12 oz block of tofu, drained well on paper towels; 1 tbsp caster/granulated sugar; ½ tsp shichimi togarashi or ¼ tsp dried chilli/hot pepper flakes (optional); 2 handfuls of lapsang souchong or black tea leaves; 3 tbsp coconut or sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing; 4 tbsp soft light brown sugar; 4 tbsp mirin; steamed jasmine rice; 5 cm/2 in piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and cut into julienne strips; 4 tbsp tamari or light soy sauce; 2 spring onions/scallions, finely sliced diagonally; 4 large handfuls of white rice

Nicola Graimes

Tea-smoked tofu with crispy ginger

Preparation info

Serves
4

Difficulty
Easy
Ready in
45 min

Appears in

The Part-Time Vegetarian

By Nicola Graimes

Published 2015

About

Okay, it is possible to buy ready-smoked tofu, but it’s fun to have a go at smoking your own foods, and tofu is a perfect starting point as its porous texture and mild taste means it readily takes on stronger flavours. Special equipment is not needed, just a large old wok with a lid – and an open window!

Ingredients

800 g/1 lb 12 oz block of tofu, drained well on paper towels

Main course
Vegetarian

Method

Before you start to prepare the smoker, make the crispy ginger. Heat the oil in a large wok over a medium heat and fry the ginger for 2–3 minutes until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels and leave to one side. Pour away the oil and wipe the wok clean.
Meanwhile, mix together all the ingredients for the spicy soy sauce and leave to one side.<

Preparation info

Serves

Difficulty

Ready in

Appears in

Ingredients

Method