Spicy Lemon Grass Tofu (tau hu xa ot)

[Guest guest]

This recipe is from " The Flavors of Asia, " by Mai Pham (DK Publishing, $35).

 

• Ingredients:

 

¼ cup finely chopped lemon grass stalks, white parts only

 

3 tablespoons soy sauce

 

4 teaspoons chopped Thai bird chilies (wear gloves)

 

1 teaspoon dried chili flakes

 

2 teaspoons ground turmeric

 

4 teaspoons sugar

 

1 teaspoon salt

 

24 ounces medium-firm tofu, drained, patted dry, cut into ¾-inch cubes

 

6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

 

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise

 

¼ cup minced shallots

 

2 teaspoons minced garlic

 

1 cup Asian basil leaves

 

½ cup roasted, chopped peanuts, divided

 

• Instructions:

 

Combine lemon grass, soy sauce, chilies, dried chili flakes, turmeric, sugar and

salt in a mixing bowl. Add the tofu cubes and turn so they're evenly coated.

Marinate for 30 minutes.

 

Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat.

Add tofu cubes (be careful, as oil may splatter) and let them brown without

disturbing until they're golden around the edges, three to four minutes. This

may need to be done in batches. Using a spatula, turn the tofu over just once

and brown the other side, about three minutes. When done, transfer tofu to a

plate and keep warm. Discard the oil, wipe pan clean and place pan back on the

stove.

 

Heat remaining oil in pan over moderate heat. Add onion and stir until

translucent, about two minutes. Add shallots and garlic and stir 30 seconds

more. Add tofu and cook, carefully stirring once or twice (so tofu doesn't

break) until thoroughly hot. Add Asian basil and half the peanuts. Remove from

heat and transfer to serving plate. Garnish with remaining peanuts.

 

Note: The prep time does not include the 30-minute marinating time for the tofu.

The cook time includes the tofu cooked in two batches.

 

• Per serving: 484 calories; 19 grams protein; 27 grams carbohydrates; 34 grams

fat (5 saturated, 11 monounsaturated, 18 polyunsaturated); 0 cholesterol; 1,638

milligrams sodium; 5 grams fiber; 11 grams sugar; 63 percent calories from fat