Spicy Lemongrass Tofu
- 2 lemongrass stalks, outer layers peeled, bottom white part thinly sliced and finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons chopped Thai bird chiles or another fresh chile
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chile flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces tofu, drained, patted dry and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1/8-inch slices
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons chopped Roasted Peanuts, recipe follows
- 10 pepper leaves, shredded, or 2/3 cup loosely packed Asian basil leaves
- 1 cup raw, shelled peanuts, skin removed
- Combine the lemongrass, soy sauce, chiles, chile flakes, turmeric, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the tofu cubes and turn to coat them evenly.
- Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat half of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat.
- Add the onion, shallot and garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Wipe the pan clean and heat the remaining oil over moderate heat.
- Add the tofu mixture and, using chopsticks or wooden spoons, turn so it cooks evenly, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the onion mixture and cook, uncovered, for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add half the peanuts and all the pepper leaves.
- Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving plate.
- Garnish with the remaining peanuts and serve immediately with steamed rice.
- Place the peanuts on a cookie tray and bake in a preheated 325 degree F oven until golden, about 20 minutes.
- Halfway into the baking, gently shake the tray so the peanuts roast evenly.
- (You can also roast the peanuts in a dry pan over low heat).
- Remove and set aside.
- Use the peanuts whole or coarsely chop them with a mortar and pestle, a food processor or a knife.
- Yield: 1 cup
lemongrass stalks, soy sauce, bird chiles, chile flakes, ground turmeric, sugar, salt, vegetable oil, yellow onion, shallots, garlic, peanuts, pepper, peanuts
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/spicy-lemongrass-tofu-recipe.html (may not work)