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Sesame-Ginger Tofu and Shiitake Kebabs

Extra-firm tofu is meaty and filling, and absorbs the potent flavors of a marinade, making it a fine addition to summer kebabs, whether you're a strict vegetarian or just an occasional one. Serve these kebabs with brown rice or somen noodles. Serves four. Yields eight kebabs.

One 14-oz. package water-packed extra-firm tofu, well drained
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 Tbs. rice wine (sake or Shaoxing)
3 Tbs. hoisin sauce
2 Tbs. peanut oil
2 Tbs. Asian sesame oil
2 Tbs. chopped fresh ginger
1 Tbs. honey
40 medium shiitake mushrooms (about 1 lb.), stems trimmed
2 bunches scallions (white and light-green parts only), cut into 1-inch lengths to yield 40 pieces
1 orange
Nonstick cooking spray

small heavy pot or cutting board on the tofu to press out excess moisture. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

Cut the tofu into 40 cubes by first slicing the tofu block in half horizontally and then cutting each half into 20 cubes.

In a large bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice wine, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, sesame oil, ginger, and honey. Add the tofu, mushrooms, and scallions. Marinate at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring frequently but gently.

Trim the ends of the orange, cut it lengthwise into quarters, and then slice each quarter crosswise into 6?slices, to yield 24 slices total.

Line a large heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat the foil with cooking spray. Position a rack 8 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high.

Thread 5 scallion pieces, 5 shiitakes, 5 pieces of tofu, and 3 orange slices onto each skewer in an alternating pattern. Arrange the skewers on the baking sheet. Broil until nicely browned on one side, 5 to 6 minutes. Gently turn the kebabs over and cook until golden brown on the other side, 5 to 6 minutes more.

Meanwhile, pour the remaining marinade into a small (1-quart) saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until slightly reduced and the flavors meld, about 2 minutes.

Arrange the kebabs on a serving platter or on individual plates. Drizzle with the sauce and serve.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 230; Fat (g): 10; Fat Calories (kcal): 90; Saturated Fat (g): 1; Protein (g): 13; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 6; Carbohydrates (g): 29; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 200; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 5;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 106 , pp. 60
July 8, 2010


user reviews

Star Star Star Star Star I happened to have everything on hand to make these tonight and my wife loved it as much as I! My favorite part was the scallions, but the entire dish was delish and will earn a place in my personal cookbook. Thank you!
Star Star Star Star Star I cooked this last summer for a vegan friend who came over for lunch and everyone really enjoyed it. Very tasty and light.
Star Star Star Star Star We love tofu and this is a delicious preparation-- the tofu has lots of flavor and the mushrooms and other tidbits make great contrasts in texture. This would be perfect for those poor vegetarians at a cookout. If you hate tofu, this recipe is very adaptable to other proteins--indeed, I have made this recipe with beef-- not exactly in with the "eat less meat" theme, but absolutely delicious. I love the little orange segments between the other kebab bits-- they get all juicy and are really tasty-- they complement the flavor of the tofu (or beef) quite nicely. A versatile, easy, and satisfying recipe.