TLDR;
This video demonstrates a quick and easy technique for transforming tofu into a savory and addictive dish using a box grater. The grated tofu is then pan-fried and coated in a flavorful sauce. The video also provides two weeknight recipes using the grated tofu: one with rice and smashed cucumber salad, and another with lettuce wraps.
- Grating tofu increases its surface area, allowing it to crisp up quickly and absorb more flavor.
- The five-ingredient sauce includes soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, gochugaru, and a touch of sugar.
- The grated tofu can be used in various dishes, such as rice bowls with smashed cucumber salad or lettuce wraps with Vietnamese dipping sauce.
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces a simple technique to transform tofu into a deeply savory and wildly addictive dish. The creator mentions that she has joined New York Times Cooking as a contributor and will share more details later in the video. The focus is on using this tofu in two weeknight recipes.
Preparing the Tofu and Aromatics [0:22]
The creator uses a block of super firm tofu, drained and patted dry, measuring out 12 ounces. She uses a box grater with large holes to grate the tofu, which creates tiny shreds with a large surface area, allowing it to crisp up quickly and absorb flavor. Any pieces that can't be grated are thinly sliced. For aromatics, she slices four scallions, three garlic cloves, and a couple of spicy Thai red chilies. The scallions are thinly sliced on a bias, while the garlic is thinly sliced to prevent burning.
Cooking the Tofu [1:57]
A large non-stick skillet is heated over medium-high heat with one and a half tablespoons of neutral oil. Once the oil shimmers, the aromatics are added and cooked for about two minutes until fragrant and the garlic starts to color. The grated tofu is then added, tossed to coat it in the oil, and spread out in an even layer. The tofu is allowed to crisp up and brown, stirred every two minutes for about 10 to 14 minutes total.
Making the Sauce [2:50]
The sauce consists of five ingredients: three tablespoons of Chinese light soy sauce (or Japanese soy sauce or tamari), one tablespoon of Chinese black vinegar (a fermented vinegar with a complex, malty flavor), one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, one tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and one teaspoon of sugar (or maple syrup). These ingredients create a rich, developed flavor that complements the tofu.
Combining Tofu and Sauce [4:19]
Once the tofu is golden brown and crisp, the sauce is poured over it and allowed to coat the tofu for about a minute. One tablespoon of roasted sesame seeds is stirred in off the heat for added crunch and flavor. The dish is finished with chopped cilantro and scallion greens for freshness.
Serving with Smashed Cucumber Salad and Rice [5:29]
The first serving suggestion is with rice and a smashed cucumber salad. Jasmine rice is cooked in an Instant Pot. Persian cucumbers are smashed to create nooks and crannies for the sauce, then broken into bite-sized pieces, salted, massaged, and drained to remove excess moisture. A simple dressing is made with chili crisp, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and grated fresh garlic. The smashed cucumbers are tossed with the dressing and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds. The rice is mixed with chopped cilantro and roasted sesame seeds. Everything is served together for a flavorful meal.
Serving as Lettuce Wraps [7:42]
The second serving suggestion is as lettuce wraps. Sushi rice (or short grain rice) is cooked for its sticky texture. A Vietnamese dipping sauce, nước chấm, is made with lime juice, vegan fish sauce, agave nectar, and bird's eye chili peppers. Toppings include roasted salted peanuts, fresh Thai basil, and mint. To assemble, a lettuce leaf is filled with sushi rice, shredded carrots, the grated tofu, dipping sauce, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs, served with extra sauce on the side.
Recipe and Outro [9:05]
The recipe for the super savory grated tofu can be found at nytcooking.com. Gift links for the lettuce wraps and smashed cucumber salad are provided in the description box.