This fall during Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's fabulous campaign (which sadly did not result in their getting into office) Washington Rep Pramila Jayapal had a fun fundraiser - if you contributed, she'd send you her recipe, which I couldn't resist doing. It's the best tofu recipe I've tried.
"I spent 10 years growing up in Indonesia and one of my favorite things was the peanut satay.
Recently, I found a super easy recipe for peanut tofu satay – and I have been obsessed with it since! This peanut satay is great served with brown rice or even a quick fried rice that you can make with day old rice and frozen veggies.
This recipe reminds me of growing up and has been some quick comfort food after long days – which are getting more and more common in this heated election year."
It's not easy - searing the tofu is a lot of effort, but once you have all the oddball ingredients in hand, the sauces are fast.
Peanut Tofu Satay
3 heaping T peanut butter
2/3 c coconut milk (you can freeze the remainder)
2 T maple syrup
1-2 T sriracha
1 T sesame oil
3 T soy sauce
1 to 2 T grated garlic
1 T grated ginger
1 lime, juiced - or use lime juice.
2 blocks extra firm tofu, drained, dried and cut into 16 evenly sized cubes
Oil, salt and pepper as needed
1 handful chopped cilantro
1/2 c crushed peanuts
1 t white and black sesame seeds
1 T chili crisp oil
Rice for serving
In large bowl, whisk together first nine ingredients (peanut butter, coconut milk, maple syrup, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and lime) along with large pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Put 3-4 T neutral cooking oil in a cast iron pan on medium high heat and sear the tofu. Season tofu in the pan with large pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Sear on all four sides about 1-2 minutes per side or until each side is golden brown. (They don't need to be deep brown, as you pour sauce on them and it colors them nicely.)
Pour half the peanut sauce over tofu and continue to flip tofu for another 1-2 minutes per side or until desired texture and color.
Serve over rice, finish with remaining peanut sauce, cilantro, sesame seeds and chili crisp oil as well as salt and pepper to taste.
This campaign would not be possible without supporters like you — together we are building a stronger future.
Thanks again,
Pramila
