Tofu is a renowned substitute for those looking to veer away from meat. It has found itself becoming more and more popular in recent years, but many people find it difficult to use tofu in a variety of ways that can sustain interest.

Hand’s up who has had tofu in anything other than a stir-fry? Let us tell you, the options are vast with tofu, and a quick google search will confirm this. You can make everything from those well-known stir-fries to cheesecake desserts!

So, if you are one of those who is looking to enjoy a tasty tofu recipe that isn’t a stir-fry, then why not try this delicious tofu lentil salad? Spring is here, and with the lighter evenings come the lighter dishes. What makes this salad even more appealing for a wider audience is that it’s vegan too, so give it a go!

Tofu Lentil Salad

Offers two servings

Ingredients:

· 230 grammes of super or extra-firm tofu

· 140 grammes of salad greens, (you choose!)

· 1 tbsp. peanut oil

· 1 tbsp. mirin

· 1 tbsp. brown rice vinegar

· 1 tbsp. Sriracha sauce (or to taste)

· Salt

· 1/2 cup cooked lentils

· Spicy peanut dressing

· Feel free to throw in some other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, avocados, or perhaps you have some Thai vegetables left over that you fancy adding in?

Method

Step 1: Slice the tofu into quarters, press to remove excess moisture and cut into chunks.

Step 2: Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, then add peanut oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu in a single layer and sprinkle with some salt. (Top tip: if you want tofu cooking success and you’ve experienced trouble getting it to come out brown and crispy in the past, check out Kitchn and their guide).

Step 3: Once the tofu is nicely browned on all sides, go ahead and reduce the pan heat down a notch and then add in the mirin, Sriracha and vinegar.

Step 4: Toss the ingredients and use a spatula to coat if necessary.

Step 5: You can now turn off the burner and allow the tofu to sit in the hot pan while you turn your attentions to the salad section of your dish.

Step 6: In a large bowl, add in all of the remaining ingredients, including any of the other bits you have managed to pick out that you fancy adding in, and the salad dressing.

Step 7: Portion up your tasty salad into two bowls, and top it off with the waiting tofu cubes.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Image: Luca Nebuloni under Creative Commons.