When all else fails, I marinate.

It’s super easy to throw together a marinade and transform fish, chicken, tofu or vegetables.  The best part is you can use basic ingredients that you are already have on hand.  Plus, it’s a one bowl proposition.  Just toss your ingredients into a bowl and mix together.

Today, I am using tofu because it’s a perfect food to marinate as it’s a blank canvas that soaks up flavors well.  When you take it out of the package, rinse it and blot dry with a light cloth or paper towel to remove the excess water.

Here are some fun facts about tofu:

• It’s made from soybeans, primarily the byproducts of soy milk coagulation called the curds, which is pressed into a block.

• It’s high in complete plant protein (8 grams per cup).

• Low in calories with 3 oz. containing 90 calories.

• It contains plant estrogens (soy isoflavones) that can contribute to heart health, improve good (HDL) cholesterol and blood sugar control.

This recipe is only 7 ingredients!  It’s simply low-sodium soy-sauce (or you can use tamari or coconut aminos), lemon juice, sesame oil, raw honey, rice wine vinegar and honey (or you can use agave nectar or pure maple syrup).   If you want to add some heat add a squirt of sriracha or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Cut the tofu into bite-size cubes and put into the marinade.  Let it marinate for an hour in the refrigerator.   Remove the refrigerator and pour the mixture into a baking dish.

Sesame Soy Ginger Baked Tofu

4 1/2 servings (3 ounce each)

Ingredients

1 package extra firm tofu

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)

Juice for 1/2 large lemon or 1/4 cup lemon juice

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

1 Tablespoon raw honey

2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root or 1 tsp ginger powder

1 tsp Sriracha (optional)

A sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

1 – 2 sprigs of cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Rinse and pat dry tofu with a paper towel.  Cube into bite-size pieces.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, add soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, honey, vinegar, ginger and sriracha, if desired.   Whisk together mixture and add tofu.  Gently coat the tofu with the marinade; cover and put into the refrigerator for at least one hour.  Remove for the refrigerator, uncover and place in the oven for 20 minutes.  Check and stir and put back in the oven for another 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove for oven and let cool.  Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro, if desired.

Serve over a mixed green salad or in a vegetable grain bowl or enjoy it by itself.

Enjoy eating simply,

-Vicki

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