Tofu on a plate
Chinese Barbecued Tofu and Vegetables
 
Ingredients
  • 1 package (about 1 lb.) extra-firm, regular tofu
  • Sauce:
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, minced
  • 8 ounces no salt added tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 teaspoons molasses
  • ¼ teaspoon five spice powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • sea salt (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Vegetables:
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • ½ large red or green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts

Instructions
  1. Slice the tofu into ½-inch thick slices. Place them on a few paper towels and cover them with 2 or 3 more. Press lightly to remove some of the moisture from the tofu. Cut the slices into triangles or other shapes.
  2. Heat an oiled, non-stick skillet until hot, and place the tofu slices in it. Brown well on both sides. When they are done, place them in a crockpot that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Set the crockpot to high heat and cover.
  3. Using the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, and heat, stirring, until bubbly. Pour the sauce over the tofu and stir well to combine. Replace the cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
  4. After the tofu has cooked for 3 hours, add the broccoli and other vegetables. Stir well to combine and cover. Cook for about 1 more hour. Vegetables should be tender but not over-cooked. Serve over brown rice. Makes 3-4 servings.
  5. To cook this in the oven, spray a non-metal baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the tofu and sauce for 30 minutes before adding the vegetables. Cook for about 15 more minutes, until vegetables are just tender.