14 minutes
A flavorful tofu dish infused with fresh basil and garlic, perfect as a warm or cold treat.
Medium-Firm Tofu
0 oz
to taste
Fresh Basil Leaves, loosely packed
cups
Garlic Clove, minced
each
tablespoons
MSG
teaspoons
tablespoons
1. Cut Tofu
Start by cutting your tofu into ½-inch cubes.
2. Prepare Boiling Water
Bring a saucepan of generously salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare a bowl of cold water.
3. Simmer Tofu
Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the tofu cubes into the water. Let them simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Transfer Tofu to Cold Water
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tofu cubes from the boiling water to the bowl of cold water. Drain the tofu well using a colander and set it aside.
5. Prepare Basil-Garlic Mixture
Finely chop the fresh basil leaves and mix them in a small bowl with the minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, MSG (or nutritional yeast), and a pinch of salt.
6. Combine Tofu with Basil-Garlic Mixture
In a large bowl, gently fold the basil-garlic mixture into the drained tofu cubes using a spatula. Be sure to coat the tofu evenly with the mixture. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
7. Serve
Serve the tofu cubes immediately for a warm dish, or chill them in the refrigerator if you prefer a cold, refreshing treat. Enjoy!
Extra-firm tofu is ideal for maintaining shape and absorbing flavors after being properly pressed to remove excess moisture.
Use a hot pan with high smoke point oil, and avoid overcrowding for a perfect golden-brown sear on the tofu.
Use fresh basil and cut it into thin strips (chiffonade) to preserve its flavor and appearance in the dish.
Make small incisions in the tofu cubes before marinating to enhance flavor absorption.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours to overnight will deepen the flavors significantly.
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