Grilled Tofu

Ok. It was my day off from work today. Usually I go to the gym, work out on the machines then swim a mile, but I did that yesterday after work. So, today I just ran some errands, did some laundry, and played with my dog - a very mishevieous dachsaund. And, after this, I'm going to catch up on Gossip Girl and Heroes!

Tonight,for dinner, I grilled tofu on the grill so that I could make sandwiches. I already had two blocks of tofu in the fridge, and when I went to the grocery store, I picked up some pita bread. And, I'm going to give you my first recipe : grilled tofu sanwiches. The secret to grilling is in the marinades. Just a note here, I measure things the oldfashioned way - cupped in my hand, pinches, and eyeballing it. However, I will try to provide actual measurements in case any wants to try this at home.

The secret to grilling is in the marinades. So, in a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup olive oil (I always use extra virgin olive oil), 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup Tamari soy sauce and 1/4 cup soy sauce. Then, salt & pepper to taste. I also added red pepper flakes, about 1/4 tsp each of dill, oregano and basil. If you have a whisk, you can use that to mix the ingredients together, but I usually just use a fork - it works equally well. Then, after the all-important tasting, I thought it needed sugar. But, I have no sugar in the pantry - I don't usually have much use for it, especially since I drink my coffee black - I opened the fridge to see what I could substitute. The first thing I saw was red rasberry jam. So, I added a tablespoon to the marinade and stirred it together. Still needed a little more - another tablespoon - stirred again, and tasted once more. The jam actually added a nice flavor, in addition to the sweetness.

Next, I sliced the tofu into slices that were approximately 1/2inch thick - less chance of them breaking or falling between the grate on the grill. Unless you want to make a pudding or a smoothie, always use firm or extra firm tofu. Then, in a bowl (the same bowl you made the marinade in will work if it's big enough)place the tofu slices in the bowl making sure that the marinade is covering each slice of tofu. Let this stand for at least 3 hours.

Next, three hours later, fire up the grill! [Charcoal is the only way to grill, btw.] Place the tofu slices on the grill, keeping the marinade at hand to spoon over during the grilling process. Basically, cook until each side is golden brown and sealed.

When the tofu is cooked, build your sandwich! I added Nayonaise, Veggie Slices cheese and some lettuce to the grilled tofu on the pita bread. It was very good!

Another note here: I will use brand names on the vegan products. Not because I'm getting paid for product placement (I wish!) but because over the past 15+ years, I've tried ALOT of different brands. And not all of them are good. So. . .

In any case . . .

Slainte -

Mulu :>)