Description
This Waffle Iron Tofu Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish featuring crispy tofu cooked uniquely in a waffle iron, combined with a fresh kale and vegetable salad tossed in a creamy tahini dressing. The tofu is marinated and glazed with a sweet and spicy chili soy sauce, adding a delightful contrast to the earthy kale and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for a quick, protein-packed meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Tofu and Sauces
- 3/4 block extra firm tofu (sliced into 3 slabs, 2 slabs used for this recipe)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups kale (chopped, tenderized)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 2 green onions (diced)
- 2 tbsp peanuts (crushed)
Instructions
- Cook the Tofu: Preheat your waffle maker and spray it generously with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange two slabs of tofu in a single layer on the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook the tofu until it becomes slightly crispy and golden, which takes about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Chili Soy Sauce: While the tofu is cooking, mix the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha together in a small bowl to create a flavorful glaze.
- Make the Salad Dressing: In a jar or small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sriracha. Stir well and if the dressing is too thick, thin it with a little water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Tenderize the Kale and Combine Salad: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and massage it gently with your hands to tenderize and soften the leaves. Then add the diced red onion, grated carrot, and diced green onions. Toss everything together with the prepared tahini dressing until evenly coated.
- Glaze and Assemble the Salad: Remove the crispy tofu from the waffle iron. Using a barbecue brush, coat the tofu with the chili soy sauce mixture. Transfer the glazed tofu onto the kale salad and sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, nutritious tofu salad.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu before slicing can help remove excess water for crispier results.
- The tahini dressing can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less water.
- Substitute peanuts with almonds or cashews if preferred.
- This salad is best eaten fresh to enjoy the crunch of the tofu and peanuts.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion
