Grilled Spicy Tofu & Balsamic Grilled Leeks with Broccoli

Remember last week when I told you I'd have a recipe for wild leeks?

Maybe you didn't find a wilderness that supplies them yet...for you, I'm offering grilled tofu. Both recipes are quick, flavorful & easy.

Weekends are a great time for grilling! Get out & enjoy the spring weather. We have plans to go to a family/church softball game on Friday night, then get some gardening & cooking done on Saturday. It's a big day, too - Cinco de Mayo & the Kentucky Derby! Maybe we'll have burritos & mint juleps to celebrate. :-)

I hope everyone has a wonderful & relaxing weekend!

For those of you with an aversion to tofu, try it this way. Grilled tofu is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside & very flavorful after you let it marinate. I love how distinctly the grill marks show up. We ate ours dipped in a merlot sauce, but I think bbq sauce, ketchup or A1 would also be delicious.

 

Grilled Spicy Tofu

Adapted from Edible Perspective

Serves 2-4

1 package firm or extra firm tofu

1 T extra virgin olive oil

1 T pure maple syrup

2 T rice vinegar

1 tsp. liquid smoke

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Remove tofu block from package and rinse. Lay block on it's side and slice into 10 pieces, about 1/4"-1/2" thick. Lay the slices flat between two towels and place a heavy object, such as a cutting board + books, on top, pressing for at least 30 minutes. If pressing overnight*, place in fridge and put the contents of your fridge on top of the board.

Whisk remaining ingredients together in a large shallow dish. Lay tofu slices flat in marinade. Flip to cover, then let soak for 15 minutes. Flip again, marinating another 15 minutes. Most, if not all, of the marinade should have absorbed into the tofu at this point. Preheat grill to 500F & coat grill rack with oil to prevent sticking.

Lay tofu in a single layer on hot grill and close lid. Allow to cook for 5 minutes, then open lid and flip the tofu. If it sticks, let it cook a few minutes longer before turning. Once flipped, close lid and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from grill and serve hot!

*We enjoy tofu the most when we give it plenty of time to press. Some recipes recommend 30 minutes, which will be fine if you're short on time. If you happen to plan ahead, however, give it the extra pressing time.

Balsamic Grilled Leeks with Broccoli

Serves 2

2 c cleaned wild leeks (substitute onion chunks if you don't have access to leeks)

1 c broccoli, florets & stems*

3 T balsamic vinegar

1 T extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

salt & pepper to taste

Preheat grill to 500F. In a small bowl or jar, mix vinegar, oil, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Place leeks and broccoli in a grill basket and drizzle with balsamic mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Serve hot!

These veggies can be cooked alongside the Grilled Spicy Tofu. Just stir when you open the lid for the tofu.

*If the stems are very thick & tough, peel before eating. We like to use as much of the broccoli as possible, and grilling/roasting are great ways to cook the stems.