Crispy Tofu with Coconut Quinoa and Broccolini

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/actually-good-tofu-with-coconut-quinoa-and-broccolini

Ingredients

  • 1 14-oz. package firm tofu
  • 2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1 cup raw quinoa
  • 4 Tbsp. virgin coconut or other neutral oil, divided
  • 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. honey
  • 3/4 cup roasted, salted peanuts
  • 1 bunch broccolini (about 12 oz.)
  • 1 lime
  • 3/4 cup large unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions

  • 1.

    Tear 14 oz. tofu into 2" pieces (you should have about 20 total). Season with 1/2 tsp. salt. Let tofu dry on a triple layer of paper towels at least 10 minutes, or longer if possible (overnight works too). The drier the tofu, the crispier it will get!

  • 2.

    Rinse 1 cup raw quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve. (This step is super-important. Although most quinoa is pre-rinsed, all quinoa has a natural coating called saponin, which makes it taste bitter if it's not rinsed well.) Heat 1 Tbsp. coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium (make sure it has a tight-fitting lid). Cook quinoa, stirring, until rinsing water evaporates, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 tsp. salt and 1 3/4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to as low as possible. Cover and cook 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit an additional 5 minutes.

  • 3.

    While quinoa is cooking, make the sauce and do some prep. Whisk 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter, 2 Tbsp. soy sauce, and 2 tsp. honey in a small bowl until incorporated (depending on your brand of peanut butter, the sauce may not be completely smooth). Coarsely chop 3/4 cup roasted, salted peanuts. Cut tough stems off 1 bunch broccolini; discard. Cut tender stems and florets in half crosswise.

  • 4.

    Uncover pot and fluff quinoa with wooden spoon, allowing steam to escape and letting quinoa cool slightly, then add peanuts. Zest 1 lime with a Microplane right into pot of quinoa. Cut lime in half and squeeze in juice from one half over quinoa. Slice remaining half into wedges to serve alongside later.

  • 5.

    Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium. Toast 3/4 cup large unsweetened coconut flakes, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant, 4 - 5 minutes. Add coconut, 1 Tbsp. coconut oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt to pot with quinoa and toss to combine. Transfer quinoa mixture to a large bowl.

  • 6.

    Line a plate with a triple layer of paper towels. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. coconut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium until shimmering. Cook tofu, turning occasionally with tongs, until deeply golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side, 6 - 8 minutes total (some spots won't get brown given the uneven nature of the pieces). Transfer tofu to prepared plate to drain.

  • 7.

    Increase heat to medium-high. Cook broccolini and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, tossing occasionally, until bright green and still crisp, 1 - 2 minutes. (If you ended up with a bunch of thick-stemmed broccolini this may take another few minutes.) Arrange over quinoa in bowl. Let pan cool 2 minutes (you're going to reduce your sauce in this pan but don't want it ripping hot or the sauce might seize up!).

  • 8.

    Pour sauce into skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and sticky-looking when you swirl the pan, 30 - 60 seconds.

  • 9.

    Remove from heat and return tofu to pan, tossing in sauce to evenly coat.

  • 10.

    Arrange broccolini and tofu over quinoa. Drizzle remaining sauce over. Serve with reserved lime wedges alongside.