Japanese Wasabi Soy Grilled Tofu on the Arteflame

Introduction

Transform firm tofu into a bold, flavorful dish with this Japanese-inspired Wasabi Soy Grilled Tofu. The Arteflame grill gives the tofu an unbeatable golden sear while locking in moisture and enhancing its delicate texture. The wasabi-soy dressing adds a punch that perfectly complements the smoky, seared tofu. This is a simple yet stunning dish that showcases the power of open-fire grilling at its finest.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon wasabi paste
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins into the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.

Step 2: Prepare the wasabi-soy dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, wasabi paste, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil.
2. Set aside to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Grill the tofu

1. Place a tablespoon of butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill.
2. Carefully place tofu slices onto the griddle near the hotter center area but avoid burning.
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
4. Use a spatula to flip and ensure an even sear.

Step 4: Dress and garnish

1. Transfer the grilled tofu to a serving plate.
2. Drizzle with the prepared wasabi-soy dressing.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Tips

• Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes before grilling to remove excess moisture and allow it to develop a crispier texture.
• Use a hot griddle but avoid the extreme center of the grill to prevent burning.
• Butter enhances the flavor far better than olive oil, giving the tofu a rich, nutty taste.
• The Arteflame’s heat zones allow you to adjust grilling temperature by moving the tofu closer or further from the center.
• Serve immediately while warm to savor the golden crust of the tofu.

Variations

1. Spicy Miso Tofu: Replace wasabi paste with 1 tablespoon of miso and add a teaspoon of chili flakes.
2. Teriyaki Glazed Tofu: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, adding a touch of grated ginger for extra depth.
3. Citrus Zest Tofu: Mix in a teaspoon of yuzu or orange zest into the dressing for a fresh citrus punch.
4. Garlic Sesame Tofu: Add finely minced garlic to the sesame oil for a rich, garlicky kick.
5. Sweet & Smoky Maple Tofu: Replace honey with maple syrup and add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky sweetness.

Best pairings

• Soba noodle salad
• Grilled bok choy with sesame
• Miso soup
• Pickled daikon
• Steamed jasmine rice
• Cold sake or a light iced green tea

Conclusion

Grilling tofu on the Arteflame grill brings an incredible depth of flavor and texture. With the bold wasabi-soy dressing and golden sear, this dish is incredibly satisfying yet simple to make. Explore the variations to find your favorite twist!