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
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the soaked napkins into the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
- Wait 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.
Step 2: Prepare the wasabi-soy dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, wasabi paste, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil.
- Set aside to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Grill the tofu
- Place a tablespoon of butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill.
- Carefully place tofu slices onto the griddle near the hotter center area but avoid burning.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Use a spatula to flip and ensure an even sear.
Step 4: Dress and garnish
- Transfer the grilled tofu to a serving plate.
- Drizzle with the prepared wasabi-soy dressing.
- 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
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Spicy Miso Tofu: Replace wasabi paste with 1 tablespoon of miso and add a teaspoon of chili flakes.
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Teriyaki Glazed Tofu: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, adding a touch of grated ginger for extra depth.
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Citrus Zest Tofu: Mix in a teaspoon of yuzu or orange zest into the dressing for a fresh citrus punch.
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Garlic Sesame Tofu: Add finely minced garlic to the sesame oil for a rich, garlicky kick.
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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!