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Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitakes and Savoy Cabbage





Total Time
1 hr

Genmaicha, a combination of green tea and toasted rice, crisps up beautifully as a crust for tofu when combined with polenta and fried. Savoy cabbage, with its gentle sweetness, pairs well with meaty shiitake mushrooms; both simmer in brewed genmaicha, absorbing the delicate, toasty flavors. This recipe is from Bay Area cookbook author Eric Gower.

su-Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitakes and Savoy Cabbage




Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Emma Star Jensen
 1 tablespoon plus 2 tsp. genmaicha (toasted-rice green tea)
  About 4 tbsp. grapeseed or other vegetable oil, divided
 1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
 1 1/2 teaspoons sel gris or other coarse sea salt, divided
 2 1/2 cups thinly sliced savoy or napa cabbage
 1 block (about 1 lb.) medium-firm or firm tofu
 2 tablespoons polenta
 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions
Step 1
1

Combine 2 tsp. genmaicha leaves and 1 1/2 cups boiling water; let steep 5 minutes, then strain into a bowl.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add mush­rooms and ginger; sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt and cook until mushrooms begin to shrink. Add brewed tea; cook 5 minutes. Stir in cabbage and cook until slightly wilted but still green and most of liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Set aside, covered.

Step 3
3

Slice tofu in half horizontally and set on paper towels. Cut an X through each half, forming 4 triangles per half, or 8 total. Blot tops with paper towels.

Step 4
4

Pulverize polenta and peppercorns in a spice grinder. Add remaining 1 tbsp. tea and 1 tsp. salt and pulse just to combine.

Step 5
5

Brush tofu on both sides with some oil. Liberally sprinkle oiled sides with polenta mixture and press on with your fingers.

Step 6
6

Heat remaining 2 tbsp. oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook tofu until deeply golden brown on one side, about 8 minutes. Flip and brown other side lightly, about 3 minutes more.

Step 7
7

Arrange 2 tofu triangles on each of 4 warmed dinner plates. Reheat mushrooms and cabbage in pan, stir in green onions, and spoon mixture around tofu.

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 289Calories from Fat 60
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 0.4mg1%
Sodium 644mg27%
Total Carbohydrate 17g6%

Dietary Fiber 5.5g22%
Protein 14g29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.