Such a Fun Age: Sesame Salad with Marinated Tofu

Such a Fun Age - Recipe 3

I made my 3rd recipe a salad, in particular a tofu-topped salad to up the pretentious “bougie-ness” of Alix Chamberlain (it’s so, so good though)

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Emira knew Mrs. Chamberlain wanted a friendship, but she also knew that Mrs. Chamberlain would never display the same efforts of kindness with her friends as she did with Emira: “accidentally” ordering two salads and offering one to Emira, or sending her home with bag filled with frozen dinners and soups. It wasn’t that Emira didn’t understand the racially charged history that Kelley was alluding to, but she couldn’t help but think that if she wasn’t working for this Mrs. Chamberlain, she’d probably be working for another one. - (Excerpt from Ch. 18)

Ingredients:

For the Marinated Tofu:

• 2 (16 oz) packages of extra-firm tofu (drained)

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar

• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1.5 inches fresh ginger (finely chopped)

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup

• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

• 1/4 cup canola oil

For the Salad:

• 2.5 cups mixed greens of choice, chopped (I used arugula and baby spinach)

• 1.5 cups cabbage, chopped

• 1 carrot, grated

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

• 3 scallions, chopped

• 1/2 cup crispy wontons or rice noodles

• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

• 1-2 Tbsp black sesame seeds

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1.5 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 Tbsp water

Instructions:

1. To press tofu, place drained, cubed tofu in the sink, on a pan lined with paper towels or a tea towel. Place another towel/more paper towels on top and place a heavy object such as a cast iron pan on top. Let sit 20 min.

2. Combine all remaining ingredients in a large liquid measuring cup or a mixing bowl. Whisk together.

3. Place pressed tofu in one layer on the bottom of a large casserole dish or cake pan and pour marinade on top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (6+ hours)

4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and oil 2 large cookie sheets.

5. Carefully arrange tofu in one layer on baking sheets.

6. Bake for 25-35 min until nicely browned (Flip once halfway though to brown evenly).

7. Cool and place in the fridge until chilled.

8. Toss all salad ingredients together in a large bowl, and whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl of liquid measuring cup.

9. Dress salad to your liking and serve topped with chilled tofu.

10. Enjoy!