Crispy Low-Fat Tofu

This is more a technique than a recipe, but I've found it a GREAT way to get the texture & taste of the kind of fried/gilled tofu that works well on sandwiches, in Vietnamese and noodle dishes, etc. I'll post several of my favorite soaks/braises for this at some point.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 3-4
• Yields: 3-4 fillets

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) package extra firm tofu (Nasoya firm lite is the best by far for this technique)
• 2  teaspoons  peanut oil
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup vinegar (optional) or 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup sherry wine (optional) or 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup  chili paste (optional)

Directions

1. Drain the tofu and slice it into three fillet-sized slices, long-ways.
2. Now press these briefly, even just by hand. You want to get the overabundance of water out, but not all of it.
3. Place the fillets in a bag, preferably not touching one another, but this isn't essential.
4. Freeze until thoroughly frozen through. This usually takes overnight or all day.
5. Take out a slice when you want to use it, and microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Drain the water, cut it into cubes or leave it as a fillet, and microwave it for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Heat1 tsp oil per fillet or so, some (2-3 tbs) water, l and, if you like, some aromatics in a non stick skillet or wok.
7. Add the hot tofu, toss to be sure the small amount of oil coats a bit, then cook.
8. Press down on the tofu each time you flip the cubes with your spatula, releasing a little of the water or marinate each time.
9. The tofu will get quite golden and crisp as a result of having some water left in it and microwaving. It's really cool, just try a few times to get the hang of the pressiing part.
10. Add braising liquids or flavorings as desired.