Chinese Lemon Tofu & Broccoli (GF, V)

"The best tofu dish we've made," according to my hubby, and I think I agree.

Sources: From My Bowl | Cookie + Kate | Serves: 2-3 | Time: 45 min

Ingredients

Tofu

1 14- ounce block extra firm #tofu pressed

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp coconut aminos

1/4 cup rice flour

Broccoli

1 pound (16 ounces) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp EVO

S&P, to taste

Lemon Sauce

2 tsp sesame oil

2 green onions divided into white/green portions and sliced

3-5 cloves garlic finely minced

1 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp coconut aminos

1/4 cup cane sugar

2 tsp tapica starch

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest about 1 lemon

1 tsp sesame seeds

To Serve

Rice

Green onion

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks for a more meat-like texture, or cut into small cubes.

Add the tofu to a medium bowl and add in the oil and coconut aminos. Toss with a spatula until evenly coated, then sprinkle the cornstarch on top and toss again. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread out the tofu pieces so they aren’t touching. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through.

On a separate prepared baking sheet, toss the broccoli with the oil until all of the florets are lightly coated. Arrange them in an even layer across the pan, then sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Pop in the oven 8 minutes into the tofu baking.

In the meantime, zest the lemon and set aside. In a medium bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk the water, lemon juice, tamari, sugar, and cornstarch together until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Warm the oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once warm, add the white parts of the green onion, garlic, allspice, and pepper. Sauté for 60 seconds, then add in the lemon sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the lemon zest to the sauce and sauté for one more minute.

Remove the tofu from the oven and add it to the pan, coating all sides of the tofu in the glossy lemon sauce. Stir in the sesame seeds and mix well.

Serve warm over rice.