Grilled Tofu & Asparagus with Nori Dressing

I often make grilled tofu especially in the warmer months. The key to grilling tofu is using extra firm tofu and lightly oiling the grill or a grill pan prior to cooking as tofu blocks tend to stick . I usually marinate tofu with an array of dressing for a few hours prior to grilling to ensure a flavourful dish as tofu in itself is rather bland.

Miso paste is fermented soy bean paste that is rich in nutrients and is widely used in Japanese cooking ( there are also rice and barley varieties of miso). Miso can be used for soups, stocks and grilling. Common varieties are Shiromiso ( white) and Akamiso ( red miso).

I have used blue agave syrup for this recipe. I have been experimenting with different sweeteners and have been using this in different recipes ( you could use honey instead).


Grilled Tofu & Asparagus with Nori Dressing - adapted from Food & Wine Magazine
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 tb miso paste
2 tb soy sauce
1 tb tahini paste
1 tb agave syrup
2 tsp mirin
1/8 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder
1 lb extra from tofu, cut into 4 blocks
vegetable oil
3 sheets of nori
1/2 cup water
2 tb agave syrup
1 tb fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp chilli paste
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish:
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1 scallion - thinly sliced

Asparagus:
1 lb asparagus
1 tsp sesame oil
a pinch of salt


Cut tofu block in 4 blocks . Mix 2 tb rice vinegar, 2 tb miso paste, 1 1/2 tb soy sauce, tahini paste, agave 1 tb agave syrup, mirin and Chinese 5 spice powder until well combined. Pour over tofu and marinate for at least one hour before grilling.

Using a blender, puree nori sheets ( crumbled), 1/4 cup vegetable oil, water, 1 tb agave syrup, lemon juice, chilli paste, 2 tb rice vinegar, 1 tb miso paste and 1 tb soy sauce. Adjust seasonings with salt and ground black pepper. Place in the fridge until ready to use.

Toss asparagus with sesame oil, salt and pepper and set aside.

Brush grill with vegetable oil and preheat. When grill is hot enough ( after heating it for around 10 minutes) -remove tofu from marinade and place on grill. Do the same with the asparagus. Turn tofu once while grilling. Grill asparagus and tofu for 7 minutes.

Serve tofu with grilled asparagus with drizzled nori dressing. Scatter toasted sesame seeds and cilantro over salad. Serves 4.