Crispy Spring Rolls With Spicy Tofu Vegetables And Toasted Nuts Recipes

Steps:

• Heat a wok or medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Add the ginger and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and tofu and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add carrot and water chestnuts and stir-fry until heated through, about 30 seconds.
• Add tamari sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in nuts, sesame oil, and green onions and toss to combine. Remove from heat.
• Fill a bowl with warm water. Dip one of the wrappers in the water for 15 seconds, or until softened. Then carefully transfer it to a dry work surface.
• Arrange 2 to 3 tablespoons of the spring roll filling in an even horizontal mound just below the center of the wrapper. Roll up the rice paper to form a tight cylinder, folding in the sides about halfway. Assemble the remaining spring rolls the same way.
• Coat a large baking sheet with a cooking oil such as canola. Use just enough to keep the rolls from sticking. Arrange spring rolls in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Brush rolls with cooking oil. Broil the rolls until lightly browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning. Use a spatula to turn the rolls over and continue to broil another 8 to 10 minutes. Serve each roll wrapped in a lettuce leaf, with Lime and Soy Dipping Sauce.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As the oven heats, press the tofu (you can do this by sandwiching the block in paper towels and placing a cutting board, plus a heavy pot, can or book on top).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and oils, and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, panko and sesame seeds, if using, and toss gently so the tofu cubes are coated.
• Spread on the prepared sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and crisp.
• While the tofu bakes, start the noodles: Put the dry rice noodles in a big, wide bowl. Fill a kettle, bring the water to a boil, and pour the boiling water over the noodles to cover. Set aside for 6 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are fully rehydrated and soft. (Time may vary by brand.) Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• As the noodles soak, prepare the spicy sesame oil: In a small pot, combine sesame oil, peanut oil, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on the lowest heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the garlic slices turn golden.
• Meanwhile, on your cutting board, make a small mound with the teaspoon of salt. Place the basil and the scallions on top, and use your knife to furiously chop and smash until you have a rough paste.
• Mix the basil paste into the bowl of rice noodles. Pile the baby spinach on top. Pour at least half of the hot oil immediately over the spinach, tossing so that the heat wilts the leaves slightly. Then add the juice of the 1/2 lime and toss to combine. Taste for salt and lime juice, and add more oil as you see fit.
• Arrange the tofu on top of the noodles, or mix them in so that the cubes hide like little treasures. For extra flair, garnish with additional sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Steps:

• In a very hot wok, briefly saute the ginger, garlic, green onion and chili paste in the oil. Add the bean sprouts, carrots, savoy cabbage, red pepper and mushrooms and cook at high heat until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the mirin, hoisin sauce and soy sauce. Remove from heat and let cool in a bowl at room temperature. Place the spring roll wrappers under a damp cloth to keep them moist. Place wrappers one at a time on a hard surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon cooled ingredients into the center. Add a tablespoon of grated cucumber and a sprinkle of cilantro.
• Fold the side corners into the center. Fold the bottom into the center, making sure the three corners are touching each other. To finish, roll the wrapper away from you and up over the final corner. Store rolls under a damp cloth until ready to fry. Heat enough oil to cover the rolls, and fry seam side down until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Steps:

• Put a large baking sheet on the middle or lower oven rack and preheat to 500 ̊ F. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, then halve each piece lengthwise to make 4 long wedges.
• Slice the wedges crosswise and combine in a large bowl with the green beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a generous grinding of pepper; toss well. Spread on the hot baking sheet and roast, tossing once, until tender and browned in spots, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the tofu into twelve 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-inch cubes. Press with paper towels to absorb some of the moisture; season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp on all sides, about 15 minutes.
• Combine the parsley, chives, lemon zest and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a mini food processor; pulse until chopped (or finely chop by hand). Add the remaining 3 tablespoons
• olive oil and pulse to combine. Scrape into a bowl and stir in the lemon juice and 1 to 2 teaspoons water to make the sauce loose enough to drizzle. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the vegetables and tofu among plates. Drizzle with the herb sauce and top with the almonds and more chives.