Daring Cooks Challenge: Tofu Satay

I have joined a most inspirational online group: The Daring Cooks.  Every month, The Daring Cooks (DC) issue a new challenge, and this is my first one – what a way to start the new year!  The January 2010 DC challenge was hosted by Cuppy of Cuppylicious and she chose a delicious Thai-inspired recipe for Pork Satay from the book 1000 Recipes by Martha Day.

Now this is a Thai-inspired recipe that’s been adapted for Western palates.  And I have made a few personal changes, including substituting almond-hazelnut butter for peanut butter (my dear sister has a peanut allergy, and I keep it out of the house), reducing the fat content, and going vegetarian.  I used a grill pan to cook the tofu, but I think this would be fabulous on the barbecue, pan-fried, or broiled in the oven.  Next time, I’m trying this out with eggplant, mushrooms, and broccoli.

Daring Tofu Satay with Almond-Hazelnut Dipping Sauce

Marinade

• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 thumb-sized nub of ginger, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. tamari
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1/4 c. water
• 1 tsp. chili garlic sauce

Almond-Hazelnut (Peanut-replacement) Dipping Sauce

• 3/4 cup light coconut milk
• 4 Tbsp. almond-hazelnut butter
• 1 Tbsp. tamari
• 1 tsp. agave nectar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 2 dried red chilies, chopped (including seeds for extra spice)

• 1 package firm tofu, cut into 1-inch strips

Marinade: Combine marinade ingredients (except tofu) in a food processor.  Cover tofu with marinade, and let sit 20 minutes to 4 hours.

Dipping Sauce: Combine dry sauce ingredients in a small bowl, add tamari and lemon juice, and mix well.  Over low heat, add this mixture to almond-hazelnut butter, and slowly warm.

Tofu: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, spray with cooking spray, add the tofu, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side.

Serve with brown rice, Thai Red Curry Roasted Veggies, and dipping sauce, and enjoy!