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Broiled Tofu with Cilantro Pesto

3.7

(22)

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Broiled Tofu with Cilantro PestoSang An

This pan-Asian tofu gets brilliant color and lively flavor from an easy cilantro pesto. To make this dish vegetarian, you can simply replace the fish sauce with soy sauce.

Cooks' note:

Pesto can be made 3 days ahead and chilled in an airtight container.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 min

  • Yield

    Makes 12 side-dish servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup mild olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 (14- to 16-oz) packages firm tofu, rinsed and drained
2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish: pine nuts; fresh cilantro leaves; lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat broiler and lightly oil a shallow flameproof baking pan with olive oil.

    Step 2

    Cut each block of tofu crosswise into 6 slices and pat dry between several layers of paper towels. Arrange in 1 layer in baking pan and brush tops of slices with more olive oil. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat, without turning, until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    While tofu is broiling, purée cilantro, pine nuts, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until bright green and smooth, about 1 minute.

    Step 4

    Transfer tofu with a slotted spatula to a platter and serve with cilantro pesto.

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