Nutty Broccoli Tofu Salad
Healthy & Delicious Diet Food: Broccoli and Tofu Salad with Rich Nutty Flavor
Tired of just dipping broccoli in spicy chojang sauce? Try this delicious salad made with savory tofu! It’s a delightful dish that combines the creamy texture of tofu with the crispness of broccoli, packed with nutrients and perfect for a healthy diet. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and good for you.
Main Ingredients- 1 head fresh broccoli
- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or anchovy extract)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt to taste
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or anchovy extract)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized florets along the natural breaks of the head. You can also peel the tough outer layer of the stems and cut them into manageable pieces. Don’t discard the stems, as they are nutritious!
Step 2
In a large bowl, add lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Soaking the broccoli in a vinegar-water solution helps to remove any residual pesticides.
Step 3
To ensure the broccoli stays submerged, place a flat plate or a heavy object on top of it for about 10 to 20 minutes. This soaking process cleans and revitalizes the broccoli.
Step 4
Gently blanch the tofu in boiling water for about 2 minutes. This step firms up the tofu, making it easier to mash, and removes any raw taste. After blanching, let it cool slightly, then pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the salad watery.
Step 5
Bring a pot of water to a boil for blanching the broccoli. You can reuse the water used for blanching the tofu if desired. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt to the boiling water. Then, add the prepared broccoli and blanch for about 5 minutes, until it’s tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
Step 6
Immediately after blanching, rinse the broccoli under cold running water. This stops the cooking process, preserves its vibrant green color, and maintains its crisp texture. Gently shake off excess water.
Step 7
Once the broccoli has cooled and the excess water is removed, give it another trim if needed. Cut any large florets into more manageable pieces and slice the stems into bite-sized portions for easier eating and a more appealing presentation.
Step 8
In a mixing bowl, place the dried tofu. Use a fork or spoon to mash the tofu until it’s relatively smooth, but still has a slight texture. Avoid mashing it into a completely paste-like consistency.
Step 9
Add the prepared broccoli to the mashed tofu. Drizzle in the tuna (or anchovy) extract, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well combined. Ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 10
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with a tiny pinch of salt if needed. Once the flavor is perfect, your delicious Broccoli Tofu Salad is ready to be served! Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish.