Grilled Tofu in Spicy Plum Barbecue Sauce
Description
Grilled Tofu in Spicy Plum Barbecue Sauce is an irresistible appetizer that will elevate any party spread with its rich flavors and delightful texture. The unique plum sauce, with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, infuses tofu with layers of complexity, making it a deliciously healthy dish. This versatile sauce can be used not only as a dip but also in curries or as a barbecue sauce, adding a special touch to your meals. Serve it alongside other appetizers, like Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms with Onion Parmesan & Herbs, for a complete and memorable party experience.
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Spicy Plum Barbecue Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plums, pitted and chopped | 3 lb (about 6-8 medium plums) |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 3 cloves |
| Ginger, grated | 1 inch |
| Dry Red Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Apple Cider Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/2 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 whole |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
For the Tofu:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes | 250 grams |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | As needed |
| Oil | As needed (for grilling or frying) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Dried Oregano | To taste |
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spices for the Plum Sauce
Start by grinding the cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, and cloves into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set the ground spices aside for later use. -
Cook the Plum Sauce
In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the chopped plums, garlic, ginger, dry red chillies, brown sugar, and 1 cup of water. Place the pan over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes to soften the plums. -
Add Vinegar and Spices
Once the plums start to break down, add the apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), the ground spices, and the soy sauce to the pan. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the plums have cooked into a pulpy, soft consistency. -
Adjust the Seasonings
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, sugar, or spice according to your preference. The sauce should have a harmonious balance of sweetness, spiciness, saltiness, and tanginess. Once satisfied with the flavor, remove the pan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. -
Grill the Tofu
While the sauce is cooling, prepare the tofu. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the tofu with a pinch of salt and dried oregano. Roll the tofu cubes in whole wheat bread crumbs to coat them lightly. -
Grill or Fry the Tofu
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Grill or fry the tofu cubes for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside. -
Serve the Grilled Tofu
Once the tofu is grilled to perfection, transfer the cubes to a serving plate. Drizzle the spicy plum barbecue sauce generously over the tofu cubes. For an extra touch, you can serve the tofu alongside fresh herbs or a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping. -
Enjoy!
Your Grilled Tofu in Spicy Plum Barbecue Sauce is ready to be enjoyed as a delectable appetizer thatโs sure to impress your guests with its burst of flavors. Serve it as part of a larger party spread or as a standalone treat for a light, high-protein vegetarian dish.
Notes:
- The spicy plum barbecue sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead sauce for other dishes like grilled vegetables, meats, or curries.
- For a variation, you can replace tofu with other protein-rich ingredients like tempeh or paneer, and use the same spicy plum barbecue sauce to enhance the flavors.
This Grilled Tofu in Spicy Plum Barbecue Sauce is not only a flavorful treat but also a healthy, high-protein vegetarian option for any gathering. Its versatility allows it to be paired with other appetizers or served as a standalone dish thatโs sure to impress at your next party.
