Korean Inspired Sauteed Tofu

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper, divided

• 1 (14 ounce) package water-packed soft tofu, drained
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 ounce fresh ginger, peeled and julienne-cut
• 3 tablespoons diagonally sliced green onions
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sesame seed

Directions

1. 1

   Combine vinegar, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon red pepper in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk.

2. 2

   Cut tofu crosswise into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. Arrange tofu on several layers of paper towels. Top with several more layers of paper towels; top with a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan.

3. 3

   Let stand 30 minutes. Remove tofu from paper towels. Cut tofu into (1-inch) cubes. Sprinkle tofu with remaining 1/8 teaspoon red pepper.

4. 4

   Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu to pan; sauté 8 minutes or until crisp, carefully turning to brown on all sides.

5. 5

   Remove tofu from pan; keep warm. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in pan. Add ginger and green onions to pan; sauté 30 seconds.

6. 6

   Add garlic to pan; sauté 30 seconds or just until golden. Add ginger mixture to vinegar mixture; stir well. Pour vinegar mixture over tofu; sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and sesame seeds.