TOFU-rific (Peanut-ty) TACOS

Tofu is a versatile protein source that is fairly easy to cook and make delicious. For this dish, I've added a panko-peanut crust that adds a toasty, crunchy texture that complements the tofu's naturally soft texture. Add some lime-y slaw and slices of avocado, and you've got a delicious taco interpretation. And, of course, this dish comes with my husband's seal of approval.

Serves:

2 Healthy Appetites; 4 Smaller Appetites

Ingredients:

Tofu:

• 14 oz package extra firm tofu, water packed
• 1/2 cup of crushed dry roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk (fat-free milk, coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.)
• 1 egg 
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• cooking spray

Slaw:

• 3 cups of cabbage, shredded
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• bunch of cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon honey, or agave
• 4 tablespoons lime juice

Extras:

• whole wheat or corn tortillas
• hot sauce or salsa (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced

Cooking:

Tofu:

1. Preheat oven to 400º

2. Drain your tofu, then wrap a paper towel around the tofu and layer with additional paper towels, or clean kitchen towels. Leave for about 7 minutes, to help drain off some of the extra moisture.

3. While waiting for the tofu, prepare the peanuts by putting them in a food processor or mini-chopper. Combine the nuts with the breadcrumbs in a dish and set aside. Scramble the egg and mix with the milk in another bowl. Finally, put the flour in a dish. You are essentially creating a breading assembly line.

4. Take the tofu and remove it from the paper towels. Slice the tofu into inch chunks. To bread the tofu, roll it in the flour first, then dip it in the egg mixture and finally cover it with the peanut-breadcrumb mixture. Place the tofu on a baking sheet lightly coated in cooking spray.

5. When all the tofu is coated, spray the tops with cooking spray, and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes.

6. Prepare your cabbage by mixing all the ingredients. Using tongs or your hands works best to make sure that the cabbage and carrots have been coated with the lime juice and honey.

7. When your tofu is almost done (should be golden brown), turn on the broiler for about 2 minutes  to ensure the most crispy and toasty tofu (though, be careful not to burn it!). Remove from the oven.

8. Put 3-4 pieces of tofu on your tortilla and add 1/2 cup of cabbage. Top with the slices of avocado. If you are so inclined, add hot sauce or salsa. Enjoy!

This is a quick meal to prepare and is wonderfully delicious. Even if you think you dislike tofu, I'm pretty sure this recipe might change your mind! Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

-Carly