14-ozblock(400 grams) firm or extra firm tofu, pressed for 30 minutes
2teaspoonsfluid oil (olive, avocado)
1tablespoonarrowroot starch
salt and ground black pepper, to taste
any other seasoning you like (garlic powder, chili powder, nutritional yeast, paprika etc)
BOWL:
2cupscooked quinoa, or other grain that you like
cooked or raw vegetables to accompany (I like roasted broccoli)
sliced green onions
chopped cilantro
lime wedges, for squeezing over top
sesame seeds
Instructions
Make the golden coconut broth. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and swish it around. Transfer the shallots to the pot and stir. Keep sauteing and stirring the shallots until they are slightly browned and soft. Then, add the ginger, garlic, chili, and the lime zest. Stir and saute until fragrant and garlic/ginger is slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the turmeric to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Stir the vegetables.
Add the water and the coconut milk to the pot and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then lower to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes. Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl.
After 15 minutes, run the mixture through the fine strainer. Return the broth to the large pot. Add the tamari to the broth and stir. Place the miso in a small bowl and ladle a bit of the broth on top. Dissolve the miso in the broth with a spoon and pour it into the large pot of golden coconut broth. Taste the broth at this point and adjust the seasoning (more salt, pepper, tamari, acidity, spice, etc). Keep broth warm.
Make the crispy tofu. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dry the tofu and cut it into ¾ - 1-inch cubes. Place the tofu in a large bowl. Toss the bowl with the oil to coat. Sprinkle in the arrowroot, salt, pepper, and seasoning of choice. Quickly toss the tofu to coat again. Arrange the tofu on the baking sheet. Slide the tofu into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
At the 15 minute mark, take the tofu out and flip over all the pieces. Return the tofu to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on all sides.
Make the golden coconut broth bowls. Heap up a serving of quinoa in a serving bowl (preferably a wide and shallow bowl). Pour one cup of the broth into the bowl. Place a handful (about a quarter of the batch) of the crispy tofu into the bowl. Top the golden coconut broth bowls with any other vegetables you’re including, green onions, cilantro, squeezes of lime, and sesame seeds.
Recipe Notes
Go as hot as you can handle for the chili. I used a serrano, but a couple Thai Bird chilies or even a Scotch Bonnet would be delicious.
When peeling the lime zest, try to avoid taking too much of the white pith -- it can make the broth bitter.
For a richer, more concentrated broth, reduce the water by half. Several readers prefer it this way and it really intensifies the coconut and spice flavors.
Beware of turmeric staining! Don’t wear your favourite clothes or an all-white outfit when you make this.
The broth and quinoa can both be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. Pre-press the tofu and keep it in the fridge so it's ready to roast when you need it.
Vegan golden coconut broth bowls with crispy oven-baked tofu, roasted broccoli & quinoa. A hearty but still light weeknight dinner.