Smoked Tofu

Veggie dogs and black bean burgers can get old, but smoked tofu is a nice alternative for non-meat eaters (carnivores will probably also enjoy it though). It's also a great source of protein, and a nice addition to salads or other dishes!

Step 1: You'll Need. . .

Hardware:

• - a large baking pan
• - a rack that fits over the pan
• - 9 oz wood chips
• - a large bowl
• - 2 clean dish towels
• - 2 sheet pans
• - some cans

Software:

• - 2 blocks of extra firm tofu
• - 6 tablespoons steak sauce or barbeque sauce
• - 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• - 6 tablespoons maple syrup
• - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• - 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• - 4 tablespoons mustard
• - 4 tablespoons water
• - 2 tablespoons honey
• - juice of half a lime

Step 2: Prep Work

1. Place a towel on one of the sheet pans and place the tofu on it
2. Top with the second towel and sheet pan
3. Weight down with cans. Let sit for at least 15 minutes

Step 3: While You Wait. . .

1. Mix up the marinade by combining all the liquid items
2. Place the wood chips in the pan
3. Pour 2 cups of water over chips and put the rack over the chips

Step 4: Get Ready to Smoke

1. Remove the weight, pan, and towel from the tofu and slice each block into 8 pieces
2. Place them in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes
3. Preheat oven to 280 degrees F
4. Put the slices of marinated tofu on the rack in an even layer
5. Cover with several layers of foil
6. Pop the whole thing in the oven for 45 minutes
7. Remove the foil and raise the temperature to 375 degrees for 15 minutes
8. Flip and roast an additional 20 minutes
9. To finish it off, place under the broiler for 5 minutes - flip and broil for another 5

Step 5: Serve It Up!

You can serve smoked tofu on its own, mixed in dishes, with barbeque or other sauces, or over a salad. I usually go for some lettuce, black beans, corn, and red bell pepper with honey-chipotle dressing.

To make the dressing, blend the following:

• - 6 chipotle peppers (canned, with adobo)
• - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• - 1 tablespoon mustard
• - 1/4 cup honey
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - juice and zest of half a lime
• - half teaspoon dried oregano

When well mixed, slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup vegetable oil and chill until ready to use.

Yum!