Description
This Miso-Chile Asparagus with Tofu recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dish that combines crispy tofu with tender asparagus dressed in a savory miso-chile glaze. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, it balances umami, spice, and acidity beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu & Vegetables
- 1 (14- to 16-ounce) block firm tofu, well drained
- 1 pound asparagus (about 1 bunch), trimmed
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (such as grapeseed or peanut oil)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons white or light miso
- 1 tablespoon sake (or use white wine or vermouth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Garnish
- Sliced scallions
- Optional: Additional red-pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Begin by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. This step ensures the tofu crisps up nicely when cooked.
- Cook Asparagus: Trim the asparagus and cut into manageable lengths. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of the neutral oil, add asparagus, season lightly with salt, and sauté until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Tofu: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside with asparagus.
- Make Sauce: Lower heat to medium, add chopped garlic and red-pepper flakes to the skillet, sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. In a small bowl, whisk together miso, sake, rice vinegar, mirin, and toasted sesame oil.
- Combine and Glaze: Pour the miso sauce into the skillet with garlic and chili, stir to combine, and cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through. Return tofu and asparagus to the skillet, gently toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced scallions and extra red-pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately, ideally over rice or as a standalone dish.
Notes
- Pressing tofu thoroughly allows it to crisp up better when fried.
- You can substitute sake with dry white wine or vermouth if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For gluten-free, ensure the miso and mirin used are gluten-free varieties.
