BBQ Blooms & Grains

This colorful and nutritious entrée combines the smoky flavors of BBQ tofu with the freshness of zucchini, the nuttiness of couscous, and the sweet tang of kiwi. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will satisfy both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

The Recipe:

BBQ Tofu

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 kiwi fruits
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Press and cube the tofu, then marinate in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook couscous in vegetable broth, then fluff and mix in sesame seeds.
3. Steam sliced zucchini until tender-crisp.
4. Pan-fry marinated tofu until crispy and caramelized.
5. Slice kiwi fruits.
6. Assemble the dish with couscous as the base, surrounded by tofu, zucchini, and kiwi slices.

Detailed Preparation:

BBQ Tofu:

• Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture.
• Cut into 1-inch cubes and marinate in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
• Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry the tofu cubes until they’re crispy and caramelized on all sides. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Couscous:

• Bring vegetable broth to a boil, add couscous, remove from heat, and cover.
• Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
• Mix in toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nutty flavor.

Zucchini:

• Steam sliced zucchini for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Be careful not to overcook to maintain its vibrant color and texture.

Kiwi:

• Simply peel and slice the kiwi fruits just before serving to maintain freshness.

Variations:

• Use quinoa or brown rice instead of couscous for a gluten-free option.
• Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Add grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Include roasted bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for more vegetables.

Tips:

• Use extra-firm tofu for better texture.
• Pat the tofu dry before marinating to help it absorb more flavor.
• Toast sesame seeds before adding to couscous for enhanced nuttiness.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm tofu and couscous with cool kiwi.
• Marinate tofu overnight.
• Use pre-cut zucchini.
• Prepare couscous in advance and reheat before serving.
• Use a tofu press to reduce pressing time.

The Side Dishes:

Steamed Zucchini:

• Slice zucchini into rounds.
• Steam for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Couscous with Sesame:

• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan.
• Prepare couscous according to package instructions, using vegetable broth for more flavor. Mix in toasted sesame seeds.

Fresh Kiwi Slices:

• Peel kiwi fruits and slice into rounds.
• Arrange decoratively around the dish.

Equipment & Ingredients:

To successfully make your very own BBQ Tofu dish at home, you may consider purchasing the following items on Amazon:

Equipment:

• Tofu Press
• Non-Stick Skillet
• Steamer Basket
• Kitchen Scale

Ingredients:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife
• Mixing Bowls
• BBQ Sauce
• Sesame Seeds
• Couscous
• Vegetable Broth

By assembling these ingredients and tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create this vibrant and delicious BBQ Blooms & Grains entrée. The combination of textures and flavors makes for an exciting and satisfying meal that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.