Imagine a salad that's not just a boring bowl of greens, but a vibrant, mouthwatering journey through Thai-inspired cuisine. Our Peanut Thai Salad with Grilled Tofu is a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that will transport you straight to the bustling street markets of Bangkok. With crispy grilled tofu, fresh crunchy vegetables, and an irresistible peanut sauce that packs a punch, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Firm tofu, pressed and sliced
- Mixed greens
- Cucumber, sliced
- Carrots, julienned
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Press the firm tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice into 1/2-inch thick rectangular pieces.
- Prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the tofu slices with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp grill marks appear. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- While the tofu is grilling, prepare the vegetables: julienne the carrots, slice the cucumber and red bell pepper into thin strips.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base. Arrange the julienned carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper on top of the greens.
- Cut the grilled tofu into bite-sized cubes and place on top of the vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle the prepared peanut sauce generously over the salad, ensuring even distribution.
- Optionally, garnish with additional chili flakes, chopped peanuts, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of tofu, vegetables, and peanut sauce.
Tips
- Press your tofu thoroughly to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when grilling. Use a tofu press or place between paper towels with a heavy weight.
- For maximum flavor, let the peanut sauce sit for 10-15 minutes before drizzling to allow the ingredients to meld together.
- Use a grill pan if you don't have an outdoor grill - cast iron works wonderfully for achieving those beautiful grill marks.
- Feel free to adjust the chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For added protein, you can marinate the tofu in a little soy sauce and sesame oil before grilling for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep all ingredients beforehand to make the final assembly quick and easy.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of warm grilled tofu and crisp, cool vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
