I absolutely love Asian food! For that reason, I always try to make some Asian dish during the week, simply because I love the flavors and spices! Asian salad with peanut dressing is a healthy way to enjoy Asian food without any guilt!

Although a lot of people hate tofu, if prepared correctly, tofu is fabulous. In fact, tofu can absorb any flavors and transform a meal. In small amounts, tofu is harmless.

Despite soy's negative press, new research shows soy is not dangerous. With that being said, bring on the spicy tofu! Asian salad with peanut dressing is easy.

With the temperatures in the 100s in Arizona, I've become all too familiar with creating new salads. First, the ingredients are simple and easy to prepare in advance. If you are conscious of getting your nutrient-dense foods into your diet, this salad meets your requirements.

HOW TO PREPARE TOFU FOR ASIAN SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING

Secondly, preparing tofu correctly seems to be a struggle for people. No one likes soggy, chewy tofu. In other words, using the right tofu, as well as pressing it, is essential in how well it bakes.

Suppose you follow the instructions in my other post, The Perfect Pressed Tofu for Grilling, Baking, or Cooking in a Skillet. Also, if you buy sprouted tofu, it takes less time to press and dry.

One of my first suggestions is to have a good tofu press. As a result, it takes less time to press my tofu, and it didn't break the bank.

HOW DO I MARINATE THE TOFU FOR ASIAN SALAD RECIPE?

Because the marinade and the salad dressing are the same, you don't need to make two separate dressings.

¼ cup homemade peanut butter, almond butter (or peanut butter of choice), or 4 Tablespoons PBfit Peanut Butter Powder
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or Tamari
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave nectar
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
⅛ cup water

Despite the "peanut" component in the dressing, my dressing is a low-fat peanut dressing because I use PB2, a peanut butter powder alternative. You can also use real peanut butter, but you won't be disappointed if you are looking for a lower-fat version.

To bring it all together, a low-fat peanut dressing (spiciness optional) is the perfect accompaniment. You can also add optional peanuts and other vegetables if you choose.

TOFU COOKING OPTIONS FOR ASIAN SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING: GRILL, BAKE OR AIR-FRIED

First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the fluid from the package.

Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs equally about four turns. I usually place the tofu press in the sink on its side, but I placed it on a plate to drain for this visual post.

Turn the knobs every two minutes, equally until you have the result (the last picture).
Most people stop here…NOT YET. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed as far as they can almost to touch the end like this:
Although I have never tried this, I decided this time; I would measure the amount of water I got from the bottom of the plate at the end.
The amount was ¾ cup fluid.
Now, remove the press from the plate, and I give it another press with some paper towel for excess fluid removal.
Next, cut tofu into 4 identical slabs.

Even though grilled BBQ tofu is my favorite, you have other cooking options if you don’t have access to a grill. Regardless of your cooking choice, BBQ tofu is fabulous on its own or inside a crunchy wrap.

GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the grill to low
Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill.
Cook for about 8 minutes on each side
Remove from the grill and place back in the marinade until ready to use.
Then, cut it into strips or cubes.

BAKING TOFU IS JUST AS EASY

Follow the same pressing and marinating process.
Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Cook for 15 minutes
Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes.

AIR-FRYING TOFU

Follow the same pressing and marinating process.
Set air fryer temperature at 375 degrees
Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times through the cooking process.

OTHER INGREDIENTS ARE IN ASIAN SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING?

1 large bunch Romaine Lettuce (4 cups chopped), or any preferred lettuce.
2 cup shredded Purple Cabbage
2 cups white cabbage, shredded
1 large English cucumber, diced
2 bunches green onions, chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh pineapple (mandarin oranges works just as well if the pineapple isn't your thing)
1 red pepper, diced
1 ½ cups shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 cup mame (shelled edamame)

WHAT IS MAME AND WHERE DO I FIND IT?

Mame is shelled edamame. When I first started using edamame in my dishes, I cooked edamame and removed the shells to use it. Obviously, this is a very time-consuming process. Instead, in the freezer section of the grocery store, there are frozen bags of mame, also called shelled edamame.

So, save a little time, and looked for shelled edamame when you want to include it in your dishes.

LOOKING FOR MORE HEARTY VEGAN SALAD RECIPES THAT WILL FILL YOU UP?

Kathy Carmichael

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing