Skip to main content

Broiled Tofu with Cilantro Pesto

3.7

(22)

Image may contain French Toast Food Toast and Bread
Broiled Tofu with Cilantro PestoSang An

This pan-Asian tofu gets brilliant color and lively flavor from an easy cilantro pesto. To make this dish vegetarian, you can simply replace the fish sauce with soy sauce.

Cooks' note:

Pesto can be made 3 days ahead and chilled in an airtight container.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 min

  • Yield

    Makes 12 side-dish servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup mild olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 (14- to 16-oz) packages firm tofu, rinsed and drained
2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish: pine nuts; fresh cilantro leaves; lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat broiler and lightly oil a shallow flameproof baking pan with olive oil.

    Step 2

    Cut each block of tofu crosswise into 6 slices and pat dry between several layers of paper towels. Arrange in 1 layer in baking pan and brush tops of slices with more olive oil. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat, without turning, until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    While tofu is broiling, purée cilantro, pine nuts, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until bright green and smooth, about 1 minute.

    Step 4

    Transfer tofu with a slotted spatula to a platter and serve with cilantro pesto.

Read More
Like no-brainer corn salad and Spanish frittata.
The secret to juicy grilled chicken, a sheet-cake swap for banana pudding, and more reasons to light up the grill and have people over all summer long.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Lime juice, fish sauce, peanuts, and plenty of herbs.
Use the beer, not the can, for this citrusy take on a classic that nods to mojo criollo.