We’re not necessarily known for our refreshing dishes, so this one might seem like it comes out of left field. It’s really refreshing. And . . . so . . . GOOD! Such a great palate cleanser and . . . it looks fancy—fancy enough to impress your (and our) bougie friends.
2–4 SERVINGS
1 (11-ounce) tube silken tofu, cut widthwise into ¾-inch-thick discs*
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ ounce ginger
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
⅓ ounce Korean sesame leaves, stemmed†
3¼ tablespoons orange juice
Whole Korean sesame leaves, for plating
Pinch of orange zest plus additional for topping
Fresh ground black pepper, for garnish
BALLS OUT
40–80 SERVINGS
10 (11-ounce) tubes silken tofu, cut widthwise into ¾-inch-thick discs†
2½ teaspoons kosher salt
3⅓ tablespoons sugar
2½ ounces ginger
10 tablespoons rice vinegar
10 tablespoons vegetable oil
3¾ ounces Korean sesame leaves, stemmed*
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
⅛ ounce orange zest plus additional for topping
1. Set tofu aside and combine all other ingredients in a blender to make sauce.
2. Blend away, and taste the sauce. It should be lightly sweet, just a tad savory, with a little bit of bright citrusy flavor. Very light, not too strong.
3. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes (though refrigerating overnight is always best).
4. When you’re ready to eat, lay a whole sesame leaf on a small plate and top with a slice of tofu. Have fun with it. Mix sauce and top tofu with a tablespoonful, or just enough to cover tofu slice.
5. Garnish with a pinch of orange zest and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
Bon appétit! . . . or something similarly French. Tres bien! Oui, OUI!
* Silken tofu in a tube might be hard for some of y’all to find locally because it’s more specialized; even some Asian markets don’t have it. If you can’t find it, any silken or extra soft tofu will work, but it’s important to get it extra soft (and extra sexy).
† Easiest to find in Korean grocery stores, some Asian grocery stores will carry these too. The best is when they’re as large as a human hand, fragrant, and can almost stand straight on their own.