Broiled Tofu with Cilantro Pesto

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

From the kitchen of Carly

Firm tofu gets crispy and golden under the broiler, then topped with a bright cilantro pesto spiked with lime, fish sauce, and sesame oil. It's herbaceous, nutty, and proof that tofu doesn't need to hide.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

11/4 cup mild olive oil plus additional for brushing
12 (14- to 16-oz) packages firm tofu, rinsed and drained
12 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves
12 tablespoons pine nuts
11 tablespoon fresh lime juice
12 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
11 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
11 teaspoon sugar
11/2 teaspoon salt
11/8 teaspoon black pepper
1Garnish: pine nuts; fresh cilantro leaves; lime wedges

Instructions

Preheat broiler and lightly oil a shallow flameproof baking pan with olive oil.
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.
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.
Transfer tofu with a slotted spatula to a platter and serve with cilantro pesto.