Name: Szechuan Tofu & Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 42 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs extra-firm tofu; 1.5 lbs brussels sprouts (halved (see notes)); 1 null red onion (cut into 1-inch wedges); 10 null dried red chilies (optional, just for looks); 1 tsp kosher salt (to taste); 3 tbsp maple syrup ((or agave syrup)); 0.25 cup soy sauce ((or use GF Liquid Aminos)); 1 tbsp rice vinegar ((or use black vinegar)); 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil ((or peanut oil)); 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce ((or sriracha)); 4 null garlic cloves (finely minced (use a garlic press)); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (finely minced or ginger paste); 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp sichuan peppercorn (toasted, crushed (or substitute black pepper, see notes)); 0.5 tsp five spice powder; 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, thickens the sauce); null to_garnish scallions; null to_garnish chives; null to_garnish cilantro

Instructions

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1

Preheat oven to °F (425). (Use convection if no broiler).
2

Make Szechuan marinade by stirring maple syrup (3 tbsp), soy sauce (0.25 cup), rice vinegar (1 tbsp), toasted sesame oil (1 tbsp), chili garlic sauce (1 tbsp), cloves (4 garlic), fresh ginger (1 tbsp), salt (1 tsp), sichuan peppercorn (0.5 tsp), five spice powder (0.5 tsp), and cornstarch (2 tsp) (optional) in a medium bowl.
3

Marinate the extra-firm tofu (2.5 lbs) in half of the [marinade] for at least 20-30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
4

Prep vegetables: Trim and halve brussels sprouts (1.5 lbs). Quarter if large, leave small ones whole. Cut onion (1 red) into 1-inch wedges. Place [brussels sprouts] in a bowl with the [red onion] and optional red chilies (10 dried), and pour just enough [marinade] over them to lightly coat. Save the rest.
5

Assemble: Spread marinated [brussels sprouts] and [red onion] on a large, parchment-lined sheet pan. Nestle the [extra-firm tofu] in between. Season the [extra-firm tofu] with more [kosher salt].
6

Bake it in the hot oven for minutes (30), checking at minutes (20), rotating if need be, and spooning a little of the remaining [marinade] over the [extra-firm tofu]. After minutes (30), double-check for doneness (tofu is done when cooked through and slightly browned).
7

Broil for a few minutes until the [extra-firm tofu] is deeply golden and crispy.