Turmeric Baked Tofu with Garlic Cilantro Rice

👉🏻Ingredients list⚠️

• Firm tofu (northern tofu): 1 block (about 400 grams), cut into thick slices

• Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

• Salt: to taste

• Black pepper: to taste

• Rice: 1 cup

• Water: 2 cups

• Garlic: 2 cloves, sliced

• Fresh cilantro: as needed, chopped

• Olive oil (for cooking rice): 1 tablespoon

• Salt (for cooking rice): to taste

Turmeric Baked Tofu with Garlic Cilantro Rice is a delicious vegetarian dish that combines tender tofu baked with turmeric, garlic, and other spices, served with fragrant and fluffy garlic cilantro rice. This dish is not only visually appealing but also nutritionally balanced, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians and those pursuing healthy diets.

👉🏻✨DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare Tofu: In a bowl, mix turmeric powder, minced garlic, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper to make a marinade. Place the tofu slices in the marinade, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Bake Tofu: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush it with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated tofu slices on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tofu is golden and crispy.

3. Cook Rice: In a large pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the rice and continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is slightly golden on the surface. Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed by the rice.

4. Flavor Rice: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Then add the chopped cilantro and gently stir with a fork to distribute it evenly throughout the rice.

5. Serve: Place the baked tofu slices on a plate and serve with the garlic cilantro rice on the side. Enjoy!

👉🏻✨TIPS

• The longer the tofu marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

• Adjust the baking time for the tofu according to personal preference to achieve a crisper texture.

• When cooking rice, pay attention to the heat to avoid sticking or burning.

👉🏻✨BENEFITS

• This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, rich in protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins. It helps boost immunity, promote digestion, and maintain overall health.

👉🏻✨NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS:

• Protein: Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, which aids in muscle repair and growth.

• Dietary Fiber: The rice and cilantro provide dietary fiber, which promotes bowel movement and improves digestive health.

• Vitamins: Cilantro is rich in vitamins A and C, which help boost immunity and protect vision.

• Minerals: Turmeric powder is rich in antioxidants and minerals, such as curcumin and iron, which help reduce inflammation and boost energy levels.