Top Chefs Take on Tofu, The Recipes

After watching Top Chef Las Vegas Wednesday night, we began to think about tofu in a different light.  Chef contestant Hector Santiago created a citrus ceviche with mango and cilantro mint pearls and tofu, a dish that impressed celebrity chef and judge Todd English, who called Hector’s tofu “beautiful”.  (The recipe may be found here.)  Several years ago we lived with a vegetarian who prepared tofu dishes almost nightly, and became quickly bored of the bland ingredient that parasitically relies on others for it’s flavor.  Perhaps it’s time to give tofu a second look we were musing, and who better than professional chefs to turn to for inspiration?

Today’s hilarious video features another top chef contestant, Fabio Viviani, as he prepares a seared tofu with roasted zucchini, with walnuts in a balsamic Grand Mariner reduction for Ellen Degeneres on her show. Visit the written recipe here.   We tried it and the layers of flavor are complex and delicious,  and we are tofu fans once again.  Even if you haven’t an interest in the recipe, watch the video for a guaranteed laugh!

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For more Top Chef Tofu recipes, check out Fritz Sonnenschmidt’s Grilled Tofu with Wilted Spinach,   and Carla Hall’s Tofu with a Pecan and Oats Crust.