Tofu and Bok Choy With Ginger-Tahini Sauce 

By Kay Chun

Published Nov. 30, 2021

Tofu and Bok Choy With Ginger-Tahini Sauce 
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
4(1,092)
Comments
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This simple dish showcases the uniquely silky texture of soft tofu. The tofu is steamed on top of a layer of bok choy, eliminating the need for a formal steamer and making this meal a cinch to prepare. (Napa or savoy cabbage leaves would also make a nice bed for the tofu.) Once steamed, the warm, mild tofu soaks in all of the bright flavors of a tangy and creamy tahini sauce that’s spiked with aromatic ginger and fragrant herbs. For a heftier meal, either double the tofu or serve with a side of rice.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 1pound baby bok choy, quartered lengthwise through the core
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1(14- to 16-ounce) package soft (not silken) tofu, drained and cut into 4 equal squares
  • 6tablespoons tahini
  • ¼cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 1teaspoon minced ginger
  • ¼teaspoon minced garlic
  • ¼cup chopped scallions (from about 1 scallion), plus more for garnish
  • ¼cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • Toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

251 calories; 17 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 7 grams polyunsaturated fat; 14 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 16 grams protein; 647 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large skillet with a lid, arrange bok choy in an even layer to cover the bottom of the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the tofu pieces on top of or in between the bok choy, depending on the depth of your pan. Add ½ cup of water to the skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover securely to prevent steam from escaping, reduce heat to medium and steam until bok choy is tender and tofu is warm throughout, about 10 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine tahini, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, scallions, cilantro and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk until well blended, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Step 3

    Using a spatula or large slotted spoon, transfer bok choy and tofu to 4 serving plates. (Discard any remaining water in the skillet.) Spoon some of the sauce over the tofu and garnish with scallions, cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,092 user ratings
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Comments

YokoY

Alternatively: a simple miso sauce, made with mellow white miso (the least salty miso), sake, and, if you have it, mirin. (I usually skip the mirin + it turns out fine.) Most recipes for this sauce include sugar, but I prefer agave... sparingly. On top: sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds + chopped scallions (ciliantro only if you love it). This sauce is more typically for broiled Asian eggplant or black cod—both extremely good. But it also works with vegetables + tofu. Itadakimasu!

Andrea

This was tasty, light, yet filling. For ease of eating, I’d suggest peeling the individual leaves off the head of bok choy and cooking them that way; I found the quartered head a bit cumbersome to maneuver on my dinner plate. Next time, I may try to make the delectable dressing in a small food processor instead of whisking, which would also save the work of mincing the garlic and ginger.

Sue

Shaved brussels sprouts in place of the bok choy, which I don't have. A perfect healthy restorative supper after the heaviness of Thanksgiving.

Courtney R

Yummy sauce! It is easy and delish.

Daniel Fife

Great recipe! Even better if you quadruple the amount of garlic and ginger to a teaspoon of garlic and 4 teaspoons of ginger, diced fine.

L Wylie

Tahini makes this a nice change from peanut sauce. Simple, healthy AND delicious!

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