Crispy Tofu With Balsamic Tomatoes

Total time: 40 minutes, plus at least 15 minutes’ draining

1 (14- to 16-ounce) package extra-firm or

firm tofu, cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices

1½ teaspoons kosher salt (Diamond

Crystal), plus more as needed ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper,

plus more as needed

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus

more for finishing

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) 1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved if large,

kept whole if small

1 large red onion, cut into ¼-inch wedges

(about 2 cups)

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar, plus

more for finishing

½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves

and tender stems, roughly chopped

Instructions: Heat oven to 400 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Arrange tofu slices on a clean kitchen towel or on paper towels. Cover with another kitchen towel (or paper towels) and place a flat cutting board or baking pan on top. If your cutting board or pan is lightweight, stack a few cans or a skillet on top to weigh it down. Let tofu drain for at least 15 minutes, and up to 45 minutes.

Transfer tofu to a cutting board and cut slabs into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides of the tofu with ¾ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon oil, cornstarch, garlic powder (if using) and ½ teaspoon of the oregano. Add tofu to cornstarch mixture and gently toss until tofu is evenly coated. Dump tofu onto one side of the prepared sheet pan.

In a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, remaining ½ teaspoon oregano, ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil, tossing to combine.

Arrange vegetables on other side of the prepared sheet pan. Bake until tofu is crisp and golden brown, and tomatoes are condensed, 25-35 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip tofu and toss vegetables while keeping the tofu and veggies separate.

To serve, sprinkle cilantro on top and drizzle with balsamic and oil, if you’d like.

Makes 2 to 3 servings From Melissa Clark