https://notes.improvisedscience.org/tags/peruvian/Recent content in Peruvian on notes.improvisedscience.org.Hugoen-usSat, 13 Jun 2026 10:08:00 -0400https://notes.improvisedscience.org/michael/peruvian-style-tofu-with-creamy-cilantro-sauce/Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:08:00 -0400https://notes.improvisedscience.org/michael/peruvian-style-tofu-with-creamy-cilantro-sauce/<h2 id="ingredients">Ingredients</h2> <h3 id="for-the-tofu">For the Tofu</h3> <ul> <li>2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil</li> <li>2 tbsp soy sauce</li> <li>2 tsp Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp Morton kosher salt</li> <li>2 tsp ground cumin</li> <li>2 tsp sugar</li> <li>2 tsp paprika</li> <li>Freshly ground pepper</li> <li>2 blocks (397g/14oz each) firm tofu, drained</li> </ul> <h3 id="for-the-sauce-and-assembly">For the Sauce and Assembly</h3> <ul> <li>1 bunch cilantro, bottom 1&quot; of stems removed, cut into 2&quot; pieces</li> <li>6 scallions, cut into 2&quot; pieces</li> <li>½ avocado, pit removed, peeled, halved</li> <li>1 serrano chile, stem removed</li> <li>1 small garlic clove</li> <li>60ml (¼ cup) fresh lime juice</li> <li>60ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise</li> <li>½ tsp ground cumin</li> <li>60ml (¼ cup) water</li> <li>Vegetable oil (for grill)</li> </ul> <h2 id="instructions">Instructions</h2> <h3 id="marinate-the-tofu">Marinate the Tofu</h3> <ol> <li>Mix the olive oil, soy sauce, salt, cumin, sugar, and paprika in a 13x9&quot; baking dish to combine; season generously with freshly ground pepper. Cut each block of tofu into 4–6 planks; transfer to the dish and turn to coat each side evenly in the marinade.</li> <li>Arrange the tofu in a single layer; cover with plastic wrap and let sit at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours (chill if marinating longer than 30 minutes; no need to bring to room temperature before grilling).</li> </ol> <h3 id="make-the-sauce">Make the Sauce</h3> <ol start="3"> <li>While the tofu marinates, blend the cilantro, scallions, avocado, serrano, garlic, lime juice, mayonnaise, cumin, and water in a blender until mostly smooth (some flecks of cilantro are okay).</li> <li>Transfer the cilantro sauce to a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface (this slows oxidation). Chill until ready to serve.</li> </ol> <h3 id="grill-and-assemble">Grill and Assemble</h3> <ol start="5"> <li>Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; generously oil the grate with vegetable oil. Remove the tofu from the marinade, letting excess drip back into the dish, and grill until deep brown marks appear underneath, about 5 minutes.</li> <li>Carefully turn over (a fish or stiff metal spatula will help coax it off the grate); grill until deep brown marks appear underneath, about 5 minutes more.</li> <li>Transfer the tofu to a platter and serve with the cilantro sauce alongside.</li> </ol> <h2 id="notes">Notes</h2> <ul> <li>The sauce can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.</li> </ul>