Last Night's Dinner: Baked Tofu, Spinach with Asian Dressing, and Brown Rice

Baked Tofu, Spinach with Asian Dressing, and Brown Rice 

Ingredients:

For the Tofu

• 1 Package Extra Firm Tofu pressed
• 5 Tbsp Soy Sause
• 5 Tbsp Murin
• 5 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar 
• 1 Tbsp each Grated Ginger and Garlic
• 1-2 Tbsp Sriracha 
• A little Water or Vegetable Stock

For the Spinach

• 1 Onion sliced long ways
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic sliced
• 1 LB Spinach
• 1 Tbsp Sesame or other Oil
• Reserved Marinate 
• 2 tsp Tahini

For the Brown Rice

• 1/2 Cup uncooked Brown Rice
• Water

Method:

Tofu:

Remove the Tofu from its package and discard the water.  Using a large plate, two small plates, and a weight press the tofu to remove the excess water. Place a large plate on the counter, invert a small plate and place it on the large plate.  Place the tofu on the inverted small plate.  Invert a second small plate and pace it on the tofu.  Add the weight to the top of the stack.  I use a heavy pan or a large can of juice.  We want to just compress the tofu slightly so we squeeze the water out but not damage the block of tofu. Let this set for 30 to 60 minutes.  You will be surprised how much water comes out.  Once the tofu is pressed slice it into 1 inch slabs.  Mix the rest of the "For the Tofu" ingredients and marinate the tofu as long as you like, but longer is better because: more flavor from the marinate. RESERVE THE MARINATE! We will use it to make the dressing for the spinach.  When the tofu has marinated place it on a greased cookie sheet, parchment paper, or silicone mat and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.    

Brown Rice:

Rinse rice and add to Pot along with water.  Bring to a boil and cook according to package instructions.  Usually 40-45 minutes but some brown jasmine rice are less. 

Spinach:

Over a medium flame add the oil to a large skillet.  Add sliced onion; the onion should be sliced by cutting it in half from pole to pole, removing the ends and slicing from pole to pole.  Let this cook for a few minutes and add the sliced garlic.  Continue to cook for a minute or two and add the spinach.  Cook until your preferred doneness. For the dressing mix the reserved marinate and tahini in a container you can shake and shake to combine.  You can dress the whole mess of spinach or one serving at a time.