Sesame-crusted tofu

Dietitian's tip:

Sriracha is a hot sauce made of chili peppers, vinegar, garlic and sugar.

To make this plant based, use egg and milk substitutes.

Ingredients

1. 1 pound firm tofu, drained
2. 1/4 cup fat-free milk
3. 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
4. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5. 3 tablespoons plain dried breadcrumbs
6. 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
7. 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
8. 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil or canola oil
9. 12 green (spring) onions, ends trimmed, cut in half crosswise, then halved again lengthwise
10. 1/2 tablespoon Sriracha sauce

Directions

Cut the tofu crosswise into 12 slices. Place the tofu slices between paper towels and press to remove some of the moisture. Place slices in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes on each side. The tofu will brown slightly and lose some more of its liquid. Transfer to a plate and let cool.

In a bowl, whisk together the milk, egg whites, and pepper until well blended. On a large plate, combine the breadcrumbs, and white and black sesame seeds. Mix until well blended. Dip a tofu slice into the milk mixture, and then dredge in the sesame seed mixture. Repeat dipping and dredging with the remaining tofu slices.

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Arrange the tofu slices in the pan and cook, turning once, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Add the green onions to the pan and saute until they begin to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Divide the green onions among 4 plates. Top each with 3 pieces of tofu. Drizzle with hot sauce and serve.

This recipe is one of 150 recipes collected in "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook," published by Mayo Clinic Health Information and Oxmoor House, and winner of a James Beard award.