Tofu on Stilts

This recipe serves:  4

2 pounds extra-firm tofu
2 tablespoons white miso
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup vegetable broth or dashi
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
slender bamboo skewers for grilling (soaked in water to help prevent burning)
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds or toasted sesame seeds
1. Place the tofu on a sloping cutting board in your sink. Place a skillet, platter, or other heavy weight on top of it. Press for 60 minutes. This makes the tofu firm and dry enough for grilling. Cut each block of tofu widthwise into 4 slices and arrange in a baking dish.

2. Prepare the miso barbeque sauce. Combine the miso, mirin, sake, sugar, egg yolk, dashi, and lemon zest in the top of a double boiler and whisk until smooth. Cook the sauce over the double boiler until thick and creamy, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not overcook, or the sauce will curdle.

3. Set up your grill for direct grilling and preheat to high. Brush and oil the grill grate. Skewer the tofu pieces through the narrow end, 2 skewers per piece. Arrange the resulting kebabs on the grate. Grill the tofu until sizzling and well browned, 4 to 6 minutes per side. (Protect the skewers with strips of foil if they start to burn.) Carefully spoon the sauce over the tofu pieces after you've turned them. (The tofu goes only on the top side.)

4. Transfer the tofu to plates or a platter and top with any remaining sauce. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve at once.

Serving Size: 2 pieces

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