Tofu Steak with Red Pepper and Walnut Sauce

"It's almost like salmon steak" said Adrian.

The herb-flecked marinade also serves as the base of a delicious Mediterranean-style dipping sauce. You can serve it with couscous or toasted bread to enjoy all of the sauce

Ingredients:
(serves 2)

• 2 packages extra-firm tofu
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup wholemeal flour
  
• 1 egg, beaten
  
• 1 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• Coconut oil for frying
  
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted
• 2 red bell pepper for roasting (see Roasted Red Pepper Puree or buy one)
  

1. Place tofu slices on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand 30 minutes, pressing down occasionally.

2. Combine basil and next 8 ingredients (through garlic) in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add tofu to bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning bag occasionally.

3. Place flour in a shallow dish. Place egg substitute in another shallow dish. Place panko in another shallow dish.

4. Remove tofu from marinade, reserving remaining marinade. Working with one tofu piece at a time, dredge tofu in flour, shaking off excess. Dip tofu in egg substitute, allowing excess to drip off. Coat tofu completely with panko, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside. Repeat procedure with remaining tofu, flour, egg substitute, and panko.

5. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add coconut oil to pan, swirling to coat. Add tofu to pan; reduce heat to medium, and cook for 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove tofu from pan, and keep warm.

6. Combine reserved marinade, walnuts, and bell peppers in a blender; process until smooth (about 2 minutes). Pour bell pepper mixture into pan; cook over medium-high heat 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with tofu.