Main Course: Soy Sauce Egg and Marinated Tofu Salad

1 bag prewashed baby Asian salad greens
1 recipe marinated tofu*
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 recipe soy sauce eggs**
1 bunch scallions, green parts only, sliced
1 recipe Ming Tsai's tahini soy dressing***
toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Place greens on a serving plate.  Arrange tofu and cucumber slices on top.  Place eggs around the edges of the plate.  Top with scallions.  Drizzle on dressing as needed, and finish with sesame seeds.

*Marinated Tofu
from the Park Ivy Garden Cafe Cookbook

    5 Tbs. soy sauce
    2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
    4 Tbs. canned crushed pineapple
    1 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
    3/4 c. water
    2 tsp. lime juice
    2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
    1 package firm or extra firm tofu (not silken), drained


1. Combine all ingredients except tofu in a blender or food processor.  Blend until smooth.

2. Cut tofu into 1/2" cubes, and place them in the marinade in the refrigerator overnight.

3. Remove tofu from marinade and bake in a 300 degree F oven for 10 minutes.  Turn cubes and continue to bake until golden brown.

**Soy Sauce Eggs

from a recipe by Ming Tsai (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mings-sesame-tofu-and-cucumber-salad-with-soy-sauce-eggs-recipe.html)

6 eggs

2 c. soy sauce

1 c. water

1 slice ginger

1/2 tsp. 5 spice powder

1. Place eggs in a medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil.  As soon as water boils, turn off heat and begin timing 3 minutes.  When 3 minutes have passed, remove eggs to a bowl of cold water.

2. Empty pan and add remaining ingredients.  Tap eggs gently all over to cover with cracks, then add to the pan.  Simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow the eggs to steep another 30 minutes.

3. Drain eggs, peel and slice into wedges.

Ming Tsai's Tahini Soy Dressing

3 Tbs. rice vinegar

2 Tbs. soy sauce

2 Tbs. tahini

1 Tbs. sesame oil

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 c. mildly flavored salad oil

In a small food processor, combine all ingredients except oil.  When well mixed, add oil in several additions, blending after each.  Dressing should emulsify.