Sesame Ginger Tofu Skewers with Blueberry Teriyaki Glaze - A Vegetarian and Dairy Free Recipe

In the spirit of Japanese Yakitori and American summer grilling traditions, this recipe was born out of a love for fusion foods that surprise and excite the palate. The aromatic sesame and ginger tofu meets the sweet and tangy flavor profile of the Blueberry Teriyaki Glaze, creating a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. This is a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a fancy appetizer for dinner parties.

This recipe is both vegetarian, and dairy free.

Ingredient List:

For the tofu skewers:

• 500g firm tofu, cut into cubes

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the blueberry teriyaki glaze:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Start by preparing the tofu: In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the tofu cubes and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. While the tofu is marinating, prepare the blueberry teriyaki glaze: Combine blueberries, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, cornstarch mixture, brown sugar, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sauce has thickened and the blueberries have broken down, about 15 minutes.

3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated tofu cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers.

4. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they have nice grill marks.

5. Once off the grill, generously brush the tofu skewers with the blueberry teriyaki glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Chef's Tips:

• You can replace tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture.

• Don't rush the marinating process; the longer the tofu has to soak up the flavors, the better.

• Add some sliced bell peppers or onions to the skewers for an extra crunch and freshness.

Cooking Time & Servings: Preparation Time: 45 minutes (includes marinating time) Cooking Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

Drink Pairing: A chilled glass of sake or a fruity iced green tea would pair beautifully with this dish. The subtle flavors of the drinks will enhance the sweet and savory notes of the tofu skewers.