Teriyaki Bacon Wrapped Tofu

Let’s face it: Bacon just makes everything better. This fact has been greatly explored over the past few years, with bacon popping up all over the place. I remember being taken aback after seeing bacon topped cupcakes a few years ago, and since then bacon has been showing up where I least expect it – candy, cookies, even soda! (I bought a bottle for my bacon loving sister… it’s still sitting on her shelf!) The other day I saw a bacon milk shake on the menu when we went to Sonic for a burger, and although I didn’t try it, it got me thinking, what else can bacon make better?

Then in hit me… tofu. Not that tofu is bad on it’s own, in fact, it’s delicious. It’s a great cheap protein, and ever since I heard it described as “the meat you grow in your garden” in Toradora!, I’ve had a growing fondness for it. A very Japanese view of it, yet so true. But… sometimes you want a little more meat from the meatless meat!

So, bacon and tofu it is. A delicious combination all on its own, but even better with a teriyaki glaze. Enjoy it for dinner and save a slice for your bento the next day!

 Recipe – Teriyaki Wrapped Tofu:

– Drain the tofu and slice into 8 pieces. Lay the pieces on a paper towel and let sit for at least 30 minutes. (The more moisture you pull out, the easier it is to cook!)

– For the teriyaki sauce: Add soy sauce, mirin and sugar in small pan over medium heat. Once tiny bubble start to appear, let it cook for 10 minutes till it’s reduced to half the original volume. Keep an eye on it while it’s simmering, since the sugar can burn if it gets too hot!!

– For the tofu: Lay one piece of bacon on a cutting board, and place a piece of tofu diagonally along one corner. Start wrapping the bacon around the tofu, working your way up the slice. Once you get to the other end, tuck the end of the bacon under itself to help keep its form while cooking. (You can also use a toothpick to hold it in place)

– Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. When hot, place the tofu in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Flip the slices and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. You may need to drain the pan as it cooks to remove the excess fat that cooks out.

– Once the bacon has fully cooked, brush the sauce over each piece of tofu, sprinkle with sesame and enjoy!