Build a Better: Tofu dish

Count tofu among the protein-rich, plant-based foods showing up on more menus. Whether it’s blackened, fried, breaded, wood-fired or baked, tofu adapts to various cuisine styles, and takes on the personality—and flavor—of a restaurant’s menu. Here’s a sampling of some current tofu appetizers, pastas, sandwiches and entrées being offered around the country.

Centro in Des Moines offers an Italian-inspired menu. Lunch entrees include Tofu Gnocchi with sautéed mushrooms, red onion, tomato, spinach, garlic, basil, shallots and olive oil ($13.99).

Melt Bar & Grilled with seven locations in the Cleveland area, offers the Wild Tofu “Wings” appetizer ($9) with crisped breaded tofu wings tossed in one of seven signature sauces and a choice of dipping sauce, including Ranch, Vegan Ranch, Sriracha Ranch and Blue Cheese.

Also in Cleveland, Trentina, Chef Jonathon Sawyer’s Northern Italian restaurant, features a Preserved Eggplant Sandwich on the lunch menu. The combo incorporates wood-fired tofu, salsa nero, kale and brioche.

Meanwhile, Masa 14 in Washington DC offers Latin-Asian small plates designed by chefs Kaz Okochi and Richard Sandoval. The dim sum menu includes Fried Tofu ($6) with sautéed spinach and spicy chili sauce.

Haili’imaile General Store in Makawao serves Blackened Tofu with Wasabi Tossed Greens, mashed potatoes and sweet chili sauce, as well as Dynamite Baked Tofu, with spicy chili aioli, steamed jasmine rice and a yuzu drizzle. Both dishes are $22. Haili’imaile General Store is a Bev Gannon Restaurant, nestled in the pineapple fields of upcountry Maui.

Contact Gail Bellamy at [email protected].