Jerk Tofu Platter Recipe

Press and prepare tofu

Drain tofu and press for 20–30 minutes to remove excess water. After pressing, slice tofu into 8 slabs about 1/2-inch thick.

Marinate

Brush both sides of tofu slabs with 2 tbs olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reserve to grill with sauce (the tofu will be basted with the Jerk BBQ sauce during grilling).

Make the sauce

Place chopped scallions, thyme leaves, garlic, ginger, habanero (stem removed), brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, 3 tbs olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until mostly smooth. If too thick for basting, add up to 2 tbs water to reach a brushable consistency. Taste and adjust heat/salt/sweetness as desired (remove seeds from pepper for less heat).

Reserve sauce

Pour half the sauce into a bowl for basting while grilling. Reserve the remaining half to serve as a drizzle or extra sauce on the platter.

Cook rice

Rinse 1 cup rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a small pot combine rinsed rice, 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Heat beans

While rice cooks, heat 1 tbs olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, 1/2 tsp ground cumin and 1 tbs lime juice. Warm 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Stir in optional chopped cilantro and adjust salt to taste.

Preheat grill or grill pan

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) or heat a heavy grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Grill tofu

Place tofu slabs on the hot grill. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing the top side with the reserved basting sauce after flipping. Continue grilling and basting for 2–3 more minutes per side until you have good grill marks and the tofu is well caramelized. Total grilling time should be about 10–12 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning from the sugar in the sauce.

Caramelize and rest

During the last minute of grilling, brush with more sauce and allow it to set for 30–60 seconds. Remove tofu from the grill and let rest 2–3 minutes so the sauce adheres and tofu firms slightly.

On a serving platter or individual plates, spoon a portion of rice (about 1/2 cup cooked per serving) and a portion of black beans beside it. Place 3–4 grilled tofu slabs over or beside the rice and beans. Drizzle reserved Jerk BBQ sauce over the tofu and rice if desired.

Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for guests to add more heat.