Tofu Watercress Salad

Common in Hawaii, Tofu Watercress Salad is non-existent in NC.   I have to make my own, but finding watercress isn't always easy. Yes, you can substitute arugula, but it's a bit more peppery where watercress is milder. Also the texture of watercress feels better in my mouth (don't laugh, it's true and important to my experience). So when I found a local farm that grows watercress I could not contain my excitement!  Thank you Lee's One Fortune Farm in Marion, NC for growing watercress!  

Tofu Watercress Salad

1 block of Firm Tofu drained and cubed

2- 5 oz cans of pink salmon or white Albacore tuna (optional)

2 cups bean sprouts

1/4  cup green onion

1 bunch or bag of Watercress

1 ripe tomato diced

Layer in 8x8 dish in order above.  

Dressing

1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

3 TBSP canola oil

1 TBSP mirin

2 TBSP brown sugar

2 TBSP grated ginger

2 cloves minced garlic

2 tsp rice vinegar

3 tsp sesame oil

Mix together and pour over salad 30 min. before serving.  

Tips: 

*Cube tofu bite size and drain on paper towels for a few hours or overnight.  Removing the moisture prepares the tofu to absorb the dressing!  

*Forget the salmon and make it vegetarian!

*Substitute arugula if there is no watercress to be found.