This shaking tofu recipe from Andrea Nguyen's book, "Vietnamese Food Any Day," is a terrific way to explore an amazing ingredient.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes (3 cups)
• 3/8 teaspoon finely ground sea salt, divided
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons bragg liquid aminos, maggi seasoning sauce, or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 large garlic clove, pressed or minced (1 1/4 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoons canola oil or other neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallot, rinsed in cold water and patted dry
• 4 cups loosely packed watercress, arugula, or baby lettuce mix (2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup torn fresh mint, basil, or other leafy herb (optional)
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Directions

1. Gently toss together tofu and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a bowl. Spread tofu in an even layer on a kitchen towel or double layer of paper towels; let drain 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together 3 tablespoons water, Bragg Liquid Aminos, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, pepper, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until sugar dissolves; set aside.
2. Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Pat tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Add tofu to hot skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on 2 to 3 sides, 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Whisk together 2 tablespoons water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add onion; top with watercress, mint, and tomatoes (if using). Do not toss salad; set aside.
4. Reduce heat under tofu in skillet to medium; pour Bragg Liquid Aminos mixture over tofu. Cook, stirring often, until sauce reduces slightly and clings to tofu, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Toss together salad ingredients in bowl; transfer to a serving dish. Top with tofu; spoon remaining sauce in skillet over tofu.