Soy foods are a vegetarian's best way to get complete, natural proteins. Keeping delicious, snackable marinated tofu, like the kind below, on hand for sandwiches, salads, and wraps will ensure that you get these nutrients in a satisfying way. Marinated tofu will remain fresh in the fridge for four to five days. One of the best ways to store the cubes is in a zip lock bag with all the air squeezed out of it (keeps the cubes from getting a dry patch).

INGREDIENTS | SERVES 6

• 5 tofu cakes, cut into 1-inch cubes

Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons water
• Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ¼ cup dry sherry or Chinese cooking wine
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• Pinch of anise seed, toasted and ground
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salad:

• 1 carrot, julienne
• ¼ pound snow peas, julienne
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 5 cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 4 scallions, julienne

Dressing:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons tamari soy sauce
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar

1. Spread tofu into a single layer in a baking dish or sheet pan.

2. Whisk together the ingredients for the marinade, and pour it over the tofu. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.

3. Combine salad ingredients, toss with dressing, and place in the refrigerator to marinate 1 hour. Add tofu, and toss gently to combine just before serving.