Make-Ahead Coconut Forbidden Rice with Tofu and Summer Fruit

Ingredients

serves Serves 2, active time 20 minutes, total time 35 minutes

• 1/2 cup black forbidden rice (see note above)
• 1 cup lite coconut milk
• Kosher salt
• 6 to 8 ounces extra-firm tofu (about 1/2 block), cut into 1/2-inch planks
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup cubed watermelon, black seeds discarded
• 2 medium plums, cut into 1/4-inch wedges
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice, plus 1 teaspoon zest (from 1 lime)
• 1/2 cup picked cilantro leaves

Procedures

1. Cook rice according to package instructions, with coconut milk in place of water. Season with salt while simmering. Meanwhile, preheat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the tofu with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil on each side and season with salt and pepper. Cook tofu until browned and crisp all over, about 4 minutes per side.
   
2. Mix together watermelon and plums in bowl. Stir together remaining teaspoon sesame oil, lime juice, and zest. Add rice to bowl and toss gently. Add sesame lime dressing and stir gently to coat. Fold in cilantro. Taste and add 1/8 teaspoon more salt if needed. Top with tofu. Let cool, then refrigerate until ready to eat.

Quick Fruit and Citrus Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

serves Makes about 2 cups, active time 5 minutes, total time 5 minutes

• 18 ounces bottled barbecue sauce (1 1/2 cups), preferably Bull's-Eye
• 1/3 cup mango juice
• 1/3 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lime juice from 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon habanero hot sauce, plus more to taste

Procedures

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, mango juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, ginger, and habanero hot sauce. Season with additional hot sauce to taste. Use immediately or pour back in bottle and store in refrigerator for up to a month.