2 lb firm or extra-firm tofu, frozen
5 cups of water
1/2 cup finely minced fresh ginger
3/4 cup Soya sauce
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry or white flour
1/2 cup fine corn meal
Oil for frying
For Dip:
1/2 lb soft tofu
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp Soya sauce
For Garnishing:
Enough tofu tartar sauce
Fresh parsley

Breaded Tofu Cutlets

1. To defrost tofu, place plastic bag of frozen tofu into bowl of hot water. After 15 minutes, drain bowl and add more hot water. Repeat process until tofu is soft.
2. Remove tofu from plastic bag, rinse, and then squeeze out excess water by placing cakes between two plates and pressing plates together while tipping out water. Cut tofu horizontally into 1/2 inch thick slices.
3. In large shallow pot, combine water, ginger, and Soya sauce. Simmer sliced tofu in the marinade for 20 minutes. With large spatula, remove tofu.
4. Gently squeeze out excess liquid by pressing tofu between fingertips. Set aside.
5. To make dip, combine soft tofu, 1/2 cup of water, and 2 tbsp Soya sauce in blender or food processor and pour the blended batter onto large flat plate. Place whole-wheat flour in a second flat plate and corn meal on a third.
6. Dredge each slice of marinated tofu first in flour, then in batter, and last in corn meal.
7. Heat oil to sizzling in large skillet and deep or shallow fry (as you prefer) each cutlet on both sides until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with dollop of tartar sauce and sprig of fresh parsley.

Note: to freeze tofu, place in plastic bag, seal, and freeze for a minimum of 48 hours before thawing. The color of frozen tofu will be light amber, and when cooked, its texture will be pleasantly chewy.