Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mild olive oil plus additional for brushing
• 2 (14- to 16-oz) packages firm tofu, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Garnish: pine nuts; fresh cilantro leaves; lime wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat broiler and lightly oil a shallow flameproof baking pan with olive oil.
2. Cut each block of tofu crosswise into 6 slices and pat dry between several layers of paper towels. Arrange in 1 layer in baking pan and brush tops of slices with more olive oil. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat, without turning, until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
3. While tofu is broiling, purée cilantro, pine nuts, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until bright green and smooth, about 1 minute.
4. Transfer tofu with a slotted spatula to a platter and serve with cilantro pesto.