Tofu is a versatile soybean protein that should be in your culinary arsenal. From tofu kinds to the tastiest dishes, here’s everything you need to know about this enchanted food.
You’ll want to know what sort of tofu to purchase, how to prepare it, and what meals go best with it. Not to mention the many ways tofu may be utilized as an ingredient in other dishes! We have everything you need right here.
What is tofu?
Tofu is a popular meat substitute that many non-meat eaters seek for. It is often used in many Asian cuisine. It’s also known as bean curd or soya curd. It is similar to soft cheese. It’s created with condensed soy milk and nigari. To make the mixture more workable, it is molded and chopped into blocks.
The tight, pressed bricks are very tasteless on their own, which is why knowing how to prepare it is critical. Tofu is fantastic because it quickly absorbs flavors that it is blended with. It is versatile and may be used in a variety of cuisines. It is also gluten-free and low in calories. This is another reason why it is a popular item in many low-calorie regimens. Aside from being low in calories, it is also high in protein and calcium.
Types of tofu
Firm
The firm variety of tofu is one of the options. This is a go-to (pun intended) for stews or if you want to see the tofu blocks on your plate. Tofu that is firm may be sliced up and used in stir-fries. You may also crumble it into dishes like omelets. Tofu that is firmer has fewer holes. While this means it keeps its form better, it also means it does not allow as much taste to travel through.
One of the most notable advantages is that it is low in water content. It has a similar texture to feta cheese. It has a similar texture to feta cheese. As a result, it’s ideal for foods that need frying. As a result, it may feel comparable to flesh.
Silken
Silken tofu, also known as Japanese tofu, has the greatest water content, allowing it to absorb flavors more easily and quickly. It is tofu that has not been pressed or drained. This also implies that it will lack the form and rigidity of firm tofu. It is available in a variety of textures. To manufacture this form of tofu, soy milk is coagulated but not curdled. Silken tofu is distinguished from ordinary tofu by its softer texture. Even though it is listed as hard, it is softer.
The consistency is akin to pudding. It’s light, soft, fluffy, and creamy. It’s also similar to mozzarella or fresh cream cheese.
The greatest silken tofu dishes put the component in the spotlight, like in Chinese mapo tofu or Korean sundubu jjigae. Its light and fluffy texture makes it an excellent cheese or egg alternative in a variety of vegan-friendly dishes, such as lasagna or eggless morning scramble.
Silken tofu is available in soft, medium, and firm varieties. Even with these variations, the tofu remains extraordinarily smooth.
Soft
Soft tofu has a thick, creamy texture that is akin to yogurt. This is the Chinese equivalent of silky tofu. The surface of soft tofu is ideal for absorbing flavors. It does not have the smoothness of silken tofu. It works nicely in soups and may be eaten uncooked. Because of its soft consistency, it may also be used to produce spreads. The apparent disadvantage of soft tofu is that it does not stand up, thus it quickly blends into whatever recipe it is integrated into.
Medium
Medium tofu is comparable to soft tofu, but it has more structure, allowing you to form it into different shapes. It is also permeable, allowing a variety of tastes to pass through. Medium tofu is ideal for stewing dishes that benefit from a touch of texture. Because of its porous texture and tendency to absorb spices, it is an excellent component for vegan curry dishes. It may also be used in a variety of sauces.
Fermented
Fermented tofu is also called as chou doufu (stinky tofu) in China, and once you smell it, you’ll understand why. It goes back to ancient China, and as such, it has been used in a variety of cuisines. It is tofu that has been fermented for approximately a month after being boiled. Boiling removes extra water from the tofu and destroys hazardous microorganisms.Tofu is often left to ferment for 2 or 3 days.
Once the first step is completed, cultures are present in the tofu. It must then be preserved by soaking it in water, salt, and sometimes rice wine. This brine will aid in the preservation of food. Fermented tofu may be used to produce marinades, sauces, and dips. It’s a drier form of fresh tofu that may be sliced into individual blocks. This implies that it may aid in the addition of texture.
How to cook tofu
Firm
Because of its distinct structure, firm tofu is often used for frying and grilling. You may pan-fry it, grill it on kebabs, or load breakfast tacos with it. Just make sure that any extra water is adequately drained.
Silken tofu
It is smooth and soft, and it combines readily with other ingredients, making it ideal for scrambling. Even though it is soft, it is available in a variety of hardness levels, and the kind you choose will dictate what you may do with it. To add flavor, steam the tofu and then sprinkle some spice on top.
Soft
Soft tofu may be included into kimchi or pureed into smoothies. It may also be used in a curry or a stew.
Medium
Medium tofu may be cooked and then seasoned to taste. The second option is to boil it. Because the texture enables it, it may also be baked or braised.
How to cut tofu
It’s usually a good idea to chop your tofu into large bits that will fit on your platter. If you wish to save it for later use, cut the pieces into sizes that will work for the recipes you’ll be creating. Size doesn’t matter if you’re scrambling the tofu, for example. However, if you want to use the blocks on skewers, you may require flawless or almost perfect cubes.
To get the right size:
- Cut the tofu lengthwise in half.
- Turn the block with the chopped pieces on its side.
- Cut lengthwise in half again.
- Rotate a quarter way, and cut in half again.
- Cut the half in half again, this time lengthwise.
- Repeat for the other half. This will result in smaller pieces of identical size.
Expert Tips
How to press tofu & why you should do it
Tofu has a lot of water, which does not work well when frying it. Tofu’s water content may be increased by pressing it. The reason for this is to keep the tofu from splattering while you fried or grill it. Furthermore, since it has less water, it fries crisper and develops an outside crust that adds flavor to a meal.
Tofu may be pressed using a customized tofu press. If you don’t have this, use whatever heavyweight you have in the kitchen that can press the water out of the tofu but not smash the tofu cubes apart. If you aren’t using a tofu press, start by spreading parchment paper on the counter to prevent the tofu from sticking to whatever you’re using to press out the water.
Place the tofu cubes on top, followed by another sheet of parchment paper. Place a plate on top of the cubes and push down. Another approach is to lay the tofu between two dish towels to soak up any extra water as it drains. Then set a plate on top and weigh it down with a pot of water or whatever you believe would suffice. You may stop when you believe you’ve drained enough water.
Marinate tofu for maximum flavor
Tofu is often bland and lacking in taste. As a result, it often needs to be spiced up. Marinating it is a terrific technique to infuse flavors into it. Marinating tofu allows you to taste it via the pores. Marinating with the correct sauces and herbs penetrates the pores to the center of the tofu, ensuring that every mouthful is flavorful. Soy sauce and garlic are both excellent marinade ingredients.
Consider freezing tofu before marinating
The further benefit of freezing tofu is that the marinades soak in better. You should think about this before marinating. You will, however, have to cope with the fact that when frozen tofu is thawed, it becomes a bit chewier.
How to fry tofu without breaking it
Be cautious while frying tofu to avoid breaking it. You may also coat it or crumb it. Also, make certain that the tofu is placed in heated oil. Tofu may also be soaked in hot water before frying.
Use cornstarch for extra crispiness
If you want crispy tofu, cover it with cornstarch beforehand. When cooked, it lends crispiness to the tofu.
Make sure the pan is hot
Check that the pan is heated enough. This prevents the tofu from sticking to the bottom of the pan. A lukewarm pan will not provide the desired crispness.
Ditch the olive oil
When it comes to frying tofu, olive oil isn’t always the greatest option. This is due to the fact that frying tofu necessitates the use of oils that may burn very hot. As a result, vegetable oil performs better.
Season generously
Because tofu is often bland and contains a lot of water, the spice must be strong enough to cover every inch.
Storage
You may store the tofu in the fridge for approximately a week. Put the tofu in an airtight container and cover with water. Because the water helps keep the tofu fresh, it should be changed once a day.
Should you freeze tofu?
You can freeze tofu as long as you are ready to cope with chewy tofu afterward. After being frozen, it typically becomes more spongy. Tofu may be kept frozen for around three months. It’s best to keep it in little quantities that you can use at once. This prevents you from thawing out more than you need. The main advantage of freezing tofu is that it retains marinade better.
Serving ideas
Tofu is one of the most adaptable foodstuffs in the world. Here are the finest ways to eat tofu, whether you buy it at the supermarket or make it yourself.
Tofu scramble
It’s similar to scrambled eggs, except with tofu instead of eggs. Just like with eggs, you can simply tweak it and make it your own by adding unique twists.
Tofu skewers with peanut dipping sauce
This recipe is marinated ahead of time, and you may often use Thai curry or coconut milk. After that, the tofu is cooked and served with a peanut dipping sauce.
Taco ‘meat’
Tofu is often used in place of meat in a number of cuisines. Tacos are one example of a dish in which tofu may be substituted for meat. The texture is similar, and it also contributes to the fillings.
Tofu substitutes
The best method to locate a genuine alternative is to consider it in the context of the meal. Then consider the traits that tofu offers to the table. You may then hunt for a suitable alternative. Tofu may be replaced with chickpeas, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, or a variety of legumes. Depending on the dish and what you need the alternative to cover, you may also use mushrooms or lentils. People also enjoy 11 Best Silken Tofu Recipes [Easy Cooking Ideas]
FAQs
Is tofu good for you?
Tofu is a viable substitute to animal-derived meat due to its high protein content. Tofu is included in federal dietary recommendations as part of a healthy vegetarian dietary pattern, and a 2021 American Heart Association scientific statement underlines the importance of adopting plant-based proteins for heart health.
Is there a downside to eating tofu?
Antinutrients are present.
These chemicals occur naturally in plant meals and reduce your body’s capacity to absorb nutrients (6). Tofu includes the following antinutrients: Phytates: Calcium, zinc, and iron absorption may be reduced by these substances (6).
What does tofu taste like?
What Is the Taste of Tofu? Plain tofu has no distinct taste and is rather bland. This may be why many dislike it, yet the fact that it is bland is precisely why we should love it. Tofu’s texture is more essential than its flavor; various forms of tofu have varied textures.
What exactly is tofu?
Tofu is formed from the curds of soybeans. It is gluten-free and low in calories by nature. It has no cholesterol and is a good source of iron and calcium. It is a good source of protein, particularly for vegans and vegetarians.
What is healthier chicken or tofu?
While chicken breast is somewhat lower in fat, tofu wins this category because it includes entirely monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, dubbed the “good” type, but chicken has some saturated fat and cholesterol, which tofu does not.
Is tofu better for you than meat?
“If we are talking about soy in its whole form, such as edamame, tofu, and whole soy milk, then it is healthier than meat in the sense that soy provides an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals — without the cholesterol and saturated fat found in meat,” she explains.
Is tofu healthier than eggs?
Head to head, tofu scramble and scrambled eggs are nutritionally comparable and both healthy choices. They are complete protein sources, including all necessary amino acids, low in calories, and generally low in saturated fat.
What are 3 benefits of tofu?
Head to head, tofu scramble and scrambled eggs are nutritionally comparable and both healthy choices. They are complete protein sources, including all necessary amino acids, low in calories, and generally low in saturated fat.
Is tofu considered a processed food?
Head to head, tofu scramble and scrambled eggs are nutritionally comparable and both healthy choices. They are complete protein sources, including all necessary amino acids, low in calories, and generally low in saturated fat.
Is tofu considered superfood?
Head to head, tofu scramble and scrambled eggs are nutritionally comparable and both healthy choices. They are complete protein sources, including all necessary amino acids, low in calories, and generally low in saturated fat.