If someone gave you a lump of oil emulsifier made of alkalinized fatty acids, would you rub it all over your skin? If you’ve ever used soap, the answer is yes.
What about if someone served you a dish featuring coagulated soybean curd? That may sound as unappealing and weird as the definition of soap you just read, but it’s just as useful and wonderful.
I’m talking, of course, about tofu.
Tofu originated in China a couple of thousand years ago (possibly when some lucky chef accidentally spilled sea salt into a batch of soybean soup). Its use eventually spread into what is now Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and other neighboring countries.
Tofu is a hugely important and versatile food. As a meat substitute, tofu is a common ingredient in many vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based dishes, including those originating from or influenced by Asian cuisines. But it’s easy to use it in pretty much any cuisine.
If you’re not culturally familiar with tofu, turning it into delicious meals may seem daunting. How do you prepare tofu? How do you cook tofu and transform it from a wobbly white block into something more appealing? And what kinds of meals can you use tofu in exactly?
In this article and corresponding video, we’ll explore these questions and have you cooking with tofu in no time.
Key Steps To Prep Your Tofu Before Cooking
There are just a few simple steps to transform tofu magically into something edible and ready to use. (That would make a great title for an anime movie.)
1. Drain the Liquid
Many tofu blocks come in containers with water to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. Unless you’re using silken tofu (which I discussed in the video), you’ll want to drain the water into the sink or your compost.
2. Press the Tofu
Pressing tofu removes more excess liquid. This is essential for recipes where you want the tofu to firm up or crisp during cooking. However, it’s unnecessary for silken tofu or if you’re using it as a base for a sauce or dressing. You can skip this step if you put the tofu in soup. You can press tofu by hand using paper towels, a tea towel, or cheesecloth and a heavy pan on top, or you can use a tofu press. Tofu presses are available in BPA-free plastic, wood, and stainless steel.
3. Cut, Slice, or Crumble Your Tofu
How you cut your tofu will depend on how you intend to use it. For example, you can cut your block of bean curd into cubes for stir-fries and kabobs, slice it for sandwich fillings, or crumble it for scrambles and breakfast bowls.
4. Marinate or Season Your Tofu
Unseasoned tofu has a very mild taste, which is a nice way of saying it doesn’t taste like much on its own. But that’s a feature, not a bug since it means that tofu can take on pretty much any flavor you add to it.
Some tofu marinade ingredients you can try are:
- Asian condiments like miso, soy sauce, tamari, or rice vinegar
- Sweeteners like maple syrup or date paste
- Nut and seed butters
- Herbs and spices
- Citrus juices
In our Sweet and Smoky Tofu, Vegetable, and Pineapple Skewers, tofu cubes are marinated in a delicious mixture of liquids and spices and then baked. The longer they marinate (in the fridge for more than a few minutes), the more the sauce soaks into the tofu, boosting its sweet and smoky flavor. If you prefer not to marinate ahead of time or cannot for whatever reason, you can also add sauce at the end of cooking just to coat the tofu.
How To Cook Tofu
You can cook tofu in a variety of ways, including:
- Pan-Frying: Achieve crispy edges while keeping the inside soft.
- Baking: Low-maintenance method for crispy, evenly cooked tofu.
- Air-Frying: An oil-free way to get crispy tofu nuggets.
- Grilling: Adds a smoky flavor — perfect for summer kabobs and other dishes.
- Blending: For creamy soups, dressings, or desserts.
- Steaming: For a soft texture that’s great for soups, stews, and appetizers.
In this How To Cook video, we’ll review two different tofu recipes, demonstrating how to blend tofu into a sauce versus how to make it crispy, just like takeout! You’ll also learn about the types of tofu and how to press tofu effectively.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=716siY0KcmM
Recipes Using Tofu
Perfect for tofu lovers and the tofu curious, these recipes make tofu easy to prepare and incredibly delicious! From crispy, savory dishes to tangy sauces and protein-packed breakfasts, each recipe highlights tofu’s versatility and flavor. Quick to make and perfect for meal prep, they’re a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy tofu in a new way.
1. Easy Tofu Breakfast Muffins
Start your day with these Easy Tofu Breakfast Muffins, a perfect solution for a quick and nutritious breakfast or meal prep. The savory tofu base, blended with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, tamari, and spices, pairs beautifully with sautéed vegetables like onion, mushroom, and kale. These muffins are easy to make in advance, store well, and reheat beautifully, making them an ideal grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
2. Buffalo Cauliflower With Creamy Tofu Ranch Dressing
This foolproof tofu recipe delivers bold, crowd-pleasing flavors while showcasing how effortlessly tofu can be transformed into a creamy, flavorful dressing. The Buffalo Cauliflower features crispy, oven-baked florets coated in a perfectly spiced hot sauce batter, made with organic oat flour and plant-based milk for a light, satisfying crunch. Paired with a tangy and herbaceous Creamy Tofu Ranch Dressing, this dish is a true flavor explosion. Whether you’re a tofu pro or a beginner, this recipe guarantees delicious results!
3. Crispy Tofu Broccoli and Noodle Bowls
This quick and easy recipe for Crispy Tofu Broccoli and Noodle Bowls is your secret to achieving crispy, take-out-worthy tofu at home! Marinated with sambal oelek, lime zest, and lime juice, the tofu is packed with bold flavor. Paired with tender organic whole-grain noodles, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a savory miso-coconut aminos sauce, this dish is satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for tofu lovers and those seeking an easy, flavorful, tofu-packed plant-based meal!
Get Familiar with Tofu!
With its versatility and ability to absorb flavors, tofu can elevate almost any meal. As a common plant-based ingredient often used as a meat substitute, it can be a key part of many delicious and nourishing meals. Learning how to cook with tofu can broaden your horizons and make plant-based cooking easier and more satisfying.
Experiment with various preparations, marinades, and cooking techniques to master your tofu journey. From crispy stir-fries to creamy sauces, tofu offers endless possibilities for all tastes and meals. Whether you’re recreating classic tofu dishes or inventing new ones, the world of tofu cooking is yours to explore!
Tell us in the comments:
- How do you like to cook tofu?
- What’s your favorite way to use tofu in recipes?
Featured Image: istock.com/Yuuji
