Tofu has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, but it is now gaining popularity in Western countries as well. This protein-rich vegetarian alternative to meat is versatile, easy to cook with, and can be used in a variety of recipes. However, for those who are new to cooking with tofu, it can be intimidating as it takes some experimentation to find the right technique to make it taste delicious. In this article, we will provide tips and recipes to guide you through cooking with tofu.
Tip 1: Fresh Tofu
Always use fresh tofu. Fresh tofu is firmer and easier to work with than tofu that has been left to sit in the fridge for several days. Fresh tofu also absorbs flavors better from marinades and sauces.
Tip 2: Press Tofu
Tofu contains a lot of water, which can dilute the flavors of your dish. Press the tofu using a tofu press or a cloth and a heavy object to remove as much water as possible. Once pressed, cut it into pieces and use as desired.
Tip 3: Marinate Tofu
Tofu is best when it has been marinated as it adds flavor and seasoning to the dish. Marinades can be made using a variety of ingredients such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, to name a few. Marinate the tofu for several hours or overnight for best results.
Recipe 1: Tofu Stir-fry
Ingredients:
– 14 oz. extra-firm tofu
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Drain the tofu and press to remove excess water. Cut into cubes and dust with cornstarch.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the soy sauce and honey to the vegetables and stir.
5. Return the tofu to the skillet and toss with the vegetables until heated through. Serve over rice.
Recipe 2: Tofu Scramble
Ingredients:
– 14 oz. firm tofu
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Instructions:
1. Drain the tofu and press to remove excess water. Crumble the tofu with your fingers to resemble scrambled eggs.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the crumbled tofu, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a few more minutes until the tofu is heated through.
4. Add the nutritional yeast and stir to combine. Serve hot.
In conclusion, cooking with tofu is easy and can be delicious once you have the right techniques down. Fresh tofu, pressed tofu, and marinated tofu are key tips to keep in mind. Experiment with different recipes and flavors to find the ones that you enjoy the most. Happy cooking!
