How to Prepare Tofu
Purchase the tofu., Decide what type of tofu to buy., Press it!, Cut the tofu into blocks or slices. , Cook it., Prepare a sauce to balance the mild, subtle flavor of the tofu and complement the texture., Fry or grill the tofu. , Work the tofu into...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Purchase the tofu.
While mass-produced tofu is now available at many supermarkets and grocery stores, it's even better to find your local Asian grocery and buy it fresh there.
Packaged tofu will have traveled many miles to reach its destination, and might contain preservatives that reduce both the flavor and nutritional value.
In general, the fresher, the better. -
Step 2: Decide what type of tofu to buy.
Firm tofu is often a bit gritty and is most commonly used in stir fries, or other dishes that cause "rough handling".
Silken tofu has a much finer, creamier texture but needs to be handled somewhat delicately; it is best used as tofu steaks or for mixing in desserts. , If you are using water-packed tofu, you want to get the water out.
This is done easily by pressing the entire block or cutting into slices.
All you need is something absorbent (paper towel or clean lint-free kitchen towel) and some weight.
Place tofu in between towel, put a plate on top, and use a soup can.
All you are doing is gently pressing the water out. ,, Tofu can be pan-sauteed, fried, toasted, grilled, etc, until it is firm enough that the skin offers a decent amount of resistance when poked with a spatula or a fork. , A traditional Asian option would be to mix soy sauce with sesame oil.
You can also toss in a bit of minced garlic, if you think your taste buds can handle it.
A nice, finishing touch is to toast some sesame seeds to sprinkle on top of the sauce right before the tofu is served. ,,,,,, Add tofu and basil, cheese, tomato sauce, olives, red onion, green and red pepper, sweetcorn and tomatoes to store bought packaged pizza dough.
Bake it. ,,,, -
Step 3: Press it!
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Step 4: Cut the tofu into blocks or slices.
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Step 5: Cook it.
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Step 6: Prepare a sauce to balance the mild
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Step 7: subtle flavor of the tofu and complement the texture.
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Step 8: Fry or grill the tofu.
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Step 9: Work the tofu into your dish.
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Step 10: Put it into a bowl of broth along with other ingredients to make a soup or stew.
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Step 11: Stir fry it with various vegetables and the sauce.
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Step 12: Serve on top of a salad.
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Step 13: Make vegetarian pizza.
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Step 14: Serve on top of Asian noodles and top it with a delicious sauce.
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Step 15: Have it grilled with a side of green vegetables (like spinach) and fluffy rice.
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Step 16: Make a tofu sandwich.
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Step 17: If using only vegetables and tofu in the marinade
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Step 18: you can cook down the marinade (boil until some of the water evaporates) and use as a sauce.
Detailed Guide
While mass-produced tofu is now available at many supermarkets and grocery stores, it's even better to find your local Asian grocery and buy it fresh there.
Packaged tofu will have traveled many miles to reach its destination, and might contain preservatives that reduce both the flavor and nutritional value.
In general, the fresher, the better.
Firm tofu is often a bit gritty and is most commonly used in stir fries, or other dishes that cause "rough handling".
Silken tofu has a much finer, creamier texture but needs to be handled somewhat delicately; it is best used as tofu steaks or for mixing in desserts. , If you are using water-packed tofu, you want to get the water out.
This is done easily by pressing the entire block or cutting into slices.
All you need is something absorbent (paper towel or clean lint-free kitchen towel) and some weight.
Place tofu in between towel, put a plate on top, and use a soup can.
All you are doing is gently pressing the water out. ,, Tofu can be pan-sauteed, fried, toasted, grilled, etc, until it is firm enough that the skin offers a decent amount of resistance when poked with a spatula or a fork. , A traditional Asian option would be to mix soy sauce with sesame oil.
You can also toss in a bit of minced garlic, if you think your taste buds can handle it.
A nice, finishing touch is to toast some sesame seeds to sprinkle on top of the sauce right before the tofu is served. ,,,,,, Add tofu and basil, cheese, tomato sauce, olives, red onion, green and red pepper, sweetcorn and tomatoes to store bought packaged pizza dough.
Bake it. ,,,,
About the Author
Christine Harris
Brings years of experience writing about pet care and related subjects.
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