Tofu can be marinated and served on its own with a side dish.
If you've ever seen tofu you might wonder what it's made from. It doesn't look like any vegetable or meat on grocer's shelves. Tofu is made from a vegetable, soy beans. The soy beans are processed into milk. The milk is allowed to curdle and coagulants -- that give a gelatinous texture -- are added to give tofu its consistency. There are endless ways to make tofu part of a vegetarian or protein rich diet. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Tofu Basics
Tofu comes in three varieties: firm, soft and silken. Firm tofu is sold in blocks and needs to be pressed or drained before using. This is a simple process that can be done with paper towels. Firm tofu is typically used in recipes that call for a meat substitute. Soft tofu has more of a texture resembling jelly and is used in recipes that call for a mixture of tofu and sour cream for dips. Silken tofu has a thick, liquid texture that can replace milk or heavy whipping cream.
Firm Tofu
Firm tofu can replace virtually any meat in casseroles, soups and stir fries. Without needing to follow an exact recipe, after you've pressed your tofu, cut it into the desired size and drop it into your dish. It can be eaten raw, so there is no need to worry about under cooking it. Tofu can be burned, though, so be careful not too cook it too long. Some common uses for firm tofu are in chili, Asian stir fry, crumbled on top of salads instead of cheese or sliced into a pasta dish that calls for pieces of chicken. Firm tofu can also be grilled or baked, after being marinated, and used on its own with a side dish of rice or pasta. Fried tofu is a popular dish on its own or in stir fries. There is virtually no limit to the uses of firm tofu.
Silken and Soft Tofu
Make your dips lighter in calories and pack an extra protein punch by using silken tofu instead of mayonnaise or sour cream. Avocado and cheese dips are perfect to use with silken tofu. Tofu can be used in desserts too. If you're making a custard pie, substitute silken tofu with milk. Soft tofu is perfect for omelets. Only use half of the eggs you would normally use and substitute the other half with soft tofu.
Other Tofu Tips
When it comes to storing your firm tofu, submerge it entirely in water in a plastic, airtight container. Change the water daily and your tofu will last up to two weeks in the fridge. Don't forget to drain it before use. Raw tofu is a great, healthy snack for kids. Cube it or slice it, add spices of your choice and hand it over as an after school snack. Avoid marinades that have oil in them. Because tofu contains water, it doesn't mix well with oil-based marinades. Simple soy sauce works well to flavor and marinate it.
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