Many refer to it as the vegan equivalent of meat, but this millennial symbol of asian cuisine It’s much more than that. It is, in addition to the cornerstone on which vegetarianism is based, a food with as many health properties as gastronomic possibilities.
If you want to discover everything related to what is also called “soybean curd” or “Tofu” and, by the way, learn some of the recipes with tofu that never fail when you have vegan guests at home, pay attention to all the important things to keep in mind when cooking tofu.
And beware that it is no longer just vegetarians or vegans who adore it, more and more omnivores are showing some interest in this neutral flavor food and compact texture that is full of healthy properties. Find out why!
What is tofu?
As we say, many already consider it a culinary gem that, thanks to its versatility, is capable of giving life to countless preparations, both sweet and savory. In fact, we can safely say that cuisines throughout Asia would not be the same were it not for this natural source of vegetable protein.
tofu is a 100% vegetable solid pasta which is made from the coagulation of calcium or magnesium salts with cooked soy milk and subsequently cooled in large rectangular moulds. Its main base is soy milk, to which various coagulants are added. Once curdled (the milk), which is something that will not take more than half an hour, it is subjected to a pressing process for approximately 15 minutes. For what purpose? Very simple, to separate the liquid part from the solid.
To finish, it would only be necessary to cut it into blocks, pack it with water and pasteurize. With this last step, our tofu would be ready to consume.
It should be noted that tofu can have different textures depending on the amount of water that has been added during processing and the type of pressing that has been carried out. In this way the result can be anything from a silken tofu (type kinu tofu) to a drier one (type tofu momen), with a firmer consistency as more water has been extracted from it than the previous one.
And with this we already have enough information to get into the kitchen with this protein to which it was hard to find a hole in our country (and in Western countries in general). Besides, once he got in, for years he was banished to the shelves of herbalists and vegetarian and vegan food stores, where it was considered the quintessential substitute for meat.
How is it best to cook tofu?
We talked before about the versatility of tofu and now we come to confirm that this is so because there are a thousand ways to use it to this food. Whether through hot or cold recipes, salty or sweet, vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
Few foods allow you to take all your creative potential like tofu does. From stews to stews, through croquettes, soups (not just ramen), fajitas, salads where tofu flirts with different seasonal vegetables, stir-fries, vegetarian burgers, etc.
Joejis Bamboo Tofu Press Set with Bottom Panel and Top Panel Tofu Presser – Simple Wooden Drip Tofu Making Kit
Now, to always make sure that we are working the tofu in the correct way, his thing is that we are clear when to use that firm tofu that we were talking about before, that in this case it is best to cook it on the grill with soy sauce, smoked, baked or fried, and when to resort to the silkier version of tofu, which is usually used when preparing classic recipes of Asian cuisine such as miso soup or consommé with wakame seaweed.
In any case, don’t worry if you’re still a bit lost because below we’re going to leave you several recipes with tofu that come to confirm that cooking with it doesn’t have to be boring. Do you want to check it?
7 recipes with tofu that you should not miss
Dare to try all these recipes in which tofu has a starring role. And don’t hesitate to incorporate what you think can also work, give free rein to your creativity! And don’t forget to tell us all the details.
Take the tofu and remove the liquid from the container. To do this, place the vegetable cheese between two sheets of kitchen paper to drain well for 30 minutes. Press on top with a plate, in such a way that all the liquid is released.
Later, shred with a fork or with your hands break the tofu into a bowl and add the egg. Add the seasonings, onion powder, parsley, salt and pepper.
Process all the ingredients with the food processor until get a soft dough. Place the dough on a baking tray, covered with parchment paper or non-stick silpat.
When spreading the dough, try shape it round and try to make the edges slightly raised. If possible, the dough remains with the same thickness.
Bake the tofu pizza base for approximately 30 minutes in an oven at 200º C. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the dough. must stay with a golden look and a solid base, which can be easily peeled off the baking paper without breaking. Book once ready, for 15 minutes out of the oven to lower the temperature.
Finally, Assemble the pizza with the guacamole and sliced tomatoes. Finish with a few threads of olive, chopped fresh chives and dried parsley.
- tofu pizza: With this version of one of the most revered Italian dishes in the world you will always be right. you can use it when making the doughto then add all kinds of ingredients on top of the base, such as tomato, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms or arugula, among others.
tofu jerky: Use tofu to get the vegan version of jerky, a typical American beef jerky food, which is also widely consumed in countries like Canada, Australia, etc. Due to its texture and shape, it is usually consumed as a snack.
Mustard tofu with sauteed vegetables garam masala: There is no better recipe to refute the cliché that “tofu tastes like nothing”. Check that it can be delicious thanks to this dish, quick and easy to prepare, which is also very nutritionally complete.
Scrambled eggs with tofu and vegetables: A highly recommended recipe to put in the tupperware and, incidentally, take advantage of those vegetables that ask for exit in the fridge. The idea is to turn tofu into a vegan version of scrambled eggs, it’s that simple!
Tofu with cauliflower and curry sauce: Indian cuisine is always a great source of inspiration when it comes to preparing simple dishes that are very tasty, and tofu can be the best of your allies. This dish is perfect not only for vegetarian and vegan diets, but for anyone who wants to enjoy it at home or at work.
Asian style tofu, rice and broccoli salad: In the same dish we gather a few ingredients, but here everyone has their space and their role. Rice provides carbohydrates; tofu, proteins; pistachios, fat; and broccoli, vitamins and antioxidants. What else do you need?
Tofu and mango tacos with peanut sauce: Who does not have a pantry full of wheat or corn tortillas typical of Mexican cuisine? So the idea now is improvise some homemade tacos combining some protein with green leaves and one or two vegetables that add texture and freshness to the whole. The protagonist is the tofu and the point of extra flavor is given by the simple sauce with peanut butter that we are going to incorporate.
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