Tofu: The Curd with Endless Possibilities
As is true with most things we eat, if you think you don’t like tofu, it’s only because you haven’t had it prepared in a way that you like.
Tofu is a blank canvas. By itself, it is bland with a smooth non-texture. It also quickly and easily absorbs the flavors you cook it with.
As a soy product, tofu is high in protein, low in carbs, and low in fat. It’s also high in calcium and phytoestrogen, often helpful for menopausal women. It’s made from soy milk, which is made from cooked soy beans. So, tofu can be eaten straight from the package or cooked.
Also, as a soy product, you will want to be sure to choose organic whenever you can. Soy is a crop with heavy GMO and pesticide use. Organic is available around town!
Firm or Silken?
There are two basic types of tofu: firm and silken. They serve different purposes in your recipes. Both are available in the area.
Firm
If you want to eat tofu in chunks, perhaps in a stir fry, air-fried, or as a faux scrambled egg, go with the firm or extra firm varieties (Mini-Price Quepos; Mama Toucan’s Dominical. Refrigerated). If you freeze the tofu then thaw it, more of its water will drain out and the tofu will be dryer. Some people like to do this a couple of times, continuing to leech out the water. Then, they may tear it into smaller pieces. The result is rather chewy. There are many many things you can do with firm tofu.
Silken
When you want to hide your tofu in something else, silken tofu is the way to go (BM, Mini-Price, Mama Toucan’s, more. Blue box, unrefrigerated). Smoothies, creamy sauces, creamy casserole dishes—some silken tofu and a blender will do some amazing things. Make sour cream, creamy fruit compote, or chocolate mousse, and eat all you want! You’re eating raw tofu! It’s also the perfect way to make your morning smoothie a full breakfast.
With both varieties, you can make burger patties, no-meat balls, baked goods, and so much more.
The Real Difference
In practice, silken tofu will never behave like firm tofu. You cannot stab a piece of silken tofu with your fork and expect it to stay together. However, you can make firm tofu behave like silken tofu if you want to. That is, firm tofu also creams up perfectly in the blender. It’s a little thicker, but just add a little water if you want, and you’re there.
Delicious Tofu is Easy
As more and more people turn to a plant-based diet, the internet becomes even richer with phenomenal and creative tofu recipes. Do a quick little search and you will find a lot of options. Follow some plant-based folks on social media for creative inspiration. Just remember that with tofu, flavorings are everything. The smaller the cut, the more flavoring the tofu can absorb.
If you don’t like it, why not? Is there enough flavoring or does it taste kind of like chalk? Solution: Add more flavoring, perhaps with smaller cuts or drizzle with a flavorful sauce. Or, is it the texture? Solution: hide it better. Try a smoothie or chocolate mousse.
Tofu is an excellent way to add a punch of protein to any meal.
Recipes
Here are two very simple and very yummy tofu recipes for you, to get you loving your tofu! Enjoy!
Air-Fried Buffalo Tofu
Cut firm or extra firm into whatever size and shape you desire.
Make a marinade: Bragg’s Soy Aminos, squirt of a flavorful mustard, dollop of buffalo sauce. Mix.
Let tofu marinate for as long as you’re able: A few minutes will do, but overnight or longer is also fine. It’s fine to only have a bit of marinade in the bottom of the bowl, and keep turning the tofu into it.
Right before cooking, gently douse tofu with soy milk. This gives it a skin.
Air fry on high for 20 minutes. Turn, and keep cooking. Cook until it’s as done as you like it. The more you cook it, the chewier it gets.
Take it out of the air fryer and toss with buffalo sauce.
Use it on top of a salad (chunks) or as a sandwich layer (slab).
Silken Tofu Cream
Add to a blender:
A box of silken tofu
A strong-flavored fruit such as passionfruit or ripe mango, or mix
½ teaspoon vanilla
Dash salt
Cane sugar to taste
Sprig of fresh mint (optional)
Blend. Enjoy over fruit or granola, or just with a spoon.
Dr. Michele Poff is a professional writer, editor, instructional designer and qualitative researcher, working primarily in formal spaces and healing sciences. She hosts well-being tours in the Brazilian Amazon, paradisefoundretreat.com. Her latest endeavor, The Alignment Portal website, thealignmentportal.com, hosts materials to help people find and follow their life purpose, aiming at fulfilling their life potential. She lives on the Central Coast and gets a lot of great thinking done in the jungle.