The Tofu Revolution: Unlocking the Power of Soy
Beyond the Blank Canvas
Tofu often gets a bad rap as a boring, tasteless meat substitute. But think again! This soybean-based curd is a chameleon of flavors, adaptable to any ingredient in your pantry. Plus, it’s packed with protein, calcium, and low in saturated fat, making it a nutritional powerhouse.
The Versatility of Tofu
From savory dishes to sweet desserts, tofu can do it all. Its neutral flavor makes it the perfect canvas for any flavor combination. And with its impressive shelf life, you can stock up and experiment with new recipes to your heart’s content.
Understanding Tofu Textures
Think of firm tofu as steak and soft tofu as ground beef. The stiffer variety is ideal for stir-fries, while soft or silken tofu is perfect for soups, desserts, and smoothies. And then there’s sprouted tofu, which boasts even more nutrients than its unsprouted counterpart.
Preparing Tofu for Cooking
Before cooking, most recipes require draining and pressing the tofu. Simply wrap it in paper towels or a clean cloth, place it between two plates with a heavy object on top, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Our Favorite Tofu Recipes
Spicy Silken Tofu Soup
This Korean-inspired soup packs a punch with anchovy and gochugaru, balanced by the gentle presence of tofu.
Chilled Tofu Salad with Miso Vinaigrette
Fresh vegetables and firm tofu come together in perfect harmony, elevated by a tangy miso-ginger vinaigrette.
Pistachio Crusted Tofu with Chimichurri
Crispy pistachio-crusted tofu meets its match in a smoky, spicy chimichurri sauce.
Grilled Tofu Torta
A hot sauce-spiked marinade gives tofu a spicy kick, paired with Cotija cheese, black beans, pickled jalapeƱos, and avocado in a satisfying vegetarian twist on the classic Mexican sandwich.
Tofu and Broccolini Pad See Ew
This homemade, meat-free version of the Thai takeout classic is a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option.
Vegan Lasagna
This sumptuous plant-based feast features tofu, eggplant, and tomatoes, perfect for a special occasion or meal prep.
Ma Po Tofu
This classic pork and tofu combo from Mission Chinese Food chef Danny Bowien is a flavor bomb waiting to happen.
Saag Tofu
This Indian-inspired dish pairs tofu with spinach, reinforcing the cuisine’s vegetarian-forward and flavorful reputation.
Homemade Tofurkey with Brown Rice Stuffing
This comforting, eye-catching vegan dish is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Fruity Smoothie
Add silken tofu to your morning smoothie for an extra boost of nutrition, and mix and match your favorite fruits and veggies.
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Blended soft tofu and cocoa powder transform into a decadent, low-fat, and guilt-free chocolate mousse.
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