Except you’re a diehard vegan, you in all probability don’t consider tofu as probably the most appetizing meals. However this seemingly primary block of soy is filled with potential, and there are such a lot of various kinds of tofu to work with!

In only a few easy steps, you possibly can create a brilliant tasty supply of plant-based protein that’s crispy or creamy, spicy or smoky, candy or savory — you identify it.

All it takes is deciding on the correct of tofu and getting ready it appropriately. Utilizing silken tofu in a stir-fry will result in a soggy mess, whereas attempting to mix extra-firm tofu into your smoothie will doubtless end in a chunky consistency.

Keep away from kitchen disasters by following this information to cooking with various kinds of tofu.

What Is Tofu?

Tofu is produced from soybeans and water (basically, soy milk) with added coagulant, most frequently nigari (liquid that is still after salt is faraway from seawater). It is available in two totally different consistencies: “block” or “common” tofu, and silken tofu. The distinction is that block tofu is pressed, so it has much less water, and due to this fact typically retains its form higher.

“Tofu is inexpensive, versatile, nutritious, and scrumptious. It may be utilized in each savory and candy functions and usually takes on the flavour of no matter you prepare dinner it with,” says vegan chef Lauren Kretzer.

Kinds of Tofu

Right here’s a breakdown of the totally different tofu varieties you’ll encounter, and one of the best methods to make use of every one.

Tremendous-firm tofu

Tremendous-firm block tofu has the least water and probably the most protein — about 11 grams per 3 ounces. It’s a hearty, chewy tofu that’s nice if you need a “meaty” protein however don’t need precise meat.

Since this tofu is denser, it isn’t one of the best at absorbing marinades. As a substitute, prepare dinner it with a glaze or one thing like a wholesome barbecue sauce or gravy.

Finest to make use of: stir-fried, pan-fried, grilled, baked, crumbled, in sandwiches, as kebabs, as nuggets.

Additional-firm tofu

Only a tad much less dense than super-firm tofu is extra-firm block tofu. That is nonetheless a superb supply of protein, with about 9 grams per 3 ounces.

You should utilize extra-firm tofu in the identical methods you’d use super-firm tofu, so don’t stress if you happen to can solely discover one in your grocery store.

Finest to make use of: stir-fried, pan-fried, grilled, baked, crumbled, in sandwiches, as kebabs, as nuggets.

Agency tofu

Taking place in protein and firmness and up in water content material is agency tofu, which has about 7 grams of protein per 3 ounces. That is the tofu to seize if you happen to’re undecided what to make use of, or if you happen to simply wish to hold tofu readily available, because it’s probably the most versatile.

Because the identify says, it’s agency sufficient the place it received’t collapse as you’re employed with it (until you determine to crumble it), however if you happen to occurred to drop a block on the counter from excessive up, it in all probability would collapse.

That porous texture additionally makes it a superb marinade absorber — so long as you press it first (see under).

Finest to make use of: stir-fried, pan-fried, baked, scrambled, in soups, in sandwiches, as vegan “feta” or “ricotta.”

Medium tofu

The considerably delicate medium block tofu ought to be dealt with fastidiously, so don’t attain for this if you wish to stir-fry good, neat blocks of tofu.

As a substitute, the silkier consistency is a good way so as to add a creamy notice to recipes and about 6 grams of protein per 3 ounces.

Finest to make use of: in miso soup (cubed), in dressings, in dips, in creamy casseroles, in chilly dishes (like tofu caprese salad).

Delicate tofu

As you may guess, delicate block tofu has probably the most water of the block tofus, but it surely nonetheless affords affords up about 5 grams to 7 grams of protein per 3 ounces. Be mild as you deal with delicate tofu, because it tends to interrupt aside simply.

It lends a creamy consistency and trace of milky taste to dishes, making it excellent for recipes that decision for mixing and pureeing.

Finest to make use of: in smoothies, in sauces, in dips, in dressings, in puddings, in vegan cheesecake, to switch eggs in baked items.

Silken tofu

In comparison with block tofu, silken tofu has larger water content material as a result of it’s unpressed. Silken tofu has a silky texture (therefore the identify) and falls aside simply. It shouldn’t be pressed; as a substitute, silken tofu is supposed for use straight from the container.

It is available in delicate, agency, and further agency varieties, however since all of them have excessive water content material, you possibly can typically use these sorts of silken tofu interchangeably in recipes. Nonetheless, protein content material will differ relying on the kind.

Finest to make use of: in smoothies, in sauces, in dips, in dressings, in puddings, in vegan cheesecake, to switch eggs in baked items

Methods to Press Tofu

If a tofu recipe requires urgent the tofu, you in all probability don’t wish to omit that step. Urgent helps take away water so the tofu has a firmer texture, ensuring your recipe doesn’t wind up with an excessive amount of liquid.

More often than not you’ll solely press agency, extra-firm, and super-firm block tofu, as the opposite tofu is just too delicate to press.

To press tofu, you should purchase a tofu press, but it surely’s not completely obligatory. In the event you don’t have a press:

• Place the tofu between paper towels or dish towels on a chopping board or plate.
• Place one other plate or dish on high and weigh that down with heavy objects like cans of beans, cookbooks, or extra plates.
• Let the tofu drain for at the very least 20 minutes. Then it’s prepared in your recipe!

Completely different Methods to Prepare dinner Tofu

You’ll be able to put together the various various kinds of tofu in many alternative methods. Head to the kitchen and experiment with a few of the following to see what you want greatest.

1. Baked tofu

After urgent extra-firm tofu, marinate it, then bake it till golden, stirring each 10 to fifteen minutes.

Kretzer suggests marinating in tamari and sesame oil. “The sides get golden and crisp, and I exploit it in sandwiches, sliced on salads, or simply served with some sauteed broccoli and potatoes.”

2. Fried tofu

Press extra-firm tofu. Dice and coat it in cornstarch and another seasonings. Pan-fry in a small quantity of oil till crispy on all sides. Or, strive making it in an air fryer!

3. Tofu dips

Use silken tofu as a substitute of bitter cream or yogurt as the bottom for creamy dips.

4. Tofu sauces and dressings

Slightly than utilizing heavy cream to make pasta sauces and salad dressings, puree delicate or silken tofu together with your different elements. “I put some silken tofu in a blender with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and capers, and it makes an awesome vegan Caesar dressing,” Kretzer says.

5. Tofu nuggets

Press a block of extra-firm tofu, then lower into nugget-size items. One piece at a time, coat in batter, after which in breading. Place on a baking sheet and bake till golden brown, turning at the very least as soon as.

6. Tofu “egg” salad

Use agency tofu and mash it up to make use of as a alternative for eggs in your standard recipe. Kretzer likes so as to add turmeric, vegan mayo, and chopped celery and pink onion.

7. Tofu ricotta

Press agency tofu. Crumble right into a meals processor and add lemon juice, dietary yeast, garlic powder, salt, and any seasonings you want. Course of to a ricotta-like consistency.

8. Tofu feta

Press agency tofu and lower it into cubes. In a bowl, mix miso, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and a bit of water. Add it to the cubed tofu and toss to coat properly. Let marinate within the fridge for at the very least half-hour, then use it as you’d feta.

9. Tofu smoothies

Mix silken or delicate tofu together with your different elements instead of milk or yogurt for a brilliant silky smoothie.