Tofu: What It Is, Recipes, Different Types of Tofu & How To Use Them
As you know, I utilize tofu often in my cooking and baking recipes. It's very easy to work with and so versatile. I am often asked what to look for when buying tofu, and the answer to that really comes down to what you are using the tofu for, so I thought I would include a rundown of the different varieties and what each kind is ideal for.
Tofu is made from soybeans, water and coagulated soy milk. The English word tofu comes from the Japanese tofu, which is derived from the Chinese dòufu. In both languages the characters together translate as "bean curd," which literally derives its meaning from the individual characters bean and curdled.
Tofu is high in calcium and protein and will absorb nearly anything that it is paired with. Because of this attribute, it is easy to marinade or flavor with spices. Depending on how long tofu is pressed (to remove the moisture), the texture can vary significantly.
There are two kinds of tofu: silken and regular.
Silken Tofu is the soft, "silky" type. Its texture can be described as similar to that of a fine custard. Because of its soft consistency, you need to work with it carefully, as it will break apart easier than the regular type. Silken tofu can be found both in the refrigerated section of grocery stores, and also in smaller boxes that can be stored on shelves which do not require a colder temperature.
Silken tofu is excellent for vegan baking and desserts. It can also be used for vegan dressings, puddings, yogurts or smoothies. Because it can be broken up easily, it is not the best choice for main staple meals or stir fries, because the firmness will almost melt away when blending with other ingredients.
Regular tofu (or bean curd) is used more often than silken and you can find it in plastic containers in the refrigerated produce section (usually) at the grocery stores. It has a more cohesive structure and is easier to dry.
There are various types of tofu in the regular tofu family; these range from soft to extra firm.
The more firm the tofu is, the more it will hold its shape when working with it.
Firm and extra firm tofu types can be used in stir fries, deep fried, breaded, baked, grilled, marinated, BBQ, in tofu scramble, burgers, vegan tacos, chili, etc.
Both silken and regular tofu can be found in soft, medium, firm and extra firm consistencies. Though they are made from the same ingredients, they are processed differently, so pay attention to the type you are purchasing, as they are not interchangeable in recipes.
Below are some tofu recipes I have featured on my site:
- List of egg substitues to aid in vegan cooking & baking
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 8:54AM