Health News Blog
Tofu Types and Preparation
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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You'll find tofu in the refrigerated produce section of the market, although some stores sell it in the dairy or deli sections. Tofu is perishable, so check the expiration date on the package.
There are four main types of tofu (click on each to get ideas and recipes!):
-- Firm tofu is solid and holds up well in stir-fry dishes, soups, or on the grill. This is a great choice if a recipe calls for marinating tofu.
-- Soft tofu is a good choice for recipes that call for blended tofu, or in Oriental soups. Soft tofu doesn't hold up well in more "rigorous" cooking methods. It is more delicate and will fall apart easily.
-- Silken tofu is a creamy, custard-like product and works well in pureed or blended dishes. Silken tofu is often used for dips, dressings, sauces and desserts.
-- Baked tofu is a pre-marinated tofu that has been baked. It is available is a variety of flavors. It is great for sandwiches, salads and on the grill.
For the best results in cooking, drain tofu before using it. Removing the water will allow the tofu to absorb more of the flavor of the dish. Here are two quick methods to drain the water from tofu.
1. Pour off the water and set the tofu in a colander/strainer and leave it in the sink to drain for 30 minutes.
2. Pour off the water and wrap the tofu in a clean cotton dish towel; weigh it down with a plate. The towel will absorb most of the water within 30 minutes.
Note: The silken and baked tofu varieties do not need to be drained.
Looking for a delicious, healthy treat? Try our simple Fruity Smooth and Creamy Popsicle tofu recipe!
Did you know eDiets has a great Vegetarian Diet Plan? If you're interested, click here for more information!
Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby. They are the creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats, available at many fine specialty stores and national chains including Target and Whole Foods Markets.
There are four main types of tofu (click on each to get ideas and recipes!):
-- Firm tofu is solid and holds up well in stir-fry dishes, soups, or on the grill. This is a great choice if a recipe calls for marinating tofu.
-- Soft tofu is a good choice for recipes that call for blended tofu, or in Oriental soups. Soft tofu doesn't hold up well in more "rigorous" cooking methods. It is more delicate and will fall apart easily.
-- Silken tofu is a creamy, custard-like product and works well in pureed or blended dishes. Silken tofu is often used for dips, dressings, sauces and desserts.
-- Baked tofu is a pre-marinated tofu that has been baked. It is available is a variety of flavors. It is great for sandwiches, salads and on the grill.
For the best results in cooking, drain tofu before using it. Removing the water will allow the tofu to absorb more of the flavor of the dish. Here are two quick methods to drain the water from tofu.
1. Pour off the water and set the tofu in a colander/strainer and leave it in the sink to drain for 30 minutes.
2. Pour off the water and wrap the tofu in a clean cotton dish towel; weigh it down with a plate. The towel will absorb most of the water within 30 minutes.
Note: The silken and baked tofu varieties do not need to be drained.
Looking for a delicious, healthy treat? Try our simple Fruity Smooth and Creamy Popsicle tofu recipe!
Did you know eDiets has a great Vegetarian Diet Plan? If you're interested, click here for more information!
Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby. They are the creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats, available at many fine specialty stores and national chains including Target and Whole Foods Markets.
Labels: diet, health-food, tofu, vegetarian
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