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Preparing Tofu
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Published: August 18, 2006
Tofu is a high-quality, non-animal protein made by coagulating soy milk. It is a staple in vegetarian and vegan dishes since it is high in protein, a substance sometimes lacked with the dietary absence of meat. It also is low in calories and contains no cholesterol. This meat substitute is beneficial to women, particularly pregnant ones, since it has high levels of iron.
There are numerous ways to prepare tofu and one should have an understanding of these various preparations before ordering it.
Types of Tofu
Fresh
Soft/Silken – This type of tofu has the highest moisture content. Packed fresh in water to preserve its shape and level of moisture, this method of preparation is similar in texture to fine custard and is so soft it must be consumed with a spoon instead of a fork or chopsticks. Silken tofu is delicious when served in its natural state with a teaspoon of soy sauce as an appetizer or topped with a fruit as a dessert.
Asian-Firm – This type of tofu has lower moisture content than silken since some of the moisture has been pressed and drained. Firm tofu is wrapped in muslin, which leaves an imprint on the surface. Although the exterior is firm, the inside is custard-like.
Western-Firm – Not to be confused with Asian-firm, Western-firm tofu has the least amount of moisture. Since it has a rubber-like texture, this meat substitute crumbles easily.
Processed
Pickled – When pickled, this meat substitute acquires the flavor of whatever it is stored in. It is air-dried and immersed cube form into Chinese wine, vinegar, salt water and minced chilies. The texture of pickled tofu is similar to cream cheese and often is referred to as Chinese cheese.
Stinky – This tofu is not for the weak stomached. Since it is fermented in vegetable and fish brine, it releases a pungent, almost rotten odor. It is an acquired taste.
Flavored
Sweet – Sweet tofu is served as a dessert. Flavors include peanut, almond and mango. The sugar and ingredients are added prior to curdling. Served cold, sweet tofu's texture is best compared to custard.
Savory - Eggs are added to give this dish its golden color. This type of tofu has a full flavor and is firm in texture.
Fried – All forms of tofu can be fried and added to dishes in cube form.
Alternative Forms of Tofu
Okara – Okara is a bi-product of soy pulp. Okara is the main ingredient used in the production of vegetarian meat-substitution products, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, breakfast sausage and chicken fingers.
Legume – Made from legumes, this category also includes black bean tofu.
Burmese – Tofu made from chick peas is available in many forms and will appear in different types of cuisine, depending on the style of the restaurant and whether it follows a Western or Eastern order.
Western Cuisine
A staple to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, tofu has an easily-altered texture. Firm tofu is often cut into cube form. The cubes can be steamed, fried or grilled. Steamed tofu is generally used in dishes as a meat substitute and will absorb the flavors it is cooked with. Fried tofu can be consumed plain, served with different sauces, used as a meat substitute in dishes or served in a crisp salad. Grilled tofu is excellent when it has been marinated and prepared with fresh vegetables in kebab form.
Soft tofu is delicious when served in desserts, soups and sauces as a dairy-free product. This fare is not only for vegetarians and vegans, but it also is a great alternative for those who are lactose-intolerant.
Eastern Cuisine
Since tofu originated in Chinese, it is a common staple in Eastern cuisine. Often referred to as Doufu, it is used as a main ingredient in many Asian and Thai dishes. Its various preparations will differ depending on the dish. Silken tofu is consumed with a spoon instead of chopsticks since the texture is so similar to custard. This meat substitute can also be served in sweet form for dessert with flavors like almonds, coconut and mangos. Firm tofu is generally used for stir-fry in Eastern cuisine.
Tofu is a great alternative to those who are lactose intolerant, interested in reducing their cholesterol or interested in practicing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Not only is this meat substitute readily available in restaurants, especially those of Eastern descent, but it is an easy product to purchase and cook with in the comfort of your own home.
There are numerous ways to prepare tofu and one should have an understanding of these various preparations before ordering it.
Types of Tofu
Fresh
Soft/Silken – This type of tofu has the highest moisture content. Packed fresh in water to preserve its shape and level of moisture, this method of preparation is similar in texture to fine custard and is so soft it must be consumed with a spoon instead of a fork or chopsticks. Silken tofu is delicious when served in its natural state with a teaspoon of soy sauce as an appetizer or topped with a fruit as a dessert.
Asian-Firm – This type of tofu has lower moisture content than silken since some of the moisture has been pressed and drained. Firm tofu is wrapped in muslin, which leaves an imprint on the surface. Although the exterior is firm, the inside is custard-like.
Western-Firm – Not to be confused with Asian-firm, Western-firm tofu has the least amount of moisture. Since it has a rubber-like texture, this meat substitute crumbles easily.
Processed
Pickled – When pickled, this meat substitute acquires the flavor of whatever it is stored in. It is air-dried and immersed cube form into Chinese wine, vinegar, salt water and minced chilies. The texture of pickled tofu is similar to cream cheese and often is referred to as Chinese cheese.
Stinky – This tofu is not for the weak stomached. Since it is fermented in vegetable and fish brine, it releases a pungent, almost rotten odor. It is an acquired taste.
Flavored
Sweet – Sweet tofu is served as a dessert. Flavors include peanut, almond and mango. The sugar and ingredients are added prior to curdling. Served cold, sweet tofu's texture is best compared to custard.
Savory - Eggs are added to give this dish its golden color. This type of tofu has a full flavor and is firm in texture.
Fried – All forms of tofu can be fried and added to dishes in cube form.
Alternative Forms of Tofu
Okara – Okara is a bi-product of soy pulp. Okara is the main ingredient used in the production of vegetarian meat-substitution products, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, breakfast sausage and chicken fingers.
Legume – Made from legumes, this category also includes black bean tofu.
Burmese – Tofu made from chick peas is available in many forms and will appear in different types of cuisine, depending on the style of the restaurant and whether it follows a Western or Eastern order.
Western Cuisine
A staple to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, tofu has an easily-altered texture. Firm tofu is often cut into cube form. The cubes can be steamed, fried or grilled. Steamed tofu is generally used in dishes as a meat substitute and will absorb the flavors it is cooked with. Fried tofu can be consumed plain, served with different sauces, used as a meat substitute in dishes or served in a crisp salad. Grilled tofu is excellent when it has been marinated and prepared with fresh vegetables in kebab form.
Soft tofu is delicious when served in desserts, soups and sauces as a dairy-free product. This fare is not only for vegetarians and vegans, but it also is a great alternative for those who are lactose-intolerant.
Eastern Cuisine
Since tofu originated in Chinese, it is a common staple in Eastern cuisine. Often referred to as Doufu, it is used as a main ingredient in many Asian and Thai dishes. Its various preparations will differ depending on the dish. Silken tofu is consumed with a spoon instead of chopsticks since the texture is so similar to custard. This meat substitute can also be served in sweet form for dessert with flavors like almonds, coconut and mangos. Firm tofu is generally used for stir-fry in Eastern cuisine.
Tofu is a great alternative to those who are lactose intolerant, interested in reducing their cholesterol or interested in practicing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Not only is this meat substitute readily available in restaurants, especially those of Eastern descent, but it is an easy product to purchase and cook with in the comfort of your own home.
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