How do I make tofu taste good?!
How do I make tofu taste good?
I need to use protein sources other than meat, at least some of the time. I can't seem to get the tofu flavor (which I really don't like) out of tofu. Any tips?
Answers:
In a nonstick pan with about a tablespoon of oil, brown the tofu in chunks or slabs until it's golden brown-ish. Turn the heat down in the pan (and turn on the stove vent, it's going to get smokey) and add about two tablespoons of soy sauce. Cook until all the fluid is gone and absorbed into the tofu, toss it around to the tofu coats evenly. You can eat it like that. After this step you can make it even better by cooking it to death with BBQ sauce, Thai peanut sauce, apricot preserves (it makes a killer glaze let the some of the sugars burn on the edges and oooh add scallions...) or a splash of liquid smoke. Always use extra firm tofu. Also try freezing the tofu and thawing it out before cooking to make the texture more chewy.
I am also a vegetarian, I only eat meat from animals that eat vegetables. No problems with taste or nutrition.
I say smother it with hot fudge.
I dont eat tofu either. For protein, eat whole grains, legumes and nuts. Veggies even have protein in them so trust me, it's nearly impossible not to get enough protein.
Treat tofu like chicken.. seriously. It will take on flavors easily, so you can mask its blandness. Try bottled marinades at the supermarket. Also, use extra firm for a more natural texture.
tofu is a sponge, it will absorb what ever flavors is it cooked it. Treat it like meat, you can smoke it, poach it in soy or vegetable stock. the silken make good creamy style dressings and firm is great in soups.
Cut it up and fry it in oil and then mix with vegetables and chinese sauce.
Tofu Parmigiana
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
5 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese [preferably Reggiano]
2 teaspoons dried oregano
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 [12 ounce] package firm tofu
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 [8 ounce] can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon fresh basil, julienned
1 clove garlic, minced
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese,
1 teaspoon oregano, salt and black pepper.
Slice tofu into 1/4 inch thick slices, and place in bowl of cold water.
One at a time, press tofu slices into crumb mixture, turning to coat all sides.
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Cook tofu slices until crisp on one side.
Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, turn, and brown on the other side.
Combine tomato sauce, basil, garlic and remaining oregano.
Place a thin layer of sauce in an 8 inch square baking pan.
Arrange tofu slices in the pan. Spoon remaining sauce over tofu.
Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Why would you want to eat tofu if you don't like it. That's silly. Let me remind you that tofu is not the only source of protein on the planet. Every living thing contains protein, they are the building blocks of life, as they say. So, as long as you are eating, there's no need to worry. All that protein propaganda out there is just that, propaganda and nothing more. What humans need are amino acids, not protein. We can also take proteins, break them down into amino acids and then utilize them this way, but that take a lot more energy to break proteins down than just eating amino acids which haven't been formed into proteins.
fry tofu with other vegtables or put it in home made soup
You can use any sauces that people might use for other foods. I personally use soy sauce or soy paste, olive oil, salt/pepper, sometimes vinegar. Tomatoes are good since their flavor easily goes into tofu.
Order some from a chinese place. My dad cooks it with peanutbutter sometimes.
Tofu doesn't have a flavor. You need to add flavor to it.
Warning: Omnivorous answer
Get medium firm or firm tofu and incorporate it into an egg salad (or leave out the egg altogether, add some turmeric, a little mustard see, and celery)
Add silken tofu to a smoothie
Top sauted tofu (in a stir fry) with one of the yummy sauces Iron Chef makes (the best General Tso's sauce ever). Sometimes I throw some chicken in with it just for the flavor variety
Saute it in butter with a some cinnamon and sugar - candied tofu!