Why did the tofu cross the road? To prove he wasn’t chicken!
While tofu has risen in popularity over the years, it’s still the brunt of many jokes. Meat eaters insult it, restaurant-goers shy away from it, and people in general just don’t give this noble soyfood the respect it deserves.
Rich in high-quality protein and B vitamins, tofu is a great source of calcium, iron and antioxidant isoflavones. It’s inexpensive, readily available and easy to prepare.
So what exactly is tofu? It’s made from soybeans that have been crushed into a milk and then curdled””just like cheese. It comes in silken (soft), regular, firm and extra firm forms. It’s also available pre-cubed and marinated.
Tofu is virtually tasteless, so you need to add the flavor. One popular way to prepare firm tofu is to cut it into cubes and fry in a small amount of oil before adding chopped vegetables and stir-fry ingredients. Tofu will pick up the flavor of whatever dish you’re making, or you can marinate it in soy, teriyaki, barbeque or any other sauce before cooking.
If you’re new to tofu, here are some additional ways you can enjoy it:
“¢ Cube extra-firm tofu and fry or steam it; serve with vegetables as stir fry
“¢ Cube extra-firm tofu and drop into flavored rice dishes or soups as they simmer
“¢ Crumble tofu and mix with olive oil and Italian spices; use mixture to stuff shells or use as ricotta cheese substitute in other Italian dishes
“¢ Dip tofu into egg, then seasoned flour/breadcrumb mixture; fry; serve with dipping sauce
“¢Blend silken tofu with yogurt, fruit, fruit juice or ice for a smoothie