Friday, October 22, 2010

How to cook tofu and what to do with it?

I need step by step instructions on exactly how to cook tofu. Specifically, for a stir fry, but I'm open to any other suggestions that you have. Thanks.How to cook tofu and what to do with it?
For a stir fry, cube it to whatever size you like. The next step depends on how cooked you like your tofu. I prefer it to be golden and a bit crispy on the outside so I fry it in a skillet with a bit of oil. Stir/flip after about three minutes. Stir/flip again after another couple minutes or so. Once it is golden, about 8 - 10 minutes total, take it out of the pan and then cook the veggies. Add the cooked tofu to the veggies during the last couple minutes of cooking to reheat it and coat it with any sauce you may be using.



If you prefer tofu that isn't crispy and is simply warmed and almost poached, stir fry the veggies and then add the cubed tofu during the last 4 minutes of cooking.



You can cut the tofu into slices for ';steaks'; or even for stir-fry if you prefer (though the pieces aren't as easy to work with as cubes.



I use the extra-firm for almost all cooking. Usually it is found in the produce section of the grocery store but if yours has an organic/natural foods section with a refrigerator case it could be there.



Here's one of my fave tofu recipes. http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipe鈥?/a>How to cook tofu and what to do with it?
check this out =]



http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetaria鈥?/a>
dust the tofu in cornstarch and fry it, then add it to pineapple fried rice, yum
One of my favorite uses is a tofu, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. Slice tofu into pieces that will fit into a sanwich (1/4'; or more, thinner you slice more likely it is to become crispy), then fry in your choice of oil (olive is good, coconut might be tasty, too). Serve on whole grain (sprouted bread is great) with leaf lettuce or other hearty variety, sliced tomato, mayonaise, and mustard - omit the mayo if vegan. You can salt and pepper the tofu if you wish, but it's not necessary. Serve with pickle on the side, maybe coleslaw or potato chips (indulgence) if you wish, and you have a fine lunch.
I cut mine into strips, then bake it in the oven for 20 mins at 450 degrees. It is so much easier to stir fry with when it becomes firm after baking. I spray the bottom of the baking pan with pam, so it doesn't stick, and you can bake it with teriaki sauce, hoisen sauce or soy sauce on it. You can even marinate it for a while (10-20 mins) before you cook it to absorb more flavor.

Hope this helped! Good Luck!

Oh, and I would buy the extra firm or firm to stir fry with, especially if you want it to stay in strips. If you don't mind it crumbling, you can use a less firm tofu, but the soft is good for desserts, substitutes in baking, etc.

No comments:

Post a Comment