Tofu question

[wilbe95]

Can someone give me some ideas for using tofu besides using it in smoothies. My son has decided to go vegetarian and I have never used tofu before.
Thank you in advance for suggestions! He will thank you as well

[jkpjohnson]

Here is a site I just found. Looks helpful. Myself, I have never had the desire to even think about using it.

This must be the real reason, for the “sour face” LOL

How to Cook With Tofu
The Many Uses of an Often Misunderstood Ingredient

Tofu has gained a reputation as being a food to avoid for its boring taste (or lack thereof) and bothersome texture. In truth, it is a most versatile ingredient – tofu can be used in every course of a meal, from soups to salads, from main dishes to desserts. Here are a few ideas for how to use tofu in ways that compliment its properties and enhance its flavour

Uses For Tofu

Tofu Recipes
Make Delicious Tofu Dishes! 1000s of Recipes w/Recipe Toolbar
Recipes.alottoolbars.com/Tofu

Fried Tofu Recipes
Fried Tofu Recipes & Meal Ideas Meal Ideas ten usd per mo Recipes
cooking-recipe-site.com

Tofu Recipes
Fast And Easy Recipes For You Start Cooking Now!
The Recipe Dude – Recipes for food you can eat!

Tofu Recipes
Find Tofu Recipes At The Top Free Recipe Website!
3GuysAndaStove.com/Top-Recipe-Sites

Asian Tofu Recipes
Easy To Make Asian Main Dishes From Better Homes and Gardens
Meredith
Tofu Stir Fry

Find more sources/options for what your looking for
WebCrawler Web Search

[lehirschy]

I’ve made orange tofu before. It is like orange chicken but with tofu. Just do a google search for tofu recipies.

Tofu can be a very tasty!!!

[wilbe95]

Thank you both!
It will be an adventure that is for sure!

[HSLINKS]

kim<
‘faux’ egg salad:
1 pkg firm or extra firm tofu
1 clean dish towel (not terry type, light colour or white)
strong hands – have your son do this
bust up tofu toss into the towel and wring it out .. this makes it very dry .. it will look almost like scrambled hamburger (except white)

Put into a bowl, add onions, sprinkle of cayenne, blk pepper, garlic, relish, mustard, a bit of tumeric (this makes it yellow – don’t go crazy with it) .. mix well add mayo .. let sit in fridge to meld flavors

Serve on bread

This is actually a favorite in our house – even my dh likes it

—
tvp is another alternative to use .. toss in fry pan with onions, garlic, bit of water, spices and use like hb .. makes good sloppy joes ..

its another way to stretch hb too, add the tvp and reduce the hb over time ..
—
if there is no corn allergy or problems with cholesterol .. use non dairy creamer to make white sauces, chowders etc ..

ria

[brchbell]

Oh my goodness! You can use tofu for tons of stuff! It soaks up the flavors of the foods its with so you can add it to most recipes!

I’ve cut it into small squares and added it to soups and stews in place of meat. No one ever knew! Use it in stir fries, add seasonings and herbs and fry it up.

I must confess it never dawned on me to use it in smoothies!

[Virginia]

Silken tofu is light and custard like, perfect for pureeing and using in salad dressings, smoothies, sauces, whipped topping. Extra-firm tofu is ideal for stir-fries, roasting and grilling, and pan frying. Firm tofu is a good all-purpose choice.

while the soft variety makes a good substitute for ricotta cheese in Italian dishes or for eggs in quiches.

I am sure you can find versions of these somewhere on the internet–but here are a few of our favorites.

Vegan Ranch Dressing

6 oz. silken tofu
1/4 cup Soy Mayonnaise
1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
3 T. water
4 t.

lemon juice
1 T. freshly chopped parsley
1 T. freshly chopped dill
1 T.

soy sauce
1 1/2 t. garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

In a blender or food processor, combine all of the ingredients, and process until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use as a dressing, dip, spread, or mayonnaise substitute in your favorite recipes.

makes 1 3/4 cup

Soy Mayonnaise
12.3 oz. silken tofu
1 T. cider vinegar
1 T.

lemon juice
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 T. unbleached cane sugar
1/2 t.

salt
1/3 cup olive oil, or vegetable oil of choice

In a food processor, place all of the ingredients, except the oil, and process for 2 minutes to form a smooth puree. While the machine is running, drizzle in the oil, and continue to process an additional 2-3 minutes or until light and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed to suit personal tastes and usage.

Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. Use measure-for-measure in place of commercially made mayonnaise in your favorite recipes. makes 2 Cups

Tofu, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwiches (TLTs)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
14 ounces extra-firm tofu
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
8 slices crusty whole-wheat bread, toasted
4 pieces green-leaf lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, sliced

Preheat oven to 475°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine mustard, soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce in a small bowl.

Slice tofu crosswise into eight 1/2-inch-thick pieces (pat dry if to wet) and place on the prepared baking sheet. Using a spoon, spread half the mustard mixture on one side of the tofu. Turn the slices over and spread the remaining mixture on the other side.

Bake the tofu for 20 minutes. Combine mayonnaise with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce in a small bowl. Spread the mixture on toasted bread.

Divide the tofu, lettuce and tomato among 4 slices of toast and top with the remaining toast to make 4 sandwiches. Cut in half to serve.

Breaded Tofu Nuggets

1 14 oz. block firm or extra-firm Tofu, cut into pieces and pressed into nugget shapes
1/3 Cup Soymilk
2 Tablespoon Mustard
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon dried Parsley (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
3/4 Cup Bread Crumbs

Whisk together the soymilk, mustard, and spices until smooth . Place bread crumbs in a separate bowl. Coat each piece of tofu with soymilk mixture, then coat with bread crumbs.

Fry in oil until golden brown or lay tofu piece on a covered baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Serve as you would chicken nuggets.

Tofu Burgers

1 Pound extra firm Tofu
1/4 Cup whole wheat flour
1/4 Cup corn flour
1/4 Cup rolled oats
1/2 Cup parsley tops or fresh basil leaves, washed , dried and finely chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or thyme
1/4 teaspoon ginger
pinch cayenne (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 Tablespoon soy sauce

Olive Oil or cooking Oil
pinch of crushed Garlic (add to the cooking oil) (optional)

Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium with cooking oil. Add pinch of garlic.
Cut tofu into 1 inch chunks and mash by hand, add all ingredients. mix well until you can form balls in your hands.

Form into thin patties, and fry in small amount of oil, on medium heat, 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Serve as you would Hamburgers.

Tofu Sloppy Joes

1 Pound firm Tofu
2 Tablespoon Oil
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
2 Tablespoon minced Green Pepper
2 Tablespoon minced Onion
2 Tablespoon minced Parsley
1 teaspoon prepared Mustard
1 Cup water
1 Cup water
1/4 cup catsup
2 teaspoon Cider Vinegar
2 teaspoon Brown Sugar
Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large frying pan. Mash tofu and add green pepper, onion and parsley and chili powder, fry 5 minutes, on high. Add all other ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve as you would meat sloppy joes.

I have lots more and will put more on later. Hope this helps. Thanks; Virginia

[wilbe95]

Thank you so much for the ideas!
The nuggets will be a sure winner here!

[Ulrike]

Hello,

I’ve got a very easy tofu-recipe for you. I just “marinate” the tofu (cut in little cubes) one day on forehand in a mix of honey, mustard (with seeds) and vinegar. Then I bake it in a pan and when it starts to turn gold I sprinkle sugar on top of it and let that caramelize.

Very yummy sweet tofu! :106:

Goes with anything really, I find it particularly nice with salad as a veggie.

[Katie31]

I also have never used tofu to cook with. Is it cheaper then buying chicken or beef? And where is it usually kept in the grocery store?

[Ulrike]

Hello Katie,

You can find it in the fridges of the grocery store, since it has to be kept cool. It is definately a lot cheaper than buying chicken or beef in here! I pay about 2 euro for a whole package of tofu 375g.

This is enough for two meals for me (I live by myself) so that’s 1 euro a meal while I pay chicken about 5 euro’s a meal. Which means tofu is about 5 times cheaper for me!

[wilbe95]

I found it at Wal-Mart in the produce area near the organic section they also had other soy products there. It was about $3 for a 14 ouce package.

[lcove2000]

I guess most importantly you should know what type of tofu you are looking for in a recipe. Firm(good for stir fries and anytime you would want it to hold it’s shape) , soft (this makes good nuggets and meatloaves with no meat of course, scrambled eggs, etc. , smooth, makes great smoothies, puddings, etc.

One other things that’s good to know is that tofu is nearly tasteless and will almost always require seasoning or flavoring. It will take on whatever flavors you want it to. Therefore is very versatile.

It is also very good for you being high in protein low in fat and for women has natural hormones that can help with pms and menopause.

[Janice Terrell]

I’ve never felt the need or urge to use tofu but after reading all of these recipes and comments it now has my interest. A few questions – 1. Where, in the grocery store, is tofu located? 2.

How does it compare, pricewise, with various meats? 3. What is its vitamin & mineral content?

Thank you for this post.

[Katie31]

wow that’s a big difference! Think I’ll have to try out the tofu! I have had it before I just never made it myself.

So thanks Ulrike I’ll be on the lookout the next time I go to the grocery store.

[Virginia]

Tofu is beancurd–generally made from soybeans. It is processed using soymilk along the lines of making cheese. It is low in calories, relatively high in protein, contains beneficial amounts of iron and has no saturated fat or cholesterol.

It is usually located in the refrigeration case of the produce section. The firmer tofus generally come in brick packages, while softer dessert tofus come in plastic containers. (NOTE: Some people are allergic to soybeans.

Also, soybeans have been known to interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland, and cause kidney or gallbladder problems.) I recommend as with any other food (as long as not allergic) to use in moderation.

Online I have found tofu prices 12 oz. for 1.99 and 1 pound for 1.99 also 12.3 oz. for 1.92 Kosher 14 oz.

for 2.79. We make our own, so I do not know the local prices.

Here is another recipe for you.

Tofu Balls

2″ wide slice of firm tofu
1 spring onion chopped
1/2 carrot shredded
1 teaspoon of honey mustard (or to taste)
1 tbsp. tomato sauce
1 tbsp. of garlic or to taste
Bread crumbs
In a fry pan saute onion, carrot and garlic in oil until they are slightly brown.

In a bowl crumble tofu, add sauted vegetables, mustard, tomato sauce and breadcrumbs. Roll mixture into balls and place on the greased cookie sheet, rolling in oil so that the entire ball is coated. Bake in 375 degree F preheated oven for 20 minutes (turning at half way point) or until brown.

Use as you would meatballs.

Hope this helps. Thanks; Virginia

[Virginia]

Here is a sweet one for you.

Tofu Brownies

1 1/3 cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 cup Margarine, softened
1 cup Sugar
3 Tablespoons Oil
12.3 ounces Firm Silken Tofu
1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 cups Semi-sweet Chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350

Combine flour and baking soda and set aside.
Combine margarine, sugar and oil in a food processor and process until light and fluffy. Add tofu and process for 2 minutes. Add cocoa powder and vanilla and process for a short time.

Slowly add the dry mixture, processing periodically. Pour into a bowl and stir in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into a lightly oiled 9 X 12 inch baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until tests done.

Enjoy! Thanks; Virginia

[starsinnight]

I have never been a fan of tofu but have been meaning to try it now that I have been vegetarian for 2 months… and all these recipes sound good! The way I understand it is, it’s the best meat substitute and dairy substitute since it’s high in protein and can be used the same way chicken can be: marinated, grilled, fried, cut up in chunks, barbequed, sauteed, etc.

And they sell ice cream, cream cheese, cheese, sour cream, and butter all with tofu substituting dairy. One brand I’ve heard of is Tofutti.

So many of the vegetarian meat subsitutes are so good now, like the Veggie Dogs and Veggie Burgers, I actually prefer them to meat. You should try the Quorn chicken patties or chicken nuggets, I swear I can’t taste the difference between those and regular chicken nuggets. The burgers you can but each brand tastes different for those.

And they have really good flavored ones now, like Asian Teriyaki, Mexican Bean, Spicy, Mushroom, etc.

[wilbe95]

Quote:

chicken nuggets, i swear i can’t taste the difference between those and regular chicken nuggets.

i actually fooled the whole family one night with the chicken nuggets. fixed the vegetarian version and no one had a clue! i waited until they were all done and everyone said how good dinner was then went surprise!

they were shocked that it tasted so good and was so healthy for them!

[starsinnight]

@wilbe95 117454 wrote:

I actually fooled the whole family one night with the chicken nuggets. Fixed the vegetarian version and no one had a clue! I waited until they were all done and everyone said how good dinner was then went surprise!

They were shocked that it tasted so good and was so healthy for them!

haha that is so funny!! 😀 You should try it with the hot dogs, my bf likes those even better than the real ones.

[dasluv]

We love tofu here! :bounce: My kids love it when I use it for stir fry, ‘nuggets’ and just bake it in the oven with bbq sauce. one thing to remember is that you need to press the tofu.

how to press tofu . i personally press my tofu in the sink. i put it on an upside down plate and lay my small cutting board on top of it.

i then put 2 or 3 bags of dried beans on top. I let it sit for about 45 minutes. This makes it soak up the flavors easier.

Another great tip is to freeze the tofu after you get it. This gives it a more ‘meaty’ texture.

If you have an Oriental market near you, check out their tofu prices. I know that my market has much better prices.

There are some amazing vegetarian cookbooks available. One of our favorites is The Vegetarian Meat & Potato Cookbook.

here are some other links:
vegetarian diets for children
vegcooking
recipes for soyfoods

[mos]

dasluv, I removed the last link that you had as it didn’t work. the other links are good and provide great info! thanks for posting these!

[Author]

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