How do I cook Tofu properly?

Question

It never seems to be like it is when I go to a Thai restaurant - it's either rock solid or disgustingly squidgy - I don't even like it, but my daughter is a vegetarian and keeps on at me to make a tofu stir-fry. Help!!!

Answer 1

Tofu can be done a number of ways, but two favorites using tofu on it's own are either steamed (cut in 1" cubes) for about 3 minutes, or deep fried (again, 1" cubes) for only about 1 minute.
A great stir-fry that my wife (an Asian chef) does, is with thinly sliced veggies (zucchini, carrots, peppers, onions, and mushrooms are our favorite) and tofu. If you haven't got a wok, then a suate pan works fine. Make sure it's very hot, then add a tbls of oil (peanut oil is best, but canola or veg oil is ok), after about 30 secs, add the veggies. Stir around rapidly for about 2 minutes, then add a tbsp each of soy and oyster sauce (readily available now at virtually any food market). After 30 secs., add tofu, cut in 1/2 - 1" cubes. stir again for about 1 minute. Plate and, if you must, add pepper. This goes great with rice or noodles on the side (she likes rice - I like noodles).

Answer 2

You have to get the right tofu from the oriental store, don't buy those from the whole food store, they are disgusting.

Best mix with Dry Chinese mushroom, bamboo shoots,broccoli,onion.
Use the firm tofu for stir fry,
Cut the tofu into 1X1/2" cubes and deep fried until light brown. Put aside.
Heat some oil and stir fry them 3 minute, add Little water and cover for another 3 minute , season with soy sauce and oyster sauce(vegetarian),thicken with corn starch.
serve with streamed rice.

The above recipe is called Buddhis Delight served at the Ming House.

Answer 3

I have exactly the same problem, and have even sought advice from Chinese friends that seem to be able to cook it perfectly but I still don't get it right.
I think from reading the (sensible) answers given so far I try and cook it too much.
I don't have adeep fat fryer but I think the restaurants must get that crispy brown outside by using one as I can't seem to manage that with a wok.
I have even got my friends to get me tofu from the chinese supermarket near where they live but still no luck.
I think tofu is lovely but needs to take on the favours of the foods cooked with it to be successfull, I don't know why everyone is so rude about tofu, it is very nutritous after all.
I intend to try jjcroftii's recipe given in one of the answers.

Answer 4

The link leads to a website for vegitarians. The page title is "61 Vegan Chinese/Stir Fry Recipes"

http://www.ivu.org/recipes/chinese/

I haven't tried those recipes out since I'm not vegetarian. You can always google "Chinese tofu recipies" or "Tofu stir-fry" for some more websites.

Answer 5

There are two type of tofu, soft and firm tofu. Usually chinese (me) use firm tofu for stir fry and stew, and soft tofu for soup and other other dishes. If you use tofu in the tube (we call it japanese tofu), slightly coat them with flour and deep fry for 1-2 minutes before stir fry will help them to stay in shape.

Answer 6

cut tofu, pour some oli on your pan and fry like cooking meat. and add some soy source, onions,red pepper power and sesame oil. it tastes great.
heres some pictures..
http://blog.naver.com/chomj74/70011141258
by the way, tofu is very heathly food. =)

Answer 7

Go to Culinary Chef at http://www.culinarychef.com for many vegetarian recipes and full menus. Bon Appetit!

Answer 8

if you get an answer I'll be watching,never had any luck near as I can figure through it in the trash can followed with a match

Answer 9

best way to cook it in my view....

place it (still in its wrapper) into an open fire... leave it for as long as posisble


jobsagoodun.....

altereantively if your daughter is a vegetarian then get her to do some of the cooking. That way round it ceases to be your problem.. or get her to get a recipie.

Answer 10

Gross!! Throw the tofu in the trash & make reservations @ Outback!!!