Trying to go Green?

Question

I was at the store today, and noticed a lot of folks buying Tofu. I live in the south and have no idea what it is or how to fix it. I bought a package. No instructions on the package. Can anyone tell me what it is I bought, and how to prepare it? It looks like a small block of cheese.

Ok looking at the answers. If I can use it as a replacement for meat, can I grill it? I am trying to get away from the stove.

Answer 1

This website has the most delicious recipes:
for firm or extra firm:
http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=110

http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=38
for silken tofu:
http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=161

If you bought tofu firm, you need to squeeze out the water before cooking it. Sandwich the tofu block between two paper towels. Then put something heavy on top of the tofu and leave it there for 20 minutes. Then wipe up the water and replace the papertowels and do it again for another 10 minutes or so. Some people press out the water for an hour but I don't have that kind of time.

Then season like crazy as you are cooking the tofu. Or you can marinade it if you've got the time. Basically tofu is an awesome meat replacement in many asian or mexican dishes. I eat scrambled tofu, tofu fajitas, tofu stir-fry, the list goes on.

In its softer forms, you can use tofu in smoothies, cookie recipes, etc.

Answer 2

Tofu is soy bean curd and can be used a number of ways depending on what kind you bought. The silken tofu is goof for smoothies and chocolate mouse as well as sauces and the firm is good for cooking meat replacements. The extra firm is good for grilling. Start by opening the package and placing the tofu on a paper towel and letting it dry a bit. Then add flavor such as hot sauce, marinade, or seasonings and let it soak in. you can also chop it up into smaller pieces if you want and let them soak in the flavor for awhile. Then you can grill it whole or use skewers with vegetables. In a skillet you can add some oil (I use olive oil) and grill it on medium heat and then add it to pasta or asian noodles. It's good depending on what you make it with. The tofurky is good especially if you use 1/2 bottle of the cajun seasoned injectable marinade. Yum.

Answer 3

Tofu is soybean curd. It has no flavor and will absorb the flavors of whatever you cook it with. There is silken tofu, which comes in aseptic packages, and you use that to make puddings, sauces, dressings, etc. Many aseptic packages come with recipes. There are also mixes that call for a package of silken tofu.

Then there is water-packed tofu, which you find in the refrigerated section, and that has a firmer texture for heartier dishes. I usually buy firm because it has a higher RDA of calcium.

If you bought the latter, drain the water from the package. Wrap in plastic and stick in the freezer. You want to freeze for a day, but you can store tofu in the freezer. The day before you want to cook it, remove from the freezer and defrost in the fridge (so remove it the night before). You can leave tofu in the fridge for a few days. Before you cook, you want to press as much water as possible because tofu is very porous. GENTLY squeeze the block of tofu. Then line a plate with paper towels, put the block of tofu on top, and place more paper towels on top. Weigh it down with a 32-oz tetra pack of soup or soy milk, or put a plate on top and use cans to press even more water out.

After you press, you can cook however you like. Try a stir-fry with your favorite veggies and stir-fry sauce. Or marinate the tofu for five to ten minutes and pan fry or grill. You can also bread the tofu and fry it up.

It sounds complicated, but once you get used to it, it's very simple!

Answer 4

Tufo is soy beans. First drain the liquid. Hopefully you got firm or extra firm or this won't work. Cut it into 1/2 pieces and marinate it with soy sauce and olive oil. Saute in a pan until lightly brown, then add any veggies you like(i.e. green or red peppers, onions, etc.) You get the idea. Tofu is very bland. So if you like spice it up. If you didn't get firm or extra firm you can use it to make smoothie or for an egg sub.

Answer 5

Tips for Grilling Tofu
Marinades really spice up the flavor of tofu and veggies. Try the Chinese Vinaigrette with eggplant, zucchini, squash and peppers. The Mexican Marinade is great with mushrooms, fresh corn-on-the-cob, chilis, jicama and thinly sliced sweet potatoes.
To grill tofu, use firm or extra-firm textures. Slice into steaks, marinate tofu overnight and place right on the grill.


heres a Yummy Recpie

Cajun Grilled Tofu - Vegan Recipe


INGREDIENTS

1 pound extra-firm tofu, drained
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Rub (see below)

1. Press the excess water out of the tofu. Cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices and place in a 13 X 9-inch glass baking dish.

2. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the canola oil and the seasoning. Brush mixture over both sides of the tofu, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

3. Rotisserie directions: Coat the rotisserie basket with nonstick cooking spray, lay tofu in basket, and close lid tightly. Load basket onto spit rod assembly and grill the tofu until browned on the outside, 10 to 12 minutes.

Grill alternative: Lightly coat grill with oil and grill tofu over medium-high heat, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Skillet alternative: Use grill pan or other heavy-bottom skillet. Coat with oil and heat over medium-high heat, add tofu and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Serves 6.

Creole Seasoning Rub
3 tablespoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir to blend. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Answer 6

Stir frys with tofu and veggies, crumbled on top of salads, eat it plain from the box ( i personally LOVE it "raw"), put into sandwiches, grill with soy sauce, tofu scramble and soo many other options..google "recipes for tofu" you are bound to find something you'll wanna try to do with your tofu, enjoy xoxooxoxo

Answer 7

I personally don't like it but that is just me. You can chop it into small cubes and stir fry it with plenty of vegetables, put it in a casserole instead of meat, fine mince it and make lasagne or shepherds pie. It is a substitute for meat so anything you would cook with meat in use the tofu instead.

This is one of the foods my brother and I both say 'buy it, cook it, and chuck it in the bin!' yuk nasty.

Answer 8

Yes marinate it and grill it...put some olive oil and soy sauce in a bag and marinate it first...don't grill it long...but it won't taste like anything unless you flavor it in some way...