Tofu question?

Question

I have a really awesome chili recipe and I was wondering if cubed tofu would be an appropriate substitute for chicken. I am not really familiar with cooking tofu. Will it go funny in the chili? Should I season it first?
I am pretty lost here!!!

Answer 1

I have substituted tofu for meat in chili before. Sometimes, I simply crumble it and brown it with some seasonings before adding it to the chili. I have also cubed it, marinaded it, and then browned it before adding it. The thing to remember about tofu is that you want to cut it into slabs and wrap in a towel or papertowels, set something heavy on it (like a plate), and leave it for about 30-60 minutes. This will absorb the liquid and make it easier to cook with. Another option is to freeze it, as was mentioned in another answer. But, if you don't have time to freeze it, you can just wrap it.

Answer 2

INGREDIENTS:
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 14 oz package of firm or extra firm tofu, crumbled
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 tbsp chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1 14 oz can tomato sauce
1 28 oz can whole or diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 28 oz can kidney beans, drained
3 tbsp sugar
PREPARATION:
In a large pot, sautee the tofu in the vegetable oil over medium high heat for about 3 minutes. Add the onions, green pepper, garlic, mushroms, chili powder, salt and pepper, cayenne and cumin. Cook until veggies are just barely tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomato sauce, whole or diced tomatoes, beans and sugar. Bring to a slow simmer. Cover and allow to cook for at least 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Answer 3

For chili, I'd recommend freezing the tofu first and then thawing it out-it will be firmer and soak up the spices better.

Answer 4

Try using tempeh instead. It's a product made of fermented soybeans and has a nutty, chewy texture. It's really great crumbled into chili, and you don't need to season it.

Answer 5

i would season it a little first. they also make awesome fake ground beef, its called smart ground. its really good