Preparation of Tofu

People have a very negative opinion of tofu, even if they have never tried. Only the bad preparation ruins the dish. Tofu is highly nutritious and tastes good if prepared properly. Here are the easy ways to prepare tofu so that you can make it delicious.

1. Types of tofu
     There are many types but the most common types are silken, soft, firm and extra-firm. Choose soft or silken tofu for any dish that needs a soft and creamy texture and used in desserts, cakes, sauces and dressings. Choose firm or extra-firm for any dish where the tofu needs to hold its shape like stir-fries and manchurian dishes.

2. Purchase and Storage of Tofu
     The fresher the better. Purchase with later expiry date. Buy organic tofu if possible, as soybean crops are heavily treated with pesticides. Once bought, open it and store in an airtight container filled with water covering the tofu block. Change the water daily.

3. Press tofu
     Pressing tofu is the most important step. It removes excess moisture, so that more flavor can be absorbed while cooking. Firm or Extra-firm tofu only can be pressed. It soaks up marinade better and holds together while cooking. Cut the tofu width wise into 2 blocks. Place the tofu blocks between two kitchen towels on a tray and place a cutting board on the top. Then place a weight of around 4 to 5 kgs (preferably books, as it distributes the weight evenly). Change the towels after 15 minutes and leave it for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hrs.

4. Marinate tofu
     When marinated, tofu absorbs the flavor and tastes better. If you are marinating for less than an hour, it can be done at room temperature. For longer periods, marinate in an air tight container in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

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Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Stir-frying is one of the quickest and easiest methods of cooking. This stir-fry recipe is simple and healthy. Soy protein found in tofu can lower your risk of a heart attack. This is also an excellent kid recipe with amazing health benefits. To make this healthy dish delicious, prepare tofu before cooking.

Ingredients

• Firm Tofu - 200g
• Ginger garlic paste - 2 tsp
• Soya sauce - 2 tbsp
• Chilli sauce - 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice - 1 tsp
• Salt - To taste
• Oil - 3 tbsp

Method

1. Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add tofu. Keep stirring continuously in high heat until all sides are light brown.
3. Now add ginger garlic paste, soya sauce, chilli sauce, lemon juice and salt. Mix well and cook in low-medium heat for 5 minutes.
4. Serve hot.

Tips

- You can also marinade tofu with other ingredients except oil and leave it for an hour before stir frying.

- It's better to choose firm tofu for this dish to retain its shape while cooking.

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Tofu Manchurian Dry

Tofu is one of the easiest and healthiest foods to cook. Tofu Manchurian dry is like any other manchurian dishes and goes well with fried rice. Those who hates tofu also loves this dish. I would suggest to prepare tofu, before trying this dish.

Ingredients

• Tofu - 200gms
• All-purpose flour (Maida) - 1/4 cup
• Corn flour - 2 tbsp
• Chilli powder - 1/4 tsp
• Ginger garlic paste - 1/2 tsp
• Soya sauce - 1 tbsp
• Chilli sauce - 1 tbsp
• Tomato ketchup - 1 tsp
• Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
• Vinegar - 1 tsp
• Chopped ginger and garlic - 1 tsp
• Onion - 1, medium sized
• Cubed Capsicum, red and green - 1/2 cup
• Green chillies - 1, slit lengthwise
• Salt - To taste
• Oil - For frying

Method

1. Combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, salt and water to make a slightly thick batter.
2. Mix cubed tofu pieces gently and marinate it for 15-30 minutes.
3. Deep fry until crisp.
4. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan and add chopped ginger and garlic and saute for a while.
5. Add green chillies, chopped onion, capsicum and salt. Cook till its half cooked.
6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add soya sauce, chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, pepper powder, vinegar and mix well.
7. Now add this mixture to the pan and saute well.
8. Finally add the fried tofu pieces and mix till the pieces are well coated with the sauce.
9. Tofu Manchurian dry is ready to serve.

Tips

For better taste, press the tofu and extract the water before using it. This can be done by placing the tofu between the kitchen towels and set some heavy objects on the top and leave it for 30 minutes.

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Tofu Bhurji|Scrambled Tofu

Tofu or soybean curd has a low calorie count, large amounts of protein and little fat. It is also an excellent source of iron. Many don't like tofu when they first try it. Tofu can exceed the nutritional values of meats and hence a good substitute for meat for vegetarians. Tofu is a healthier alternative to paneer. You can try all the paneer dishes with tofu. Tofu bhurji/scrambled tofu is a quick and easy one such recipe. Make sure to prepare tofu before trying any tofu recipe.

Ingredients

• Tofu - 200g
• Onion - 1, medium sized
• Tomato - 1, medium sized
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Ginger paste - 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder - A pinch
• Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala - 1/4 tsp
• Crushed peanuts - 2 tbsp
• Oil - 1 tsp
• Curry leaves - Few
• Salt - To taste

Method

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
2. Add ginger paste and fry for few seconds.
3. Add chopped onion and fry till it becomes translucent.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook till it gets mashed.
5. Add all the powders and salt and mix well.
6. Now add scrambled tofu and saute well.
7. After 5 minutes, add crushed peanuts and cook for a while.
8. Serve hot with Chapathi.

Tips

- I would recommend to use soft or silken tofu in this recipe as they tend to break easily.

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