Tofu help please

We have decided to try Tofu as its so much lower in cal's than meat. 

Basically what is the best type to buy and then do you have any ideas on how to cook it?

We bought the 'silken' variety - I think this is mostly used as an alternative to things like ricotta cheese to make sauces and dips although I have heard that if it is firm enough it can be cooked in the oven/grill???

I live in England and mostly shop in Asda if that helps (we bought this at a chinese supermarket so we had no idea what we were buying!)

Thanks

Which variety of silken did you buy?! extra firm?! firm?! soft?! etc... Silken have a website with recipes that you may want to check out.  I did a stir fry with silken firm the other day - the texture took a while to get used to but it wasn't bad.  If you want it as a meat substitute, the firmer the better and most people freeze it beforehand.  Hope that helps!

basically the only english on the packet besides the nutritional info was "Oriental Dragon - Silken Tofu"

When we got it out the box it was a little soft and likely to break easily.  I would say it was just slightly firmer than soft cheese.  I actually can't think of anything that compares to the texture!

LOL! I'd go with freezing it first then since it sounds like it's too soft to work with.  I've read that it stays together much better when it's been frozen and thawed.  But I think you still have to be careful when stir frying it.  It absorbs any flavour so I'd just use it the same way you would use chicken.  Or if you think it's soft enough... try blending it in a fruit smoothie if you want a protein boost! 

That kind of tofu is really nice if you just cut it in small cubes and float it in soup.  It takes on the flavor of the soup and the texture is nice. 

You can also combine it with fruits in a smoothie.

There are several tofu threads on this forum.  You can do a search to find them.

I use Silken tofu in Smoothies

Use about 1/6 th of the package per drink then add 1 c. yogurt or soymilk and a banana and some powdered chocolate and blend.  You can measure and cut calories if you like.  It grows on you. 

I keep my tofu in a rubbermaid containter in it's own carton just fill the container it came in with water, and drain and put fresh water in everyday that keeps it fresh. 

You can also mix tofu in sauces cut it small squares and it absorbs the juices think of it as cheese and a meat subsititute.  Or blend it fine.

Mix it with ground chicken for burgers.

It is something you have to aquire a taste for and appreciate it for it's food and health values.

I have also made Oatmeal Cookies with it use it as the egg substitute.  Measure a piece about the same size as an egg.  It works.

They say it take on the flavors of whatever it's in. 

Try a Firm tofu (not extra firm) and marinating it.  Try for some asian flare some soy sauce and sesame oil.  Marinate it in the freezer and bake it in the oven.  You can also try frying it, but adding extra oil will then add calories.

Freezing tofu is definately the way to go.  It really makes a difference in the overall texture.

Dear Jen --

I really like Tofu, and I think in time you can too. When I fiirst started buying tofu, I got it from a local Chinese store -- and it was fabulous. The tofu available in supermarkets is not nearly as good as this one (which was homemade). When you do buy in the supermarket, purchase the kind in tubs. I think the packets are not as tasty. It is easiest to work with extra firm tofu for making meals. A very easy thing to is this: Take a serving of tofu (a thick slice or two.) Squish it in the palm of your hand (like a sponge) over the sink. Lots of liquid will drain out. (one of the secrets is to drain the tofu. this improves the texture.) Now the tofu will be crumbled. You can eat it raw in salad or use it in stir fry, fried rice, or any number of casseroles.

To enjoy the flavor of the tofu even more, it is good served sliced or cubed. Before cooking, take tofu slices and lay them on several layers of paper towels. Put more paper towels over toop. Place a pan full of water over all. Go about prepping other elements of your meal. Tofu will be ready in about 30 minutes. For stir fry, cube and fry up. I like to make my tofu first over a nice, high heat. Season with your favorite Chinese spices such as ginger and garlic or four-spice seasoning. Remove. Do the veggies for your stir fry. They add the cooked tofu to the veggies. Serve over rice or noodles as you wish. Slices of pressed tofu can be pan-fried for sandwiches. I like to season mine with garlic salt and paprika. Tofu is best cooked over high heat like fried eggs.

You can also use Tofu in makiong your own vegie burgers -- crumbled tofu and oatmeal make a good starter. Add seasonings and finely chopped veggies as you wish.

Ise soft tofu for making salad dressings (use in place of yogurt or oil.) You can also use tofu in baking as a substitute for egg in the recipe. Tofu is really very adaptable. I have just got the tip of the iceburg here. But I think you will find that the texture is much more pleasing if you press it or squeeze it before cooking.

I'm a tofu newbie as well, and have appreciated the tips on here.

I have purchased the Mori-Nu Light Extra Firm, and found it a little difficult to work with.  The freezing idea is interesting -- I would never have thought to freeze tofu!  I just took it out of the fridge, drained it, and cubed it "as is" to add to veggie wraps.  I haven't done anything else with it, though, and I know that tofu can be used in just about anything!

Keep the tips coming!  :-)

I really like the extra firm in the tubs, don't know the brand. I empty out the water and replace it with Bragg's liquid amino which is wonderful stuff. It has the flavor of soy sauce, much less sodium and has all your amino acids! I then slice it for wraps or sandwiches using a good whole grain bread, avacado, sprouts carrots and/or any other frsh veggie I have in my fridge. It also wonderful soaked that way in stir fry. You need t soak it for at least a few hours to really get the flavor

Hi There!

I'm a big tofu person and I just got back from 3.5 months in London.

If you're looking for firmer tofu, try Sainsbury or Tesco. I could usually find it there. Also, I found a great already marinaded, cooked, and individually packaged tofu at Summerfields, it was Great! i ate it all the time..it basically tasted like chicken! And you can add it to any thing like salads or pasta. I lived in central London, so I never made it out to an Asda, but it seems like they should have something there that's in english!!

Hope this Helps!!

We use different kinds of tofu in different dishes. For me, i use firm/extra firm tofu in stir fry vegetable or use as meat substitute in any dish. You can find many asian recipes using tofu its healthy and yummy =)

But for soft tofu i like to put it in soup my favorite one is miso soup made by miso, soft tofu and spring onion. very simple but soooo tasty!

Another favorite one is Tofu Chocolate Mousse. Put about 300g soft tofu + 4 tsp cocoa powder +a bit of vanilla and 2-3 packet of sweet n low in a blender and mmmm it tastes sooo good!!