How To Select the Right Tofu For Your Recipe

Author: Alex Post

Tofu is a very versatile food product that is great for both vegetarians and people wanting to limit their consumption of meat.  Many consumers, however, don't understand the basic differences between the various types of tofu available for purchase.  Depending on what you intend to do with the recipe, you'll either want to purchase it as firm, extra firm, or silken.


Firm tofu is the most popular type of tofu sold.  It is usually sold in small plastic tubs in the dairy section of the grocery store.  The main reason for its popularity is that it can be easily cubed and fried with little preparation.  This tofu can be both pan fried and deep fried and will form a delicious golden crust with creamy middle when prepared.  It can also be cubed and added to salads to provide a distinct texture that contrasts well with romaine lettuce and other green vegetables.

Extra firm tofu, also called brick tofu, is often used as a replacement for meat in both vegetarian and Asian cuisines.  The tofu can be pressed in order to remove excess moisture and make it even more firm.  At that point, it has the same texture and feel of meats such as chicken breast.  Extra firm tofu can either be fried or grilled and can be served with pastas as well as on sandwiches   You can even barbecue it.

Silken tofu is also known as Japanese tofu.  It is a thick liquid that is similar in thickness to heavy cream.  It can be used to prepare dips and mixes well with soups.  One of the more common uses of silken tofu is to make light deserts that are dairy free.  It pairs nicely with fruits such as strawberries and can be used to make an excellent parfait.  When poured into an oiled skillet over medium high heat, it can be scrambled, the texture of which resembles scrambled eggs.   Unlike firm and extra firm, silken tofu cannot be pressed as it crumbles very easily.  Because of its delicate nature, it is usually sold in tetra packs in the grocery store.

If you're new to cooking with tofu, there really isn't any need to be intimidated by it.  It is a very healthy food source that offers excellent nutrition and even helps to regulate estrogen levels in women.  All you have to do is find a recipe that sounds appetizing and then buy the appropriate tofu for it.  Once you've become adept at cooking with tofu, you may abandon meat products altogether.
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About the Author
Learn how to fry tofu either in a pan or deep frying until it is a delicious, golden color.  Visit our website HowToFryTofu.com for more tips on preparing this amazing food item.