How do you cook tofu?

[loonytoonz]

I've never used tofu before and was wondering what's the best way to cook it

[Rachel]

Hi Loonytoonz
A very good question! We find a lot of Cook Veg readers have been put off tofu by badly-prepared dishes, while we're all huge tofu fans in the office... as long as it's cooked properly. It really depends what sort of result you're looking for, as tofu can be used in dishes from smoothies to 'steaks' - so it's pretty versatile. Here are a few of my favourites:
Tofu steaks: Press the tofu to remove as much water as possible. I do this by draining off us much liquid as I can then sandwiching between paper towels and weighing down with a chopping board. The more time you have to drain it (up to about 30 mins) the more flavour it will take on when you marinate it. Slice the block lengthways, into the thinnest 'steaks' you can that still hold together. Soak in your marinade of choice - soy-based marinades work well for flavour, but you could use a ready-bottled 'meat' marinade of your choice too - then fry in a little oil. Really lovely.
Tofu stir fry: Press tofu and deep fry cubes of it, or cheat and buy Cauldron's tofu pieces. Use these in a stir fry to add flavour and texture. They hold sauces well, so work even in curries and casseroles.
Tofu smoothie: Blend tofu with a banana, frozen berries and honey or agave nectar to taste. Easy peasy.
Remember, you can also grill it, use it uncooked in salads or in soups, crumble it for a tofu scramble, or blend and substitute for cream in many recipes. It really is a wonder food!

[Kitty15]

kebabs!! brush the tofu with tika paste and oil and stick on skewers in the grill. easy!!!! ive done it at bbq's and stuff.

[givepeasachance]

I tried this one after seeing it in cook vegetarian mag. Green Kitchen Stories » Green Sushi Salad You marinate the tofu and eat it in a salad with nori and other sushi ingredients. great if you're a massive sushi fan like I am!
Peace and peas x

[Pretty Veggie]

Aside from fried (crispy on outside), and sauteed, check Pretty Veggie for Tofu Fries, and Poutine, as well as other amazing veg recipes! Mindy

[Kath001]

Hey Mindy,
I LOVE your blog! The one about being the 'perfect vegetarian' is so true...

[loyuiwee]

The post is very Useful. Thank you, this advice will come in handy.

[BrynaCecil]

Remember, you can also grill it, use it uncooked in salads or in soups, crumble it for a tofu scramble, or blend and substitute for cream in many recipes. It really is a wonder food!

[Charlotte]

I cooked tofu for the first time a few months ago and it didn't quite go as planned. I left it in the over for the length of time it said, but each piece shrunk and almost disappeared I've not tried it since, haha!

[Jiakoars]

The one about being the 'perfect vegetarian' is so true...