Yahoo News 6 tofu recipes that are actually delicious
[All Photos: Pickled Plum]
Tofu has an unfortunate bad rap, often associated with the words “gross” and “boring.” To be fair, tofu can be really bad if the place you order it from doesn’t know how to prepare it. But take a trip almost anywhere in Asia and you won’t likely hear those words in reference to bean curd.
I spent eight years of my life in Asia, living in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia, and have tasted tofu preparations that were so delicious and complex. From soft and silken to fried and crispy, it made fried chicken pale in comparison.
If you want to introduce your family to tofu but are afraid of their reaction, try this method: use medium firm tofu and wrap it in paper towels a few times to remove excess water. Then, slice the tofu into cubes, dust with cornstarch and lightly fry until the exterior is crispy. I guarantee your whole family will love it!
To help you embrace this misjudged ingredient, here are six of my favourite tofu recipes.
Method: Broiling
A Japanese classic, tofu dengaku is made using tofu strips that are brushed with a miso, mirin and sake glaze, then broiled until caramelized. Top the sweet and savoury dish with sesame seeds and scallions for a beautiful appetizer or side dish. Ready in 25 minutes.
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Method: Dust with cornstarch and quickly fry until crispy
This is the most popular tofu recipe on my blog. Spicy, nutty and sweet tofu cubes that are crispy on the outside and silky soft on the inside. Ready in just 15 minutes!
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Method: Dust with cornstarch and quickly fry until crispy
Switch up your classic general Tso with crispy tofu cubes instead of meat. The gooey, sweet and tangy sauce completes the dish and makes it equally delicious! Ready in 20 minutes.
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Method: Blending
The more you cook with tofu, the more you discover different ways to use it! I’ve recently discovered that adding silken tofu to smoothies makes them creamier, smoother and taste more decadent. Ready in 5 minutes.
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Method: Dust with cornstarch and quickly fry until crispy
This is another classic American-Chinese recipe where I have swapped chicken for crispy tofu. Stir fried with bell peppers and tossed in a thick sweet and slightly sour sauce, this will be your new favourite comfort food. Ready in 20 minutes.
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Method: Marinade
This recipe gives tofu a western flair! The cubes are marinated in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey and rosemary and quickly fried until golden brown. Serve the cubes over salad or with a side of veggies. Ready in 12 minutes.
Get the recipe from: Pickled Plum
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