10 Tempting Ideas for Using Tofu

Tofu has been loved in Asia for centuries. Just remember the basics. Firm tofu (the kind sold in tubs of water) is best for marinating, bgrilling, baking, broiling, stir-frying, and sautéing.

Always drain and squeeze it dry first. Silken tofu (sold in aseptic boxes) is best pureed to make creamy dips, soups, sauces, or desserts anywhere you might use yogurt or sour cream.

10 IDEAS FOR TOFU

Stir-fries: Heat peanut oil and stir fry cubed firm tofu until browned. Add fresh mixed vegetables. Stir in prepared stir-fry sauce and serve with steamed rice.

Fillings: Mix pureed firm tofu with ricotta cheese, jarred marinara sauce, chopped spinach, and dried Italian seasoning. Spoon into jumbo shells or manicotti shells or spread on lasagna noodles, then bake.

Soups: Cube firm or silken tofu and drop into broth-based soups like miso or noodle soups.

Stews: Simmer cubed firm tofu along with vegetables and/or meats. The tofu will stay firm and make a hearty dish. It works especially well with chilies.

Dips: Puree silken tofu with jarred roasted red pappers, cream cheese, scallions, and garlic. Serve with chips or fresh vegetables.

Salads: Toss cubed firm tofu with salad greens. Tofu’s mild flavor complements bitter greens and vinaigrette dressings.

Pilafs: Stir chopped firm tofu into grain and vegetable pilafs.

Burgers: Mash firm tofu and combine with eggs, seasoned dry bread crumbs, cooked rice, Dijon mustard, and chopped onion. Pan-fry until browned.

Grilled or broiled: Marinate cubed firm tofu (and cut vegetables, if you wish) in stir-fry marinade or Italian salad dressing. Grill or broil on a vegetable grate. Works well with kabobs.

Scrambled: Cube firm tofu and use in place of eggs for scrambling. Wonderful cooked with cubed potatoes.

Read more: Food, All recipes, Entrees

Adapted from Vegetarian & More! By Linda Rosensweig. Copyright 200 by Linda Rosensweig. Reprinted by permission of Rodale Press.
Adapted from Vegetarian & More!, by Linda Rosensweig.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Lynn C.

9:51PM PST on Jan 30, 2012

Great ideas.

send a green star

Robert O.

6:25PM PDT on Oct 31, 2011

Thanks Annie. I love tofu.

janine k.

10:09PM PDT on Sep 1, 2011

O I had curry tofu with exotic vegs. for dinner last nite. Since it was takeout, not only did I get a new tupperware dish for free but another meal for lunch. I added bulghar and lentil and chopped parsley. OOOOOO

Eileen N.

9:12AM PDT on Aug 24, 2011

Anne B. Bond, I think you're becoming my hero. Loving all your contributions here.

Jennifer C.

1:03AM PDT on Aug 9, 2011

Excellent. Thanks for the great ideas.

Michele W.

1:47PM PDT on Jul 26, 2011

Thank you

Janine K.

4:10PM PDT on Jul 18, 2011

Throw a brick of tofu into the food processor. Add it to chocolate cake. No oil to add.