A reader recently wrote, “I have tofu but no idea what to do with it!” Well, while I’m a wealth of tofu information know, I still had never eaten it just a year and a half ago. I mean, it’s slimy and it jiggles; that couldn’t be good, right? Wrong. The thing I love about tofu is how well it takes on flavors and works with sauces. You can cook it just about every way you can cook something. It’s scary at first, but once you’ve had your hand at tofu a few times you’ll grow to love it. In no particular order, here are my 5 favorite ways to enjoy tofu.
I’ve forgotten about this recipe over the past two months. But I assure you it does not disappoint. It’s not something to make if you’re planning on a date anytime soon. But for a garlic lover it’s a must. The sugar forms a sort of caramel on the tofu that highlights the savory garlic. Need I say more?
Maple Baked Tofu(pictured with roasted brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes)
This is as simple as a tofu recipe comes. It’s two ingredients, little prep work, and full of flavor. Make this on any Autumn night along with your favorite roasted veggies. The best thing is how no-fuss it is. Just be sure to press your tofu first.
OK, well this one really isn’t fair because you could put this sauce on anything and it’d be good. But it works extremely well on tofu for a nice Asian dish. Simply heat the tofu in a pan, pour on the sauce, and cover. Delicious!
This is another dish that will have you thinking who needs fancy Asian restaurants? The flavors are potent and delicious. You can’t get past the sauce, but the great thing about tofu is you don’t have to. It just tastes nice and sweet and spicy. What more could you want?
This just might be my favorite original recipe. For a long time I looked for the perfect veggie burger and the answer was in my own kitchen all along. They’re simple, flavorful, and full of protein thanks to tofu. If you’re looking for a good meal you can make over the weekend and heat throughout the week, look no further.
So there are my 5 favorite tofu recipes. Got a favorite of your own? Link to it in the comments so we all can see!
Sweet potato tofu hash is my favorite thing to do with tofu! http://greensandjeans.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/purple-peanut-butter-and-hash/
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eatmovelove Reply:
September 5th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
that sounds good…hmmm
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Though they’re a bit (ok, extremely) messy to make, the sweet flavor of the beets pairs well with tofu to make an incredible burger. They’re a bit toward the mushy side, so you have to be gentle or grill them after baking.
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2009/09/roasted-beet-tofu-burgers.html
(Roasted Beet-Tofu Burgers, FatFree Vegan Kitchen)
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my favorite tofu creation is my “sushi”
http://spabettie.com/2010/07/16/vegan-sushi/
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I have really been thinking about trying to cook tofu again for a while – I think this post has pushed me over the edge. Especially that sweet and sour sauce! Yummm
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Those burgers look good. I’ve been having regular beef burgers lately (craving!) and veggie burgers – I think Le Sol is the kind. Also like Yves.
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Tofu is seriously one of the food loves of my life. I could eat it plain everyday.
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One of my favorite tofu recipes is super easy: you just saute soft, mashed tofu in coconut oil & breadcrumbs… it’s a great side for Asian noodles & steamed buns.
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http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2010/07/mango-ginger-maple-tofu-5-goals-for.html
mango ginger maple tofu, that’s a good one. and there are a half dozen others in my recipes tab that ive made.
most of my tofu tends to be flavored with a sweet + acid, like mango + apple cider vinegar, that’s what i like best. But i still need to try that sweet & sour sauce of yours b/c that would be RIGHT up my alley!
Many people use tofu in vegan dessert making or in scrambles, but I have never done that. I dunno, I am pretty soy sensitive so if I am going to eat it, I just want to eat it alone and in my desserts, I will leave the ‘fu out.
Have a great day Evan!
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My favorite tofu recipe of all time is the Cashew Ginger Tofu recipe from Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan. I’m also partial to my scrambled tofu (http://broccolihut.wordpress.com/recipes-scrambled-tofu/)
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I like your tofu burgers, I usually do just a simple black bean burger with some tofu mixed in. I’m going to have to try yours out
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i’ve still got your tofu burgers on my to-try list. this is my go-to tofu recipe:
http://theactorsdiet.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/lynn-the-power-of-pyrex/
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I’ve got to try your vegan tofu burgers. They look perfect.
I still have a hard time perfecting tofu, but I do love it grilled or sauteed. I’ll have to try your sauce recipe!
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I made this delicious dish again last night:
http://browniesandzucchini.com/2010/08/19/quick-and-easy-sweet-and-sour-tofu/
That brown sugar garlic tofu sounds delicious also!
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Don’t forget to drain and press your tofu before frying or sauteing- this will give it a crispier denser texture which holds up to sauces. Also, if you freeze it first, it will be more chewy, and it’s easier to squeeze out the excess water. I like to marinate the tofu first- but be careful with the amount of salt as it will soak up a lot! Or, use a dry rub of nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper before frying in a pan- yum!
I think my favorite is tofu scramble.
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The question is, What CAN’T you do with tofu? Here’s one of my favorites and easy too: Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches:
http://epicureanvegan.com/2010/01/21/smoky-miso-tofu-sandwiches/
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I love the tofu dish! What a fantastic recipe. Sweet and savory are my favorite combo.
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