1. How to Prepare Tofu for Cooking
Before we get into the recipes, it’s important to know how to prepare tofu for cooking. Tofu comes packed in water, so the first step is to drain and press out the excess moisture. To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Remove tofu from its packaging
- Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels
- Place a heavy object on top, like a cast-iron skillet or some books
- Let it press for 15-30 minutes to remove any excess liquid
Once the tofu is pressed, you’re ready to start cooking!
2. Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
If you’re a fan of crispy and crunchy, these tofu nuggets are a must-try. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 block of pressed tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the tofu pieces in the mixture until well coated, then place them on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle vegetable oil over the tofu and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
3. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry
If you’re in the mood for a quick and flavorful meal, this spicy tofu stir-fry will hit the spot. Gather these ingredients:
- 1 block of pressed tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about a minute. Add the tofu and stir-fry until golden brown. Then, add the sliced bell peppers and zucchini, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha sauce, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring well to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
4. Tofu and Veggie Tacos
Who said tofu can’t be the star of your next taco night? These tofu and veggie tacos are packed with flavor and will please everyone at the table. Gather these ingredients:
- 1 block of pressed tofu, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Taco shells or tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro, lime
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, crumbled tofu, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Warm up the taco shells or tortillas, then fill them with the tofu mixture and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Tofu is a wonderful ingredient that deserves a place in every kitchen. With these delicious savory tofu recipes, you can explore new flavors and enjoy a versatile plant-based protein. Give them a try, and you might just discover your new favorite dish. Happy cooking!