Tofu can be cooked in various ways to suit your taste preferences. Here's a simple method for cooking tofu on its own, as well as some information on eating tofu raw:
Cooking Tofu:
Select the tofu: Choose firm or extra-firm tofu for cooking. Silken tofu is better suited for recipes where it needs to be blended or incorporated into sauces.
Press the tofu: Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels or kitchen towels to remove excess moisture. Place a weight (like a plate) on top for about 15-30 minutes. This helps to firm up the tofu and improve its texture.
Choose a cooking method: Tofu can be cooked using various methods such as frying, baking, grilling, stir-frying, or steaming.
- Frying: Cut the pressed tofu into cubes or slices. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the tofu, and fry until golden brown on all sides.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tofu into desired shapes, brush with oil or marinade, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grilling: Cut the tofu into slices or cubes, marinate if desired, and grill on a preheated grill pan or outdoor grill until grill marks appear and the tofu is heated through.
- Stir-frying: Cut the tofu into cubes and stir-fry with vegetables and your choice of seasonings or sauces in a hot wok or skillet.
- Steaming: Cut the tofu into slices or cubes and steam for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Season and serve: Once the tofu is cooked, you can season it with sauces, herbs, or spices according to your taste. Serve it as a main dish, add it to stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, or use it as a protein component in various recipes.
Eating Raw Tofu: Tofu is made from soybeans and, unlike some other forms of tofu (such as silken tofu), regular tofu is not typically consumed raw due to its bland taste and slightly grainy texture. Raw tofu may not be as enjoyable to eat on its own as when it's cooked or incorporated into dishes.
However, there are some exceptions. Silken tofu, which has a smoother and softer texture, can be enjoyed raw in certain dishes like desserts, smoothies, dressings, or in recipes where it's blended or used as a creamy base.
Always ensure that the tofu you're consuming raw is fresh and stored properly to minimize any risk of foodborne illness.