3 Simple Methods to Cook the Tofu

The tofu is a very versatile dish and can be used to create many different kinds of delicious cuisines. Here are 3 simple methods to cook tofu that you can try.

1) Deep fry tofu. You should cut the tofu into thin triangles pieces and proceed to put the tofu into the deep fryer until the tofu turns crispy and light brown in color.

2) Hot and Spicy tofu. Add the tofu to chili or hot stew. After the tofu is pressed and drained, it may be crumbled in to pieces. Proceed to add the crumbled tofu to more chili sauce. Cook the mixture for at the very least 20 minutes at medium heat.

3) Stir-fry Tofu. This process is similar to frying other foods such as meats. Stir-fry chunks the firm tofu for 5 minutes. The tofu will be able to absorb all of the flavors of the sauce nicely

Tofu Stir-fry Recipe With Red Cabbage

There was small piece of red cabbage laying round in the fridge for quite some time. It was about time to make use of it before it completely collapsed. What to do with it? One quite obvious thing came to my mind: tofu stir fry. The flavour of quickly stirred cabbage is delicious. The decision was made. But what to use along? The tofu off course. And some other vegetables and spices. You really can't go wrong when cooking tofu. If you are messing with tofu for the first time check out some tips how to cook tofu.

Tofu stir fry recipe

So here is how I did it.

Ingredients for tofu stir fry with red cabbage and veggies:
- tofu
- smaller piece of red cabbage, shopped to little squares
- leek, 1 steam, sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- tamari sauce
- cayenne pepper
- oregano
- coconut oil



The tofu recipe
1. Dry the tofu. I usually quickly press it to remove the water out of it. Prepare and slice all ingredients, tofu and veggies.

2. Heat wok or big pan over high heat. Wait for pan to get really hot and then add cabbage and 1 table spoon of coconut oil. Continuously stir on high heat for 1-2 minutes then add leek and tofu. Stir fry for another minute, add onions and stir for another minute.

3. Reduce heat and stir in garlic, tamari sauce, cayenne pepper and oregano. Let it cook for 1-3 minutes. If you prefer firmer veggies, then 1 minute will do, if you like them softer, then cook for 3 minutes or even more.


That is it. Simple but quite tasty. For even better taste you can marinate tofu with your favourite marinade before cooking. I didn't have the time in this recipe. Or maybe I was just too lazy... or too hungry :)

Simple Tofu Curry Recipe

Curry has specific taste and curry dishes are usually quite healthy. They are simple to cook and tasty to eat. Tofu is one of the ways to make curry with.
Tofu curry recipe is simple and ready for beginners. Nothing fancy and nothing difficult. It can be cooked in 40 minutes or even less. The ingredients are common and usually handy. If you don't like spiciness then omit cayenne pepper and chili. You can also include other vegetables or spices of your choice. This recipe is vegan friendly.
You can serve it with rice.

Image via Wikipedia
What you will need (for 4 servings)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pack of firm tofu
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or chili or ground black pepper)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Preparation
Drain the tofu for 20 minutes to remove water. The simple way to do this is by wrapping tofu in paper towels and putting weight on it.
Cut the tofu into 1/2" cubes. Cut and prepare other ingredients.

Directions for Making Tofu Curry
Heat the large pan over medium heat. Add oil and fry the tofu and cayenne pepper for 3 minutes until tofu is lightly browned.
Add chopped onions and slightly reduce heat. When onion becomes tender (after 3-5 minutes) add garlic and salt.
After 1 minute stir in curry powder, tomatoes and cilantro or parsley. Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Vegetables

Stir-fried tofu recipe is very easy to prepare. It is also vegan friendly. It is almost perfect nutritional tofu dish.
Eaten can be in combination with rice, quinoa or even eaten solo.  The vegetable choice is up to you.

Image by rayb777 via Flickr
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- juice from one lemon
- 1/2 ts of fresh, grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- spices
- tofu
- vegetables:
     1/2 bunch broccoli
     1 carrot, sliced
     2 onions, chopped
     1 pepper, sliced
- cayenne pepper
- coconut oil


Marinade
Cut the tofu to small slices or cubes. Mix it with garlic, soy sauce, ginger, cayenne pepper and let it marinate for at least two hours. If you have the time, let it marinate in refrigerator overnight.

Food preparation
Heat the wok to a high temperature. Start to stir-fry carrots, just a little later add broccoli and pepper. Stir frequently. After 2-4 minutes add onions and tofu. Stir-fry a little longer and then add marinade. Cover the wok and allow to cook (a minute) to desired tenderness. Vegetables should not  be too soft.

Note: wok or pan should be quite large and heat very strong. If the heat is too weak for stir-frying, fry half the vegetables at time and combine in the end when adding marinade. Be also careful not to smoke the oil with too much heat.

Serve quickly with basmati rice or some other side dish.


Bon Appetit!