Toasty Roasty Food Blog

I’ve been a tofu fan for years, but I know it can be intimidating for many people. While the Western world is becoming more familiar with it, tofu’s texture and neutral taste can be off-putting at first. The Western world is certainly becoming more acquainted with it, but for some, the texture and neutral taste leaves some people yearning for more.

In Eastern cultures where tofu originates, it’s enjoyed in a huge variety of forms, from soft and delicate to crispy and bold. But in Western kitchens, it’s often seen solely as a meat replacement—which can set the wrong expectations. Some of the tips I share below may help people embrace tofu if they are seeking to reduce their meat consumption. So I will share ways of preparing it that help you integrate it into meals as a meat-like replacement. But for more authentic Asian styles of tofu, I recommend turning to the experts.

I have tried so many tips and tricks over the years but I have definitely come to my own conclusions on what works best. With the increasing cost of meat in many places, tofu can be a cheap alternative that you can swap into your mid week meals once you try these tips. 

1. Firm is your friend

When dipping your toe into the world of tofu, most people recommend buying firm or extra-firm tofu to begin with. It will usually specify this on the front of the packet. Firm tofu has less moisture and a denser texture. If you are used to a more meaty texture, this one will help you bridge the gap. It’s also a little easier to handle when slicing. Even with firm varieties of tofu, it is best to pat it dry in a towel and squeeze out some liquid. You can even leave it in a towel with a heavy weight placed on top for a while in order to squeeze out more moisture.

2. Tear it up for texture

If you tear up a tofu block with your hands, you will create a rough and bumpy surface area that will add a more desirable texture and look once cooked. Tearing it into uneven pieces will also make it resemble a more meaty appearance, if that is what you are going for. Tearing it up in this way will also release more moisture, which will help in achieving more texture. Once ripped up into shreds you can coat it in something starchy like cornstarch or potato starch, then when you cook it you will have a crispier texture on the outside. By increasing the surface area, there are more nooks and crannies for flavourings and spaces to get into.

3. Air fryers= texture magic

Sooooo many people have air fryers now but I feel as if this tofu tip has not become widespread yet. If you chop up your tofu without even patting it dry and put it in the air fryer for 7-8 minutes, you will have textured tofu pieces without trying very hard. You don’t even need to add oil if you are avoiding added fats. They will be ready to add to whatever sauce or dish you like to soak up those flavours. 

4. Smoked tofu for instant flavour

Many supermarket tofus come in a variety of flavours. However, I have found smoked tofu to be such an easy shortcut to meaty, savoury flavours. Smoked tofu often comes in the extra firm variety so it’s so easy to slice up and use in sandwiches, stir-fries, curries and salads. Adding a little extra texture by frying it or baking it for a few minutes really adds a meaty component to a dish without actually needing meat. 

My favourite way to prepare tofu like a meat replacement:

I cook tofu this way whenever I come across a recipe that calls for chicken in a rich sauce but I want to make it meat free. Once cooked I will stir it into a sauce as a last step. Some of my favorite use cases for it have been a creamy pasta sauce, curries and salads. It uses few ingredients and is super quick and easy. I also like to add a variety of herbs and spices depending on the dish it’s being incorporated in, but the few ingredients listed below go a long way in elevating tofu.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm or extra firm tofu
• 3 tbsp of nutritional yeast – can substitute for cornstarch
• 4 tbsp of soya sauce
• 2 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of onion powder (optional)
• 1 – 2 tbsp of olive oil

Method:

1. Tear the tofu up using your hands into jagged, bite sized pieces and place in a small mixing bowl.
2. Pour over soya sauce and add the garlic powder and onion powder. Toss the pieces around to ensure they are fully coated. Add more soya sauce if needed.
3. Coat all pieces in nutritional yeast. It will start to mix with the soya sauce to form a paste which you want to try to even coat the over the pieces as much as possible. 
4. Drizzle over the olive oil to coat all pieces. Mix with your hand if needed. 
5. Place pieces in one layer in the air fryer or in the oven. The air fryer should take 8 – 10 minutes at 190℃ and 10 – 12 minutes in a 180℃ oven. Alternatively you can fry this in a non-stick pan. For all methods you want the pieces to look toasted and have a slight crust on the outside while still being soft on the inside. 
6. Now stir into whatever dish you are having and enjoy.

Once you have tried a few of these techniques, you’ll find what works best for you in your kitchen. When you conquer cooking tofu, you’ll find it easier to slip into any meal seamlessly.