Discover creative ways to cook with tofu, featuring recipes for every meal, from breakfast scrambles to decadent desserts.
Tofu is a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets. It is often misunderstood as bland or unexciting. However, this humble soybean product is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a wide variety of delicious dishes. Whether you're a seasoned tofu lover or just starting to explore plant-based cooking, there are countless creative ways to incorporate tofu into every meal of the day. From breakfast to dinner and even dessert, tofu can be the star ingredient that adds protein, texture, and flavour to your dishes. Read on!
If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast option, tofu scramble is a fantastic alternative to traditional scrambled eggs. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and can be customised with your favourite vegetables and spices.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Crumble the tofu into the pan, stirring to mix with the vegetables. Sprinkle the turmeric, garlic powder, black salt, salt, and pepper over the tofu mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tofu is heated through and slightly browned. Add the spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Serve with toast, avocado, or as a filling in a breakfast burrito.
For a nutritious and satisfying lunch, try a tofu Buddha bowl. This dish is a perfect balance of protein, grains, and vegetables, and it's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube it. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, and rice vinegar to make a marinade. Toss the tofu cubes in the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the tofu until golden brown on all sides. Assemble the Buddha bowl by placing the cooked quinoa or brown rice at the bottom. Top with mixed greens, avocado, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and pickled red onions. Add the cooked tofu on top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Drizzle with any remaining marinade or your favourite dressing.
Tofu stir-fry is a quick and easy dinner option that can be made in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights and can be adapted with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Press and cube the tofu, then set it aside. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, then remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the ginger and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Return the tofu to the pan and add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and the cornstarch mixture if using. Stir to coat the tofu and vegetables in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Tofu can even be used to create indulgent desserts, like this rich and creamy chocolate mousse made with silken tofu. It's dairy-free, vegan, and surprisingly easy to prepare.
In a blender, combine the silken tofu, melted chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into individual serving bowls or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Serve chilled, topped with fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
By experimenting with different cooking methods and flavours, you can discover new and exciting ways to enjoy tofu in every meal. Whether you're a tofu novice or a seasoned pro, these recipes offer a great starting point for incorporating this nutritious and adaptable ingredient into your diet.
