What is tofu? – Panlasang Pinoy

Firm, white, and with a variety of textures, it’s one of the most adaptable ingredients in Asian cooking. It’s a great example of a plant-based protein; Many vegans and vegetarians incorporate it into their dishes as a good substitute for meat and fish. But meat eaters can also enjoy this small but delicious ingredient. Tofu is a wonderful meal on its own that you can enjoy with all your loved ones.

Where does it come from?

Tofu is the product of condensed soy milk, which is then pressed into blocks and allowed to cool. The process of curdling and solidifying soy milk is also similar to making cheese! The name itself comes from the Japanese word tofu. This in turn comes from Mandarin dufumeaning “tofu” or “bean ferment”.

Its history is complicated and tangled. There are three theories as to how the ingredient came about. However, the most common takes place in the Han Dynasty, when a Chinese prince is said to have discovered the ingredient. Another theory suggests that it was discovered by accident. Rumor has it that a chef accidentally mixed a batch of fresh soy milk with impure sea salt called nigari. Since the sea salt was still impure, its calcium and magnesium salt content would have been high. This would be enough for the soy milk to curdle and achieve the gel-like consistency we know today.

In the 8th century it came to Japan via the monks of Zen Buddhism. In fact, the Edo period book Tofu Hyakuchin lists 100 ways to cook the ingredient! Chinese immigrants from Fujian Province also began introducing it to Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines among others. The demand and use of was growing rapidly in Asian countries, and more and more kitchens were incorporating it into their meals.

But its rise did not reach the West until the 1960s, when more Western countries began to show interest in Asian cuisine, healthy living, and vegetarianism. Because of this interest, it continued to spread to the point that a variety of prepackaged tofus can now be found in supermarkets in those countries.

Species:

Tofu comes in countless shapes and textures. Typically, you can classify as “fresh” or “processed.” The former comes directly from the product of curdling soy milk, while the latter comes from fresh tofu itself. But even within these two categories there are different variations that you can enjoy depending on your preference!

Fresh

Fresh tofu can be delivered either unpressed or pressed. The former usually has extra soft or soft consistencies. Another name for extra soft tofu is sundubu in Korean. They usually eat extra soft with little to no seasoning. Its consistency is watery, fluffy and soft. It crumbles almost instantly and is quite similar to cottage cheese.

Soft

This can also be referred to as “silky tofu”. Although the soft variety is more compact than sundubu, this variant contains a high moisture content and is still quite sensitive compared to the solid ones. In many vegan products, silken tofu is used as a substitute for milk, cheese and other dairy products, as well as eggs.

Another form of soft tofu is douhua. Douhua is a popular breakfast in China that is cooked similar to silk but left a little longer before serving. There is some debate as to whether or not we can actually consider douhua a type of tofu, or a food in its own right. However, the consistency and preparation method are very similar to the ingredient. Other variations of soft tofu include black douhua (which comes from black soybeans) or edamame tofu in Japan, which is light green in color.

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True to its name, pressed tofu refers to those that have been pressed and hardened into the block shape that we know tofu adopts. Firm tofu has the texture of raw meat, which is why this is the most common type of tofu when looking for meat substitutes. Although chewy and fairly firm, it still has a high moisture content. It’s not as crumbly as soft tofu and definitely a lot more compact.

Extra firm

This type of tofu, on the other hand, contains the least moisture. It can be either firm like cooked meat or have a rubbery texture. You can serve this extra firm type of tofu cold, fried, or even add it to a soup – the possibilities are endless!

If you’re already overwhelmed, don’t forget: all the tofu varieties that I’ve listed now only refer to the “fresh tofu” variant! There’s still the processed tofu for you to taste and enjoy.

processed

Processed tofu refers to the products you can make from the fresh tofu. You can usually find them in supermarkets and grocery stores as pickled tofu, stinky tofu, and thousand-layered tofu. Whether fermented or frozen, processed tofu takes many forms and accompanies the taste preferences of multiple people.

What is your favorite type of tofu?

how do you cook it

From its humble origins in China, tofu’s popularity has grown over time and has found a home in countries not only in Asia but around the world. As we mentioned earlier, tofu is a versatile and dynamic ingredient — suitable for almost any type of dish or cuisine!

There are so many ways to cook tofu — so many different recipes to try! We Filipinos love tofu tokwa, as we know it, and incorporate it into all sorts of dishes. Tofu is a great meat substitute that takes on the rich flavors of many of our entrees. But it’s also wonderful on its own and makes a great addition to stir-fries and other dishes. Ever had crispy tofu skin? With a nice Asian dip, this makes a great appetizer or light snack!

Tofu’s chewy texture goes great with several classic Filipino dishes. For example this pig Adobe with tofu gives the traditional recipe a delicious and slightly healthier twist. Tofu goes well with pork, especially if you’re looking to reduce your own meat consumption. In this recipe, we use less red pork and more tofu for a more balanced diet.

One of the most famous tokwa Dishes in Filipino cuisine are naturally flavorful and delicious tokwa’t baboy. Tokwa’t baboy is a combination of tofu and fatty pork belly liempo, served in a delicious mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. With other ingredients such as onions, spring onions and peppercorns, tokwa’t baboy makes a great appetizer or side dish to meals like lugaw or arroz caldo. Its salty-sour taste makes for a complex and tasty bite!

But if you’re more into veggies, tofu goes well with it too! look at that Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Roll) Recipe. In this recipe, tofu and the other veggies make for a refreshing and tasty bite. Another recipe to try is this Tofu in Black Bean Sauce, which is quick, easy, and oh so delicious!

But you don’t just have to use tofu in appetizers and main courses — you can use it in desserts too! As already mentioned, tofu can replace various milk and milk products. Using it in dishes like leche flan can still give you the texture and flavor you want. And of course, who can forget the all-time classic Taho? Sliced ​​warm tofu served in a delicious sweet syrup is a great treat any time of the day. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home too!

With its versatility and reliability in the kitchen, tofu in every shape and form makes a wonderful addition to your dinner table. Don’t be afraid to try it with your loved ones!

is it healthy

The short answer – yes! Tofu not only makes for delicious, but also nutritious meals at the dinner table!

Because it’s a soy product, tofu is high in legumes, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating a healthy amount of tofu also helps reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast, prostate, and digestive system. Soy isoflavones in the ingredient help maintain blood sugar control – perfect for diabetics!

Tofu is also a great source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids! It’s a great source of iron and calcium, which can keep your bones and body healthy and strong.

It’s really no surprise why tofu has become such a popular and popular ingredient in multiple cuisines around the world. Its adaptability and different shapes make it suitable for almost any type of meal. Despite being a humble ingredient, its flavor can really pack a punch and find a home on any dinner table. And not only is it delicious, it also works wonders for your health.

For those on a plant-based diet or looking to eat healthier, tofu really is the way to go. Don’t be afraid to try today!