Confused about tofu

[digiMom]

I've just started toward adding more whole foods and cutting meat and dairy. I tried soy milk and find I like it on my cereal. I've never really been one to down a glass of milk anyway.

So that has me considering tofu. But I'll admit I'm a little confused by it. There's different consistences. Is that for different types of dishes, or is it a matter of preference? If you haven't really had it before, what's a safe dish to start with? Any good sites you can point me towards?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts...

 

[erinna]

Hi Digimom --

For me, tofu is like flour. Do I like flour? Do I eat it with a spoon? No. Do I like cake, breads, pasty? Lordy, yes! Do I like tofu? Slice and eat it. No. Do I like a stir fry made with some tasty marinated firm tofu? Yum!

Yeah, the consistency you use depends on what you're making.

For recipes, you might want to look around in the Cooking Light online recipe archive.

Happy eating! E.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Usually the recipe will tell you what kind of tofu to buy.

I have used soft in place of ricotta cheese--and I believe I've seen some vegan pudding recipes with soft. Firm is usually best for stir frying. I've also cut tofu into tiny pieces and hidden it in soup.

Try vegetarian times--they are online, too--for recipe ideas.

 

[digiMom]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll look for a soup recipe first. Or maybe a stir fry...

 

[cewait]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll look for a soup recipe first. Or maybe a stir fry...

That is what I do... I also prepare the soup/chile she the DW is away as she is sure she hates tofu.

 

[pjlla]

Enjoy your tofu, but be careful about the quantity you eat. As a woman you need to be aware of the link between excess soy consumption and breast cancer. Not trying to be an alarmist or anything, just want you to be aware. Soy is in so much of our everyday foods (not just tofu and soy milk) that it is easy to eat far more than we should. Just keep that in mind as you plan your tofu meals.

Vanilla and chocolate silken tofu are excellent in smoothies. Shirataki tofu noodles are an excellent replacement for pasta. Firm tofu is good in stir-fry.... just be sure to add lots of flavor with your sauce and veggies, as tofu isn't particularly flavorful.....................P

 

[digiMom]

Enjoy your tofu, but be careful about the quantity you eat. As a woman you need to be aware of the link between excess soy consumption and breast cancer.

Thanks pjlla. Actually that's been in the back of my head. I recently had a mammogram where they found 3 small (very small) areas of interest. They turned out to be fluid-filled, so they're going to recheck in 4 months. If they're still there, they will aspirate and test to make sure it's not cancerous. So part of my diet change is to encourage them to go away. Plus I used the Mirena for a little over 2 years and was having strange symptoms so decided to have it removed to see what would happen. My blood pressure returned almost immediately to normal. A lot of my symptoms are similar to estrogen dominance, so I don't want to add to that right now. Anyway, I've kind of gone off topic here...

 

[v_gan]

The different consistencies are definitely for different types of dishes. Firm and extra firm are best if you're wanting to grill, bake, fry, or saute the tofu. Soft and silken tofus are best for pureeing into soups, sauces, smoothies, desserts, etc. Don't forget to add flavor to your tofu! Marinate or season before cooking, otherwise it will just take like tofu

And FYI - There have been plenty of studies showing that, in moderation, soy has no link to breast cancer. I've been vegan for eight years and I've come across plenty of related articles in that time. So I'm not worried about that at all.. especially considering all the health problems associated with meat and dairy!

 

[Sunshineminnie]

that has me considering tofu. But I'll admit I'm a little confused by it.

Ba, ha, ha!!!! Who isn't!

(sorry, that just cracked me up! It confuses me too!)

 

[digiMom]

Actually, I was trying to be quirky, so no worries... Giggle, chuckle.

I tried a tofu dish at a Chinese restaurant. It was OK. I like the veggies more that the tofu, I think. There were big squares that had a slight, I don't know, crust maybe from the sauce. The tofu seemed kind of soft. I think I would have liked it better if it was either firmer or cut into smaller pieces. Good to know when I try it myself. I haven't had a chance yet. I've been busy trying to work, get ready for the trip, deal with DD's sinus infection and my DH's car problems. I'll probably try some dishes at DW before I get a chance to make some myself. If anyone has any suggestions on what to try while there (counter service), let me know...

 

[PrincessRhi]

Enjoy your tofu, but be careful about the quantity you eat. As a woman you need to be aware of the link between excess soy consumption and breast cancer. Not trying to be an alarmist or anything, just want you to be aware. Soy is in so much of our everyday foods (not just tofu and soy milk) that it is easy to eat far more than we should. Just keep that in mind as you plan your tofu meals.

Just something to add to this that might also be helpful... and sorry to go nerdy scientist on you all.

I have seen some studies note that women on hormone replacement therapy or have estrogen receptor related cancer mutations should reduce their intake of soy, as well as post-menopausal women who aren't in good health. But the link between healthy pre-menopausal women and soy-induced cancers isn't really well-established.

Man, who would have thought we'd come to a time that we have to think about how old and healthy we are before eating food?