General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2014-08-19 11:29 AM

User image

Master
1929
100050010010010010025
Midlothian, VA
Subject: Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice?

I decided to pick up some tofu yesterday and I also found some udon, bagged and pre-cooked.

I LOVE fried tofu and the kind that is prepped at the Noodles & Co. restaurants. I hadn't bought any from the grocery in a long time and I was pleased to see it is rather competitively priced relative to most meats.

I'd love some advice on recipes, especially anything to get that nice dark, chewy, crusty texture.  Prep I can do in sizable batches in the oven would be preferred over pan-frying. I'd like to batch cubes or slices and have a lot in the fridge ready to toss in a quick stir-fry or just munch on randomly.

No plan on going meatless here, but I like tofu and the cost is attractive compared to beef etc these days.

Aslo, how does the shelf-stable stuff compare to the refrigerated? I've seen some pretty good deals online for bulk boxes.

Yum. 

 



Edited by faded_memories 2014-08-19 11:30 AM


2014-08-19 12:37 PM
in reply to: faded_memories

User image

Expert
1439
100010010010010025
Tallahassee
Subject: RE: Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice?
I'm no expert on cooking tofu but what I've found is the pan either fried or baked need to be hot before putting the tofu on it. An mazing discovery to me is to put the herbs and such on the pan while it is getting hot and that seems to release more flavors. I have not found a way to enjoy them in the frig yet, they have to be hot for me to like them but that is personal preference.

I dry the tofu 1st.

1. Coat the tofu with pecan meal if you have it, here in the south it is pretty easy to find, mix in some chili seasoning, salt etc

2, Coat in bread crumbs, if you do not have pecan meal, maybe some lemon juice and chili powder, salt and pepper.

For a sweeter snack
3. Coat in coconut flakes and lemon juice.

For a toast like substance, coat w/ olive oil, parmasian cheese and basil or rosemary.

4. Want fish flavor, how about lemon juice, seafood seasoning found in the grocery store or top w/ fake scallops and a little hot sauce, salt and pepper.

Use your imagination, it is all good as long as it is hot..lol

2014-08-19 10:04 PM
in reply to: KWDreamun

User image

Master
2484
2000100100100100252525
St. Louis
Subject: RE: Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice?
I just started experimenting with tofu since my daughter claims she is now vegan. I asked her how she wanted her tofu cooked and she didn't know what tofu was, but that is another discussion :-). I normally cook on the grill and started researching tofu recipes and found out a couple things that have helped me grill some tofu. When you buy fresh tofu, it's usually packed in water so you want to drain the water plus compress more out of it so you can marinade flavor in. My last batch, I put the tofu on a dinner plate then put another plate on top of that with some weight on it for about an hour. That squeezed a lot of water out of it. Then figure out your marinade and put your tofu in a ziplock bag with it for a few hours turning it regularly. Things with salt like soy sauce and things with big flavor like garlic, paprika, and crushed peppers are perfect.

In my experiments, I grilled the tofu by cubing it and making it into shish ka bobs. With low heat, they warmed well, with medium to high heat they stuck to the grill. I've only run a couple experiments though and plan to run more.

Experimentation is key. Let us know what works for you. I could see eating a lot more tofu myself.
2014-08-20 6:35 AM
in reply to: 0

New user
560
5002525
Key West
Subject: RE: Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice?
I don't eat a lot of tofu anymore because of the way it is processed and because I cut back on unfermented soy, but there is a local vegetarian restaurant that cuts tofu in slices (about 3/4 inch) and dips in a tempeh type batter and then deep fries it and serves it with a dipping sauce. Pretty tasty.

I use tempeh from time to time, which I actually like better because it has a nutty quality and is more solid and easier to grill and do stir fry with. Plus, it is fermented and not processed in the same way tofu is, so apparently healthier.

Edited by topolina 2014-08-20 6:36 AM
2014-09-02 9:15 AM
in reply to: faded_memories

New user
105
100
Subject: RE: Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice?


I only buy the refrigerated tofu and almost always the super firm variety.

I like to slice it some thin - either in stick or small slabs - and then put a seasoning blend on it and then put in a hot not stick fry pan on med high heat.

I let it brown and get some crisp on both sides and then I'll make a sandwich or put it on a huge salad.
2014-09-02 5:00 PM
in reply to: 1Dude

User image

Regular
641
50010025
Chicago
Subject: RE: Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice?

I buy the most firm (extra firm? super firm?) kind. Cut it however you want (I usually do cubes or strips) and then marinade it with either a dry spy rub or something liquidy like Rooster sauce. I don't marinade it for very long, maybe 30 mins. Line a cooking sheet with parchment paper and then bake it at 350 until it has the texture you want.



New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Thinking about eating a LOT more tofu….advice? Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Tofu.

Started by Mekarual
Views: 1575 Posts: 13

2006-07-17 8:41 PM dirt gal

Ways to Use Dessert Tofu

Started by runnergirl29
Views: 904 Posts: 2

2005-08-01 8:11 PM cbass

Tofu???

Started by Freenthec
Views: 1302 Posts: 8

2005-03-21 12:09 AM Spanner

Tofu recipes

Started by julesf
Views: 919 Posts: 3

2004-09-16 12:02 PM scuba-punk

tofu fruit smoothie

Started by evrunning
Views: 1155 Posts: 1

2004-02-16 7:56 PM evrunning
RELATED ARTICLES
date : March 28, 2011
author : Nancy Clark
comments : 0
What should you do when your food rules start taking over your life?
 
date : October 6, 2010
author : Nancy Clark
comments : 0
The same athletes who worry about event-day fueling often neglect their day to day training diet. The question this article answers is, “What should I eat before, during and after I train?”
date : June 25, 2010
author : Nancy Clark
comments : 4
Ever wonder what’s best to eat during long runs, bike rides or other exercise that lasts more than 60 to 90 minutes?
 
date : April 1, 2008
author : Nancy Clark
comments : 1
Coaches and parents alike want their athletes to eat well and be healthy. The struggling athletes just want people to stop policing their eating and exercise.
date : February 7, 2008
author : Nancy Clark
comments : 1
The suggestions guide you towards an eating style that's simple and practical, yet can effectively help you eat well to perform well, despite today’s bewildering food environment.
 
date : September 4, 2004
author : surfking
comments : 0
Triathlons - Not an Ordinary Workout
date : September 4, 2004
author : surfking
comments : 0
Triathlon Training Advice and Tips
 
date : September 4, 2004
author : surfking
comments : 0
Reasons for triathlon training.