Perfect Tofu

I cant lie, the first time I purchased tofu I had no clue how to prepare it. I was really scared to even try it because of the common belief non vegans have of tofu being bland, having weird texture, and just being overall nasty. I didn't even try tofu until being vegan for nearly 2 years lol and now I could seriously eat it every day. The problem is most people simply don't know how to cook it. Tofu by itself is bland and it does have a weird texture but when you cook it right it can taste like whatever you want it to! Thats the beautiful thing about tofu, however you season it that's what it will come out tasting like. If you want it to taste like chicken use the same season you would on chicken, if you want to eat it in an Asian dish, use the same season you would in an Asian dish. Its really very simple! I'm gonna show you guys the most basic and delicious tofu recipe ever!

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1 package of firm or extra firm tofu

Garlic powder

onion powder

pepper

paprika

 

Directions:

1. Drain water from tofu and remove from package.

2. Wrap tofu in paper towels so soak up the water and let it sit for at least a few minutes in paper towels. If you have a tofu press you're really in business.

3. Dice tofu up into the size of pieces you desire. I usually cut each block into about 10 rectangular pieces but its totally up to you.

4. Season each side with seasonings and place on a tray lined with parchment paper or foil and nonstick cooking spray.

5. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for about 40 to 45 minutes flipping them over half way through. You can usually eyeball it, once the edges are crisp its usually time to flip it but if you don't let it cook long enough the texture will still be soggy on the inside. When its done it will have more of a firm texture like a chicken strip.

 

 

 

 

 

You can top it with gravy for a hearty meal

 

 

 

Tofu strips tossed in buffalo sauce over a salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baking tofu is by far the best way in my opinion to cook tofu. I used to sautee or grill it but I felt like no matter how pretty the outside of the tofu looked the inside would still be mushy and bland. Baking it keeps it firm and makes it easier to use as a meat replacement. You can also coat it with sauce and place it back into the oven for a few minutes if you want more of a saucy tofu especially as a meat replacement in Asian dishes. Tofu is also a cheaper alternative to buying other processed vegan meats. If you can tell, I like to dip mine in bbq sauce and it taste just like chicken! Give this recipe a try and you will never look at tofu the same!

 

~Peace begins with your plate~