Why do I still persist with Tofu?

[likelysuspect]

Every now and then I give it a bash, thinking its good for me, less meat as they say

Bought some again today, overpriced in some fancy grocers

As usual, its a nice texture but no matter how crispy I made it (I fried it), just nothing, no flavour

Ive served it with a really spicy stew I had in the freezer already so to some degree the blandness is ok

I know people say to flavour it up, but then Ive got to add a load of oil to it and when frying I find the spices or herbs burn. And then to be honest it just tastes of bland, with a coating, the blandness still endures.

Coated in oil and Tex Mex spices and done in the air fryer it’s delicious and I’m a meat eater

Also, tofu texture can be improved by freezing it before use oddly.

So you know that it makes tofu taste more nutty - I'm not saying it magically turns it into the most amazing flavoursome ingredient known to humanity, but it does make it taste different.

To be fair, I only buy it when it's on offer because it's not as versatile as people would have you believe, but I do think you can make one or two good things with it and the nutrition element can't be denied really.

I've heard good things about tofu chocolate mousse, but I'm not a big chocolate person so I've never given it a go.

Thats the one Ive had before several times, far superior, although Ive had the smoked one in Lidl too and that is very good

The one I had today has the same texture as Tofoo I was surprised. Needed no pressing at all.

I use tofu in curries, fajitas etc and I find it's perfectly fine. As long as it's marinating in some yummy sauce it's fine.

It behaves and tastes like putty, I could never get on with it at all. I think it’s an Emperor’s New Clothes thing tbh. It doesn’t matter what you slather it in, it’s still gross.

I love lentils, beans, nuts, mushrooms etc, so I would just stick with actual food and leave the tofu for those who claim to enjoy it.

Tofu is delicious if seasoned and cooked well. Tempeh is also great if you want a stronger flavour and texture.

Yes I always separate it into chunks and freeze it, the rest is in the freezer now.

That’s not how it turns out for me - sticky coated spicy tofu, not much in the way of sauce.

I think the reason I keep buying it from time to time is the texture. I love the texture, like halloumi and paneer, I cant get enough of that sort of chew. I like the sort of things you can crisp on the outside but is chewy on the inside even if you brown it too much

Simple soft tofu with garlic, soy sauce and coriander in hot oil.
Or cook with mince pork

I chop it up and soak it overnight in soya sauce, seasame oil and spices

Yeah I do know exactly what you mean there. I haven't had dinner yet and I know I have some halloumi lurking at the back of my fridge... decision made!

Freeze extra firm tofu and then thaw out and press out remaining water. The freezing gives it bigger air pockets. Then throw it in whatever marinade you want. The tofu absorbs the marinade and it is very flavorful. You can also air fry it and it turns out nice and crispy or throw it in the oven, you don't have to fry it. A light coating of corn starch always makes it crisper as well. Honestly those who hate tofu are not making it correctly. Most foods are bland unless seasoned and cooked properly. Tofu is no exception to this.

Thanks for these! The quantities in that Ottolenghi recipe look bonkers though. 16 spring onions??

Quite like cauldron pre seasoned stuff

I do make it correctly. Tonight I fried it. I often air fry it. I have corn starched it. I have used marinades. I have frozen it. I am extremely good in the kitchen and very experimental.

Please dont take offence on behalf of Tofu. Im not sure it needs you to.

Why bother? If you want to eat less meat, just eat less meat. There are lots of vegetarian dishes which don't use tofu. I don't like it either. It's bland and not anice texture either.

My local Thai restaurant’s Tofu dish would probably be my death row dinner, it’s superb!

I’m a saddo, but I love the stuff 😳🤣

Try smoked tofu. Don't buy overpriced stuff. Aldi's or lidls is good.

A wet marinade is the answer.

I usually do soy sauce, ginger and garlic. Occasionally some paprika and chilli, or some other dried spices. Then it goes in the air fryer.

I have tofu most days and it’s never bland. Black pepper tofu, orange tofu and salt and pepper tofu are particularly good as long as you coat in cornflour and use the extra firm stuff. You can use spray oil too so that you don’t need to use loads.

I can't ever make tofu work either. It tastes of nothing. I mean, if you have to add so many spices and herbs to make it taste of something I'd rather just eat a potato.

I eat meat but it's Quorn chunks all the way if I have the urge to go light. Great in a black bean sauce.

I've been vegetarian for over 30 years. I've tried. I've really tried but it's disgusting. I've marinated it, assaulted it with every herb, spice and aromatic I can think of and still hate it.