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Six Ways to Cook Tofu

By , About.com Guide

Tofu, on its own, doesn't look like much. It's an off-white block with a faint beany flavor and no sodium. But tofu is a terrific and healthy protein source for those who are dairy-free, vegan, or just looking to eat a little healthier, and there are several ways that any cook can turn tofu into something delicious.

Baked Tofu

© 2011 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Baked tofu is simple to make and healthy, and it can be used in so many kinds of dishes. Serve baked tofu with steamed veggies and rice, make a baked tofu sandwich layered with veggies and spreads, serve it over a salad, or just eat it as it is! Prepared with a simple sesame marinade, this recipe is great for everyday meals, family dinners, and even parties.

 

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Crispy Fried Tofu Fingers

© 2011 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.

These tofu fingers are my favorite excuse to eat fried food. Extra-firm tofu is marinated in vegetable stock for an hour or so to soak in the flavors, and then tossed in panko bread coating, fried, and seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Serve Crispy Fried Tofu Fingers with dipping sauces like barbecue sauce and spicy mustards.

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Grilled Tofu

© 2010 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Weather often inspires cooking; cold weather insists that I bake or broil strips of marinated tofu, on cooler fall and spring days I find myself craving rice dishes topped with spiced cubes of steamed tofu, and on summery days, I head for the grill. This Easy Grilled Tofu is just that--super easy to prepare and super easy to enjoy. Soaked in a marinade prepared with tahini, coconut milk, lemon, soy sauce, sugar and salt and pepper, even tofu skeptics won't be able to resist; strong flavors and simple ingredients always make for a good meal. And the best part about this dish is that it's easy to make extra and then use the leftovers to make sandwiches the next day with tomatoes, avocado, sprouts, or other warm-weather veggies.

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Pureed Tofu

© 2010 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Pureeing silken tofu is an easy way to make a creamy consistency for dozens of vegan desserts, quiches, and sauces. Here are a few favorite pureed tofu recipes:

  • Chocolate Banana Cream Pie
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Parfaits
  • Mango Cream
  • Vegan Chocolate Mousse
  • Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
  • Vegan Crustless Quiche
  • Vegan Quiche

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    Scrambled Tofu

    © 2008 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.
    This inexpensive, easy-to-make meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, either on its own or in a tortilla, salad or sandwich. Prepared with peppers, onions, nutritional yeast and a touch of turmeric, this is a flavorful way to start the day.

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    Steamed Tofu

    © 2009 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.

    The easiest way to make a tofu dish that everyone will love is to deep fry it, but that's also a great way to add a little bit to everyone's waistline. This is, of course, the grand conundrum of the gourmand: how to eat well without weighing a lot.

    Well, there is a time and a place for deep-fried tofu, but for everyday meals, I love making this Coconut Curry Tofu with Rice for picky tofu eaters. Steaming the tofu on top of the creamy, flavorful rice is a nice, healthy, easy way to prepare the protein so that it's soft but not chewy. Mild in appearance but full-bodied in flavor, this dish is vegan comfort food with a kick.

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