Tofu is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, many people are intimidated by cooking with tofu and don’t know where to start. In this post, I’ll share with you three easy and delicious tofu recipes that are perfect for beginners.
1. Tofu Scramble
Tofu scramble is a vegan alternative to scrambled eggs and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. To make tofu scramble, you’ll need:
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove any excess water. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion and bell pepper until they are soft. Crumble the tofu into the pan and add the turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is heated through and slightly browned. Serve with toast, avocado, or your favorite breakfast sides.
2. Tofu Stir-Fry
Tofu stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that can be customized to your liking. To make tofu stir-fry, you’ll need:
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup of broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove any excess water. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Add the tofu to the pan and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the tofu is slightly browned. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables and stir until everything is coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Serve over rice or noodles.
3. Tofu Salad
Tofu salad is a refreshing and healthy meal that is perfect for hot summer days. To make tofu salad, you’ll need:
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1/4 cup of diced celery
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1/4 cup of diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup of diced carrot
- 1/4 cup of diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced tomato
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove any excess water. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the celery, red onion, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and tomato. Add the tofu to the bowl and toss everything together. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve chilled.
Conclusion
Cooking with tofu doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these three easy and delicious recipes, you’ll be able to incorporate tofu into your diet in no time. Whether you’re a vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, tofu is a great ingredient to experiment with. Give these recipes a try and let me know what you think!
