Every time I order food in a restaurant, I would always look at the menu and include a serving of a bean curd recipe. Tofu, also known as bean curd is a food of Chinese origin. I am a tofu lover for the simple reason that it satisfies my carnivorous cravings. I am not a vegetarian yet, but I am careful and wary of my meat intake. Thus, tofu has been my meat substitute for many years now. The search for my ultimate tofu recipe has never stopped.

Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, and then pressing the curds formed into blocks. Tofu, on its own has a very little flavor or smell, so it can be used either in savory or sweet dishes, it can be seasoned or marinated, depending on the dish requirements.

Tofu is low in calories and has no saturated fat. It contains beneficial amounts of iron, especially needed by women of child bearing age and those in the premenopausal stage.  Depending on the production and the kind of coagulant used in producing the tofu, it may contain high amounts of calcium which is very important to bone development and maintenance. Tofu has significant contents of magnesium which is important to athletes. Tofu, also contains soy isoflavones, which duplicates natural human estrogens and may have a variety of beneficial and harmful effects, depending on quantities consumed.

There is a wide variety of tofu available in both Western and Eastern markets. Tofu production are classified into two categories. It is either the fresh tofu which is made directly from soy milk and the processed tofu, which is produced from fresh tofu.

Fresh tofu are produced into three different varieties: The soft/silken tofu which is also known as “soft tofu” or “smooth tofu.” In Japan, it is called the “silk-filtered tofu” and the Koreans call it “pure tofu”. Another variety of soft tofu is called the tofu brain. It is often eaten as dessert, because of its very soft texture, it could not be eaten with chopsticks and instead a teaspoon is used.

The Asian firm tofu also known as “cotton tofu” in Japan still contains a great amount of moisture. It has the firmness of raw meat but springs back readily when pressed. The texture of the inside of this tofu is similar to that of a custard. The skin of this firm tofu is more resilient to damage than the inside.

The Western firm/dried tofu is extra firm with the least amount of moisture. It has the firmness of fully cooked meat and a rubbery feel. When sliced thinly, this kind of tofu can be crumbled easily. Western firm tofu is milled and molded after the pressing and formed flat and sliced into long strips with a cross section. It resembles loose cooked noodles and can be served cold for stir-fried.

There is a need to preserve the fresh tofu, thus the tofu had to be processed in different ways to achieve unique textures and flavors. One method used in preserving fresh tofu is fermentation. A classic example of fermented tofu is the pickled tofu. It is cubed tofu that have been allowed to fully air-dry under hay and slowly fermented from aerial bacteria. It is then soaked in salt water, Chinese wine, vinegar and minced chillies or in a unique mixture of whole rice, bean paste, and soybeans.

Another fermented tofu is the stinky tofu. It is a soft tofu that has been fermented in vegetable and fish brine. The blocks of tofu smell strongly of certain pungent cheeses and are described by many as rotten and fecal. This tofu is fried to a crisp, usually served with soy sauce, sweet sauce and/or hot sauce.

The flavored tofu was innovated to preserve the fresh tofu. Sugar, fruit acids, and flavorants are mixed directly into curdling soy milk while the tofu is being produced. The product is what we call the sweet dessert tofus which include the peanut tofu, almond tofu, mango tofu, coconut tofu. These sweet tofus have the texture of silken tofu and are served cold.

Another famous flavored tofu is the Savory Egg Tofu often called the “Japan Bean Curd”. Whole beaten eggs are filtered and incorporated into the soy milk before the coagulant is added. The infusion of egg makes the tofu to have a fuller texture and flavor than a silken tofu.

Frying is the easiest method of preserving fresh tofu. All forms of tofus could be fried, except for the softest tofu. Thin and soft varieties are deep fried in oil until they are light and crispy. Asian firm tofus and dry tofu can be cut into bite-sized cubes or triangles and deep fried until golden and crisp. This maybe served with sauces or maybe cooked longer in sauce. This is also best added to hot pot dishes.

Frying, as a method of cooking tofu is my favorite.  Fried tofu is very versatile. I have been adventurous and experimental especially with sauces and side dishes.  My favorite vegetables complement the tasty tofu. It could be served with a wide variety of other foods. I have to remind you though,  be choosy with your choice of cooking oil.