Tofu Guide To 4 Popular Varieties

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

With so many different types of tofu, knowing which one to choose can take time and effort. In this tofu guide, you will look at four different types and textures to make informed decisions about which to use in your cooking.

slices of stacked smoked tofu on a plate

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Popular Types of Tofu
Understanding Textures
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Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a popular food ingredient in many cuisines. Made from soybeans, it's a great source of protein and offers many health benefits. It contains all nine essential amino acids our body needs for optimal health, making it a complete protein source. Its neutral flavor allows for incorporation into various dishes, from stir-fries to smoothies.

tofu in pressing equipment for removing excess liquid

Popular Types of Tofu

Tofu is available in many forms, including silken, firm, extra-firm, and sprouted. Let's take a closer look at each of these types and how you can use them. Some suggestions will overlap.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is smooth and creamy, making it the perfect choice for desserts, smoothies, and sauces. It's also great as a substitute for dairy products in vegan cooking. To confuse things a little bit more, silken tofu is available in soft, firm, and extra-firm varieties, so you must choose the texture that best suits the recipe. Here are some ideas on how to use silken tofu:

Vegan chocolate mousse: Blend silken tofu, melted chocolate, and sweetener to make a rich and creamy chocolate mousse. Any variety works here.
Smoothies: Add it to your smoothies to make them more filling and creamy. It pairs well with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. Soft and firm variety works well in smoothies.
Creamy pasta sauces: Blend it with herbs, garlic, and nutritional yeast to make a creamy vegan sauce. Any variety works in sauces.
Tofu scramble: You can use extra firm silken to make a vegan version of scrambled eggs. Crumble it and cook it with your favorite seasonings and veggies.
Vegan cheesecake: Use it as a base for vegan cheesecake. Blend it with sweetener, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and pour it over a crust made with nuts and dates. Extra-firm words well in cheesecake.
Salad dressings: You can use it to make creamy salad dressings. Blend it with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil for a healthy and flavorful dressing. Any variety works for dressings.
Soups: You can add silken tofu to make soups more filling. Add it to 20-Minute Easy Vegan Miso Soup or any vegetable soup for a protein-packed meal.

Firm Tofu

Firm tofu is denser and has a firmer texture, making it ideal for stir-fries, stews, and grilling. This type holds its shape well and is great for dishes that require a meat-like texture. Here are some ways to use it in your meals:

Stir-fry: Firm tofu is great for stir-fry dishes. Cut it into cubes and cook it with your favorite veggies and sauces.
Tofu burger: Mash it with spices and breadcrumbs to make a tasty and healthy burger.
Sushi and summer rolls: Make an easy, quick meal combined with carrots and cucumbers in a sushi or Vegan Summer Rolls.
Vegan quiche: Use it as a base for Egg and Soy Free Vegan Quiche. Blend it with veggies and herbs, and pour it over a crust made with flour and oil.
Skewers: Cut it into cubes and skewer them with veggies. Grill or bake them for a delicious and healthy meal.
Nuggets: Coat firm tofu with breadcrumbs and spices, and bake them for a healthier version of chicken nuggets.
Tofu scramble: You can use firm tofu to make a vegan version of scrambled eggs. Crumble it and cook it with your favorite seasonings and veggies. Try this high-protein tofu scramble for a delicious meal.
Ricotta: Firm tofu can even be used for the ricotta in the Best Vegan Lasagna With Tofu Ricotta.

Extra-Firm Tofu

Extra-firm tofu is denser and chewy, making it perfect for dishes that require a hearty bite. People often use it in dishes like burgers and veggie stir-fries. Here are some ideas for what you can make:

Stir-fry: Cut extra-firm tofu into cubes and stir-fry with veggies and sauces for a quick and healthy meal.
Kebabs: Cut it into cubes and skewer them with vegetables for a delicious vegan kebab.
Egg Roll Bowl: Use extra firm in this Vegan Egg Roll Bowl for a delicious quick meal.
Tacos: Crumble it and cook it with spices to make a tasty vegan filling for tacos.
Curry: Cut it into cubes and simmer in a flavorful curry sauce with vegetables and spices.
Satay: Marinate it in a peanut sauce and grill for a delicious, protein-packed satay.
Tofu "steaks": Cut it into thick slices and marinate in your favorite sauce. Grill or bake for a hearty and satisfying vegan main dish.
Tofu scramble: Crumble it and cook it with veggies and spices for a savory breakfast or brunch dish.
Smoked tofu: Slice or cube it for this delicious recipe.

slices of finished baked smoked tofu on ramen noodles

Sprouted Tofu

Manufacturers make sprouted tofu from sprouted soybeans, which are thought to be easier to digest than traditional soybeans.

It is known to have more nutritional benefits than regular soybeans. Sprouting soybeans increases their nutrient availability and reduces the levels of anti-nutrients that can interfere with some nutrient absorption. It has a slightly different texture and flavor from regular tofu.

This type of tofu is more porous and has a nutty flavor, making it great for salads and sandwiches. Here are some recipe ideas:

Tofu scramble: Crumble it and cook it with your favorite seasonings and veggies for a healthy, protein-packed breakfast or brunch dish.
Stir-fry: Cut it into cubes and stir-fry with veggies and sauces for a quick and healthy meal.
Salad: Cube it and mix it with your favorite salad ingredients, such as greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado.
Buddha bowl: Combine sprouted tofu with quinoa, veggies, and a flavorful sauce for a healthy and satisfying Buddha bowl.
Tacos: Crumble and cook it with spices to make a tasty vegan filling for tacos.
Soup: Cube sprouted tofu and add it to a flavorful broth with veggies and noodles for a comforting and healthy soup.

Understanding Textures

Have you ever wondered how they make all the different textures?

Tofu's texture can be described as smooth, creamy, dense, chewy, or porous and nutty. Several factors can influence this texture, including the coagulating agent used to make it and how it's processed.

Coagulating Agents

Manufacturers use coagulating agents to produce tofu to turn soy milk into solid curds that they can press and form into blocks. The choice of coagulating agent can affect the texture, flavor, and nutritional profile.

Two main coagulating agents are used in its production: chemical coagulants and natural coagulants. Commercial producers commonly use chemical coagulants, such as calcium sulfate (gypsum) and magnesium chloride. Meanwhile, traditional tofu producers use natural coagulants, such as nigari (magnesium chloride derived from seawater) and gypsum powder (calcium sulfate).

The coagulating agent used can affect the texture of the tofu in several ways:

Firmness: The coagulating agent used can affect the firmness. For example, using calcium sulfate (gypsum) as a coagulant can produce firmer tofu while using nigari can produce a softer, silkier texture.
Smoothness: The type of coagulant used can also affect the smoothness. For example, gypsum can produce a slightly grainy texture, while nigari can produce a smoother texture.
Flavor: The coagulant used can also affect the flavor. For example, using nigari can produce a slightly salty taste, while using gypsum can produce a slightly bitter taste.
Nutritional profile: The coagulating agent used can also affect the nutritional profile. For example, tofu made with nigari can be higher in magnesium, while tofu made with calcium sulfate can be higher in calcium.

Processing Method

The processing method used to make tofu can significantly impact its texture. To make tofu, manufacturers grind soybeans into a fine paste, mix it with water to create soy milk, and then heat it while mixing in a coagulant. This process separates the curds from the whey and forms tofu.

The way that tofu is processed can affect its texture in several ways:

Grinding method: The method used to grind the soybeans can affect the texture. For example, a fine grind can produce a smoother texture, while a coarser grind can produce a slightly grainy texture.
Heating and mixing method: How the soy milk is heated and mixed can also affect the texture. For example, heating soy milk for a longer period can produce a firmer texture, while a shorter heating time can produce a softer texture.
Pressing method: The method used to press the curds can also affect the texture. For example, pressing the curds for longer can produce a firmer texture, while a shorter pressing time can produce a softer texture.
Cooling method: How the tofu is cooled after pressing can also affect its texture. For example, cooling it slowly can produce a softer texture, while cooling it quickly can produce a firmer texture.

Overall, the processing method used to make tofu can significantly impact its texture. Tofu can be made with different processing methods to produce a range of textures, from soft and silky to firm and chewy. The desired texture will depend on the intended use in cooking.

For a comprehensive look at all types of tofu, visit Tofupedia.

FAQS

What is tofu made from?

It is made from soybeans that have been mashed and then curdled with a coagulating agent. The resulting curds are then pressed into blocks.

Is tofu healthy?

Tofu is a nutritious food that's high in protein. It's also a good source of iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It's important to note that not all types are equal since manufacturers process some with additives that can affect their nutritional content. Therefore, it's essential to choose tofu made with minimal ingredients.

Can I freeze tofu?

It can be frozen. Freezing can change its texture, making it more spongy and giving it a meatier texture. This makes it a great choice for dishes that require a meat-like texture, such as stir-fries, nuggets, and stews.

How do I store tofu?

Store tofu in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for several days. To extend its shelf life, place it in a container of water and change the water daily. Most types require refrigeration to prevent spoilage, except for “shelf-stable” or “aseptic” tofu, which can be kept at room temperature until opened.

Is tofu good for weight loss?

Adding tofu to your diet won't guarantee weight loss if you still eat too many calories. A balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins is key. Remember, weight loss boils down to burning more calories than you consume.

Does tofu have a lot of fat?

The fat content varies depending on the type and preparation method. Whole soybean tofu has a higher fat content than soy protein isolate tofu. Firmer tofu also has a higher fat content than the softer varieties. But it is a healthy source of fat since it primarily contains unsaturated fats, which are linked to lower heart disease risk. While it can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, choose soy protein isolate firm tofu for a lower-fat option and watch portions.