Marinate Tofu

Tofu is a soybean curd typically sold packed in water. It makes an excellent source of protein and is an alternative to meat that can be endlessly flavored and seasoned. One way to bring additional flavor and a smoother texture to tofu is to marinate it first in an acidic liquid that has been seasoned to your liking.

Steps

1. Remove the tofu from its carton and set it on a stack of 3 or 4 paper towels.
   • Although you don’t have to work with firm or extra firm tofu, the process of marinating it is easier the firmer the curd.
2. Place 3 or 4 more paper towels on top and gently squeeze the tofu to remove some water.
3. Take the tofu from the sodden paper towels and place them on a stack of dry paper towels.
4. Wrap the tofu in the paper towels and place it inside a clean dish towel.
5. Wrap the dish towel around the tofu and set a heavy object like a book on top. This will remove any excess moisture from the tofu and allow the marinade to be absorbed. Leave this in place for 30 minutes to overnight. The longer you press it, the better the tofu will soak up the marinade.
6. Unwrap the drained tofu and place it in a bowl, dish or jar.
7. Mix your marinade in a bowl. You could use a Make Stir Fry Sauce or a different recipe from a cookbook or the internet.
8. Pour your marinade into a bowl, making sure you have enough to cover most of the tofu and coat the rest of it.
9. Cut the tofu into the size chunks you want.
10. Stir or shake well, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour. The tofu can marinate overnight if desired.
    • Stir the mixture if you combine everything in the bowl.
    • Shake the mixture if you choose to combine it separately in a jar or other closed container before adding it to the tofu.
11. Finished.

Tips

• The longer you marinate the tofu, the stronger the flavors will be. Tofu has little to no flavor on its own; marinating for several hours will not over-power the tofu or create too strong a taste.
• If you only have a short time during which to marinate your tofu and you want to ensure that the flavors seep in throughout the curd, consider slicing it into thinner stakes before adding the marinade to it.
• Try varying your marinade ingredients. Lemon juice is a common marinade ingredient, but orange juice or lime juice works as well. Fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro also work well in a marinade; bruise them slightly before adding to the liquid to help them release their flavor.

Warnings

• Do not drain silken tofu by squeezing or by placing a heavy object on top. Silken tofu is much too delicate and may break apart. Instead, lay it on several paper towels to help absorb any excess liquids before marinating. Tofu should be dried.
• Oil-based marinade recipes are not suited to tofu as tofu is hydrophilic and absorbs water over oil.

Things You'll Need

• 12 to 16 paper towels
• Clean dish towel or cloth
• Heavy object or book
• Bowl, dish or jar with lid or cover
• Ingredients for your chosen marinade
• Measuring cup
• Seasonings or spices to taste
• Salt and Black pepper ( For Taste)
• MUST HAVE: TOFU

Sources and Citations

• http://www.soya.be/what-is-tofu.php
• http://www.cookthink.com/reference/344/What_is_a_marinade_and_how_do_I_make_one

Related Articles

• Cook Extra Firm Tofu
• Make Garlic Mushrooms with Tofu
• Make Ma Po Tofu
• Make Fried Tofu Sticks

See also

• Make Tofu Cheese Pie
• Make Fried Tofu Nuggets
• Make Tofu
• Prepare Tofu
• Cook Tempeh
• Make Tempeh Bacon

What links here

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