I'm scared of tofu?

Question

I'm trying tofu in the near future. I got these ball things that are spinach and tofu, and it just looks a little scary.

Is tofu good?

What are some GOOD vegetarian recipes that involve tofu?

Does tofu have protein? Iron?

I'm half new to the vegetarian world, because I used to eat chicken nuggets once in a while. I'm replacing them with tofu or falafel!

Thanks!

Answer 1

There are alternatives sources of proteins, such as flax seeds. You could just sprinkle it onto your cereal or something and it will give you lots of protein.

Answer 2

I was scared of tofu too.  The first time I used it I grated firm tofu and fried it with all the nessessary ingredients to make tacos.  It worked out suprisingly well.

Answer 3

Honestly, something void of flavor, taste, color and just takes up space is scary -- a lot like some roommates.

Answer 4

I am not a fan only because of the texture, but many people say tofu takes on the flavor of whatever you add to it while cooking.  So, don't be scared....use it in your favorite dish.  It's healthy!

Answer 5

i love tofu.  very good 4 u!

Answer 6

its very common here and high nutrients. Do take it regularly and generally what my mom did is to make it into soup and supplement it with minced meats and some small pieces of vege. it really taste good.

Answer 7

Tofu is awesome = great stuff!! its nearly Pure vegitable protien and very very good for you. (unless you are allergic to soy) as its basically a soy cheese.

HOWEVER= many people try it and are either disappointed or dont like it because it Isnt what they expect.

BY itself -- its BLAND and can be rubbery == its best for most people in something else- it has the extraordinary capacity to absorb flavors. this is a VERY good thing.

in the store you will find 3 kinds of tofu

very soft/soft - this is best to mix into something like meatloaf or scrambled eggs (just drain it really really well) once the meal is cooked, if you mixed it in right, you wont even know its there. (did that for the kids at first) they never knew!!)

medium - is good cubed and added to things like soups stews chile con carne curries etc. it absorbs the sauces flavors and is soft and easy to eat - nearly dont have to chew it. less likely to be rubbery - it can really help to tone done food thats too spicy

firm - this is good  it the foods above but tends to get rubbery easily (its REALLY easy to overcook tofu - always add just before serving) this is firm enough to slice and fry. most  people arent fond of doing this when first trying tofu. its kind of an acquired taste. i like to fry it in either soy sauce or bacon fat (No i am NOT a vegetarian and dont plan to. i just like tofu)

Answer 8

If you are uncomfortable using tofu, then don't. It is just an alternative protein (among others) source even for non vegetarians. There is no law that says vegetarians need to use tofu. In fact, many don't.

Answer 9

Ooooooh! falafel! :)

Tofu rocks. Try vegweb.com for some great recipes.

A basic way to try it out is to slice up an extra-firm block of it, lay it on a cookie sheet oiled with olive oil, lightly season it, and bake it at 350 until brown. Flip. Repeat. My kids like to dip it in ketchup. You can also toss it into other dishes at this point. You don't even have to bake it first. It's also good to freeze a block, thaw it ( changes the texture to make it more chewy) and marinate it. Bake it or add  it to another recipe at this point.  You can crumble soft tofu, season it with onion, garlic and Italian seasoning and use it in place of ricotta cheese in lasagna or stuffed shells.

I make a pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving with silken tofu in place of the eggs.  There are probably a million recipes for it. Just start experimenting, it's hard to go wrong with it. :)

Answer 10

I live in Japan so we eat this a lot and its really good!

Just simply put the tofu into miso soup (i think you can get it in the States too)

well tofu is made out of soy beans (like soy sauce) if you believe it or not. and it is really good. thats one of the reasons why Japan has one of the highest average life spams. because they eat a lot of fish, vegetables, tofu... a lot of good stuff. hooray for the vegetarian world!!!!!!! (i eat meat too.) lmao

Answer 11

tofu is beancurd and it tastes like nothing. try it.