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Tofu 101

Thank You
I wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes yesterday. I do feel much better today. The medicine has finally seemed to clear up the sinus drainage and my lungs feel back to normal.

Do your lungs ever feel just totally shredded after a race? I have asthma, so I don't ever know if it's just me or everyone.

Two on Tuesday
In fact, Jason and I did an easy run at lunch, and I felt great. Although, I will admit that the humidity was through the roof. It was cold and dreary all weekend, but warmer this morning than it had been. I guess it's another weird front moving through. Anyway, after work, I decided to do just a short premix from Kick, Punch and Crunch plus the ab work (awesome stability ball work). I also stretched really well after.

Tofu 101 Tuesday
I had a request from Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga (I didn't forget) to perhaps talk about my favorite method for making or preparing tofu. I know some people believe in pressing their tofu and have fancy pressing gadgets. I don't have the space for anything like that. I actually found a method that has seemed to work quite well. In fact, it's the only method I use now. To be quite honest, until I disocvered this little secret, I rarely cooked tofu.

So - big secret...Freeze It. (please note that this is not advised for the silken variety) Yep, that's it. Freeze it for a minimum of 3 days then let thaw in fridge before cooking. It gives the tofu a completely different texture, more sponge-like (but in a good way). It makes is extremely easy to squeeze out the excess liquid eliminating the need for pressing.

After you have gently squeezed out the excess liquid, feel free to slice however you prefer and marinate in your favorite marinades. I like to bake or grill mine in "slabs" but cubed works just as good on a baking sheet. 

So, what was for dinner? I did BBQ Tofu Sandwiches with a Carrot & Cabbage Salad (slaw) that I pre-made yesterday. You can find the recipe for the slaw here. I just grilled sweet potato rounds for the side. Simple and easy.

Do you have a preferred method? Have you ever tried freezing it?

Comments

  1. thats it, now i know what im putting on my bbq next time. omg sweet potatoes on the grill... ima bow down to you right now. "im not worthy im not worthy" lol.. seriosuly tho.. u just blew my mind!

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  2. I am so glad you are feeling better.

    I don't have one favorite tofu method. Freezing works well, so does marinating for multiple days. It is also good broiled or baked. Can you tell I don't have a favorite? ;-) Sorry.

    talk to you later,
    Alicia

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  3. I LOVE frozen tofu! I didn't freeze mine for a while because most people said they hated the texture, but I much prefer it. It also soaks up flavors much, much better.

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  4. AnonymousMay 11, 2010

    I've never tried frozen tofu, but I've read and heard great things about it-- I keep meaning to do it!! Thanks for the reminder :-)

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  5. Heather, thank you!!!!!!! for this post!!!!!!!!! And for honoring my lil request...it was only a request and you could have told me to beat it :) I have ppl ask me for random stuff all the time like why do my shoes have to be clear. Ummm. I dont know, they do, it's for a show LOL ANyway though. Thank you!!!!

    I am so doing this! And 3 days, I can see why b/c it takes a good 2 days to get bananas REALLY frozen to make perfect softserve, i can see that about tofu.

    The fact that you dont need a gadget then...so cool! I love it!

    xo

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  6. AnonymousMay 11, 2010

    I like freezing it occasionally for a different texture as well. I find it's just important to get all the excess liquid out before marinading so the tofu absorbs all of the flavour!

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  7. Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Thanks girl! Our kitchen is nearly impossible to keep cool during the summer so I've learned to be super creative with using the grill!

    Thanks Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean I've not tried marinating for days, only a few hours. I can imagine that could make a big flavor difference!

    Krystina @ Organically Me I totally love the different texture. And you're right, it soaks up flavors so much better.

    Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg Give it a shot. I think you'll really be surprised. Since you do have the tofu press, it'd be a great comparison too.

    Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga I thought it was a great idea for a post too. I know I have mentioned freezing and thawing in recipes, but to point it out in a longer post means more people will see it. Can't wait to hear how you like (or don't) this method.

    Sarah @ Run Sarah I think the freezing method makes it so much easier to get the liquid out. I prefer the texture and so does my husband. I can see how others might not though. Glad to hear that others have tried it at least!

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  8. AnonymousMay 12, 2010

    I have never had frozen tofu before. I never even though to freeze it!! I will have to give that one a try asap!
    I love sauteeing my tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil :) yum.

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  9. AnonymousMay 12, 2010

    oh heather! you are brillant.....i will have to try the freezing :) glad you are feeling a bit better today!

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  10. Why have I never thought of freezing tofu?! And your dinner looks DELICIOUS. I may be recreating this soon!

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  11. AnonymousMay 12, 2010

    I love the idea that you freeze it. Sounds so simple!
    Sweet potatoes are also the perfect complement to any sandwich.
    Have a good day!

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  12. I'm not a big tofu person, but this recipe looks great. I might have to give tofu another try

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  13. Question about freezing, do you press the tofu at all beforehand? Or do you just drain the package liquid and put it in a container/bag and toss it into the freezer as is?

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  14. Yum that looks good.. I never made tofu at home.. well I don't eat it at the resturant either.. may be I should make it at home sometime.

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  15. Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly It used to intimidate me too. You should give it another try.

    The Rabbit Runner Let me know if you try the method out and how you like it. Soy sauce is so perfect with tofu.

    Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something Thanks girl. Look forward to hearing how you like it.

    Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries Thanks for the compliment. I used to never put slaw on a BBQ sandwich, now I love the flavor and texture combo.


    Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian I think sweet potatoes compliment just about anything LOL!!!

    Ruth @ She Fit Definitely give it another shot!

    Sarah @ The Ordinary Vegetarian You don't take it out of the package before freezing actually. Sorry for not being clear. May need to edit the post perhaps.

    Gelareh @ Nutritious Foodie I really never liked tofu before to be honest. I liked the smoked varieties, but don't ever see those at our local Whole Foods. I would get it sometimes at restaurants and could never figure out why mine never turned out. Practice (and lots of tip/trick reading) made perfect.

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  16. AnonymousMay 12, 2010

    I just started cooking with tofu and so far my favorite way to eat it is marinaded and baked in the oven!

    Thank you for the freezing tip!

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  17. can't say that i've tried freezing tofu...hmm. Its worth trying I suppose! I really don't use tofu that much in cooking. I am hoping to experiment more though! Those "burgers" look tasty!

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  18. AnonymousMay 12, 2010

    hey beautiful chica!!
    awww sorry to hear about the lungs/sinus drainage! during the cold running months I have troubles after a long race with sore throats...I used to have asthma and would make sure to up the hot green tea drinkage post race, works well at clearing the crud out!
    I hope you continue feeling better, and get back to your tip-top healthy self ASAP!
    xoxo!

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  19. Lindsey @ Cardio Pizza Thanks for stopping by and sharing!

    Erin @ The Healthy Apron I love how versatile it is in terms of taking on any flavors you prefer.

    Lizzy @ Healthy Bites Conquer Athlete Appetite Yep, that cold weather feeling is how they felt after Friday's race (and then all weekend). Good call on the tea! HUGS

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  20. AnonymousMay 12, 2010

    I love it! I have never tried freezing my tofu but it does sound like it would make it easier to press. My favorite tofu marinade is a simple mixture of ginger, soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little sweetener and salt. Mmmmm. I'm actually craving tofu now. Your tofu "burgers" with the carrot slaw look wonderful -- very creative girl!

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  21. AnonymousMay 12, 2010

    I have been too afraid to buy a package of tofu. maybe I'll graduate tofu 101 and be daring enough to do it.

    I cook a bunch of sweet potatoes at one time and freeze them! it works and that way when I don't want to wait for the oven, it's a zip to eat
    Katherine

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  22. Caronae @ Run Write Therapy Life Oh yum on your marinade. Love PB with soy sauce.

    Katherine @ What About Summer Oh I like the idea of baking and freezing sweet potatoes!

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