One of the meanest and most pointless things you can say about tofu is “but it doesn’t taste like meat”. It’s not supposed to, and something would be seriously wrong if it did.
What it does have going for it is that it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there: not only is it a great source of minerals and amino acids, with only about 10 calories for every gram of protein, it may also help reduce “bad” cholesterol.
If that weren’t enough, soy (the base of tofu) contains a class of plant compounds that mimic estrogen, meaning that it can help ameliorate the symptoms of menopause and even prevent breast cancer.
As long as you can get past the whole not-a-dead-animal business, it holds its own in a culinary sense, too.
Tofu can be Hard to Get Right
Tofu is pretty neutral in flavor, but it readily absorbs the taste of whatever it comes in contact with. It’s this property that makes it such a staunch ingredient in soups; tofu also works great with marinades, allowing you to imbue it with endless flavors.
Unfortunately, cooking with it, never mind making it from scratch, remains a mystery to most people. The key to getting tofu to do what you want is to control the water content and thereby the consistency.
Tofu can be used to create anything from cheesecake to crispy crouton-like blocks, but expecting it to read your mind as to which it’s supposed to be will lead to disappointment.
Press Really Helps you Make Tofu
If all your tofu recipes so far have failed, this little press may be what you need. Unlike when squashing a block of tofu between two cutting boards, it keeps its shape thanks to the little perforated tray.
The design also allows you to keep your tofu, under pressure, in the fridge for as long as you like, which is essential for getting the maximum amount of water out.
An integrated bowl catches all the liquid, so there’s no mess to worry about; this by itself makes it worth selecting this tofu press rather than most other types.
You can also choose how firm you want your tofu just by adjusting the rubber bands on each side. If you want to start eating more healthily, the first two things you should purchase are a good recipe book and this tofu press.
