What is tofu?

Tofu also known as soybean curd, is a soft, dairy free cheese-like food made by curdling fresh hot soymilk with a coagulant.  Tofu is very popular in Asia and can be found in many vegetarian and vegan dishes.  By itself it has little flavour but it acts like a sponge and takes on whatever seasoning used when cooking it.

There are 3 types that you can buy:

Firm Tofu - good for stir fry, soups and grilling.  Firm tofu also is higher in protein, fat and calcium than other forms of tofu.

Soft tofu - good for oriental soups and when the recipe calls for blended tofu

Silken tofu - more of a creamy custard like product - works well pureed or blended.

I hope this helps

Tofu is soybean curd, made from the liquid extracted from ground, cooked soybeans. It is made in much the same way cheese is made. You will find different tofu labeled as soft, firm, or extra-firm, the difference among these being the amount of liquid pressed out during processing. Soft tofu is best for blending into mixtures such as smoothies, and the firm tofus are best for stir-frying or sauteeing. Tofu if fairly bland, but will take up the flavor of whatever you cook with it.