Whole soybeans, sometimes mixed with another grain such as rice or millet, are fermented into a rich cake of soybeans with a smoky or nutty flavor. Tempeh can be marinated and grilled and added to soups, casseroles, or chili. It is found in Asian food stores. Tofu is a bland product that easily absorbs the flavors of other ingredients with which it is cooked. Firm tofu is higher in protein, fat and calcium than other forms of tofu.
Soft tofu is good for recipes that call for blended tofu.
Silken tofu is a creamy product and can be used as a replacement for sour cream in many dip recipes. Salad dressings offered by companies in this Directory include creamy dressings made with tofu or some other soy food product. Several types of tofu can be found in supermarkets and natural health food stores. Tofu is also available as a powder. It has a high protein content and is commonly sold fresh, half-dried and dried.