Tofu | Japanese Recipes Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit Tofu, also called doufu (often in Chinese recipes) or bean curd (literal translation), is a food of Chinese origin, made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into blocks. The making of tofu from soy milk is similar to the technique of making cheese from milk. Wheat gluten, or seitan, in its steamed and fried forms is often mistakenly called “tofu” in Asian or vegetarian dishes. Tofu has been a staple in Asia for 2,000 years. It is known for its extraordinary nutritional benefits, as well as its versatility. Also known as soya curd or bean curd, is a soft cheese-like food made by curdling soya milk with a coagulant. Tofu is a rather bland tasting product that easily absorbs the flavours of other ingredients. It is sold in water-filled packs or in aseptic cartons. Fresh tofu is usually packaged in water and should be refrigerated and kept in water until used. If the water is drained and changed daily, the tofu should last for one week. Tofu can be frozen for up to three months.

Freezing will change its texture however, making it slightly chewier. Varieties of Tofu Tofu Tofu Silken tofu (Japanese: kinugoshi tōfu) Tofu Burmese name Burmese ပဲပြား (pebya/péprā:) or တိုဖူး (tofu/tiuphü:) Vietnamese name Vietnamese đậu phụ or tàu hũ Chữ Nôm 豆腐 Thai name Thai เต้าหู้, IPA: Korean name Hangul 두부 Hanja 豆腐 Transcriptions Japanese name Kanji 豆腐 Hiragana とうふ Transcriptions Kunrei-shiki tôhu Malay name Malay tauhu Indonesian name Indonesian tahu Filipino name Tagalog tokwa Khmer name Khmer តៅហ៊ូ (tauhu) Min Bei name Min Bei dae fu ( Jian’ou dialect ) Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks. It is a component in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines .

[3] [4] Tofu can be soft, firm, or extra firm. Tofu has a subtle flavor and can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish. Tofu-making is first recorded during the Chinese Han dynasty some 2,000 years ago. [5] Chinese legend ascribes its invention to prince Liu An (179–122 BC). Tofu and its production technique were introduced into Korea and then Japan [6] [7] [8] during the Nara period (710–794). Some scholars believe tofu arrived in Vietnam during the 10th and 11th century. [9] It spread into other parts of Southeast Asia as well. [10] This spread probably coincided with the spread of Buddhism because it is an important source of protein in the vegetarian diet of East Asian Buddhism . [6] Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty described a method of making tofu in the Compendium of Materia Medica . [11] Tofu has a low calorie count and relatively large amounts of protein .

It is high in iron , and depending on the coagulants used in manufacturing (e.g. calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate), it can have a high calcium or magnesium content. The term tofu is used by extension for similarly textured curdled dishes that do not use soy products, such as “almond tofu” ( almond jelly ), tamago-dōfu ( ja ) (egg), goma-dōfu ( ja ) (sesame), or peanut tofu (Chinese 落花生豆腐 luòhuāshēng dòufu and Okinawan jīmāmi-dōfu ( ja )). Contents 12 External links Etymology The English term comes from Japanese tōfu (豆腐), borrowed from the original Chinese equivalent (豆腐 or 荳腐) transcribed tou4-fu3 ( Wade-Giles ) or dòufu ( pinyin ), literally “bean” (豆) + “curdled” or “fermented” (腐).

[12] [13] [14] A reference to the word “towfu” exists in a letter dated 1770 from the English merchant James Flint to United States statesman and scientist Benjamin Franklin . This is believed to be the first documented usage of the word in English. [15] The term “bean curd(s)” for tofu has been used in the United States since at least 1840. It is not frequently used, however, in the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand. [16] Production Source: USDA Nutrient Database Regardless of the product or scale of the production, the principle of the production of tofu essentially consist of (1) the preparation of soymilk and (2) the coagulation the soymilk to form curds and (3) the pressing of the soybean curds to form tofu cakes. The typical tofu making procedures are cleaning, soaking, grinding beans in water, filtering, boiling, coagulation, and pressing. [17] [18] Coagulation of the protein and oil ( emulsion ) suspended in the boiled soy milk is the most important step in the production of tofu.

This process is accomplished with the aid of coagulants. In the case of salts, the positively charged ion in the particular salt reacts with the various protein in the milk causing the proteins to precipitate with the oil to form a curd. Coagulation of the soymilk is the most important step in tofu making process but is complicated as the process depends on complex interactions many variables including the variety and percentage of protein in the soybeans used, slurry cooking temperature, coagulation temperature, and more factors relating to the processing. [19] Two types of coagulants (salts and acids) are used commercially. [20] Salt coagulants Calcium sulfate ( gypsum ): The traditional and most widely used coagulant to produce Chinese-style tofu, it produces a tofu that is tender but slightly brittle in texture. The coagulant itself has no perceivable taste. It is also known as Gypsum is quarried from geological deposits and no chemical processing or refining is needed, making it the cheapest coagulant used in tofu production. When used in production, the coagulation reaction is slower due to its low solubility, forming a smooth, more gelatinous network with relatively high water content and soft texture.

[18] Use of this coagulant also makes a tofu that is rich in calcium . As such, many tofu manufacturers choose to use this coagulant to be able to market their tofu as a good source of dietary calcium. Chloride-type Nigari salts or Lushui ( Traditional: 鹵水, 滷水; Simplified: 卤水, lǔshuǐ) – Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride : Both of these salts are highly soluble in water and affect soy protein in the same way, whereas gypsum is only very slightly soluble in water and acts differently in soy protein precipitation, the basis of tofu formation. These are the coagulants used to make tofu with a smooth and tender texture. In Japan, a white powder called nigari , which consists primarily of magnesium chloride, is produced from seawater after the sodium chloride is removed and the water evaporated. Depending on its production method, nigari/Lushui may also contain small quantities of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), potassium chloride , calcium chloride, and trace amounts of other naturally occurring salts.

Although the term nigari is derived from nigai, the Japanese word for “bitter,” neither nigari nor pure magnesium chloride imparts a perceivable taste to the finished tofu. Is not found in seawater, therefore not regarded as nigari but is used extensively in United States as it is the only coagulant that gives tofu addition of calcium as a mineral and due to its flavor and least expensive. [15] [21] Fresh clean seawater itself can also be used as a coagulant. [22] Red tofu Acid coagulants Glucono delta-lactone (GDL): A naturally occurring organic acid also used in cheese making , this coagulant produces a very fine textured tofu that is almost jelly-like. It is used especially for “silken” and softer tofus, and confers an almost imperceptible sour taste to the finished product. [23] It is commonly used together with calcium sulfate to give soft tofu a smooth tender texture.

Other edible acids: Though they can affect the taste of the tofu more, and vary in density and texture, acids such as acetic acid ( vinegar ) and citric acid (such as lemon juice), can also be used to coagulate soy milk and produce tofu. [24] Enzyme coagulants Among enzymes that have been shown to produce tofu are papain , and alkaline and neutral proteases from microorganisms. In the case of papain, the enzyme-to-substrate ratio, by weight, was held constant at 1:400. An aliquot of 1% crude papain was added to “uncooked” soy milk at room temperature and heated to 90–100 °C (194–212 °F). [21] Papain, moreover, has been studied as a gelling agent to produce “instant tofu” from soy protein isolate and soy glycinin (11S) protein. [25] [26] Contemporary tofu manufacturers may choose to use one or more of these coagulants, since each plays a role in producing a desired texture in the finished tofu.

[23] Different textures result from different pore sizes and other microscopic features in tofu produced using each coagulant. The coagulant mixture is dissolved into water, and the solution is then stirred into boiled soy milk until the mixture curdles into a soft gel . [20] Coagulants are typically added at concentrations between 1.5 and 5.0 g/kg. In all coagulants consisting of calcium or magnesium salts, the positive double bonded ions of the calcium or magnesium are responsible for the coagulating soy proteins and become part of the tofu thereby enhancing it’s nutritional value. Only 1 part per 1000 of the tofu eaten is coagulant, most react with soy protein and are broken down into ions and the nonreactive portion dissolve in the whey and discarded. [27] Tofu in a market ready for sale. This tofu is still between the wooden boards that were used to press out the water The curds are processed differently depending on the form of tofu that is being manufactured.

For soft silken tofu (嫩豆腐; nèn dòufu) or tofu flower (豆花, dòuhuā) the soy milk is curdled directly in the tofu’s selling package. For standard firm Asian tofu, the soy curd is cut and strained of excess liquid using cheese cloth or muslin and then lightly pressed to produce a soft cake. Firmer tofus, such as Asian dry tofu (豆干) or Western types of tofu, are further pressed to remove even more liquid. In Vietnam, the curd is strained and molded in a square mold, and the end product is called đậu khuôn (molded bean) or đậu phụ (one of the Vietnamese ways to pronounce the Chinese dòufu). The tofu curds are allowed to cool and become firm. The finished tofu can then be cut into pieces, flavored or further processed. Although tartness is sometimes desired in dessert tofu, the acid used in flavoring is usually not the primary coagulant, since concentration sufficiently high to induce coagulation negatively affects the flavor or texture of the resulting tofu.

A sour taste in tofu and a slight cloudiness in its storing liquid is also usually an indication of bacterial growth and, hence, spoilage. Color The whiteness of tofu is is ultimately determined by the soybean variety, soybean protein composition and degree of aggregation of the tofu gel network. The yellowish beige color of soybeans is due to the color compounds including anthocyanin, isoflavones and polyphenol compounds therefore the soybean variety used can predict the color of the final tofu product. [28] Ways to reduce the yellow color include reducing isoflavone content by changing the pH of the soymilk solution used in the production of tofu so that they precipitate out and are removed during the extraction of okra. [29] The opacity of tofu gel and off-white color typical of standard uncooked firm tofu is due to the scattering of light by the colloidal particles of the tofu. The addition of higher levels of calcium salts and high protein content contributes to forming a denser and more aggregated gel network which disperses more light resulting a tofu with a whiter gel appearance. [30] Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds .

Although pre-made soy milk may be used, some tofu producers make their own soy milk by soaking, grinding, boiling and straining dried (or, less commonly, fresh) soybeans . Coagulation of the protein and oil ( emulsion ) suspended in the boiled soy milk is the most important step in the production of tofu. This process is accomplished with the aid of coagulants. Two types of coagulants (salts and acids) are used commercially. [20] Flavor Tofu flavor is generally described as bland, however this taste is desired by customers in North America while a more beany-flavor is preferred in East Asia. The beany or bland taste is generated during the grinding and cooking unit process during production and either a “hot grind” or “cold grind” can be implemented to influence the taste in line with taste preference. The hot grind method reduces the beany flavor due to the inactivation of the lipoxygenase enzyme in soy protein that is known to generate off flavors to generate a tofu that is “bland” taste whereas the cold grind the enzyme is still present which produces the aldehyde, alcohol and ester volatile compounds that create to the beany notes of some tofu.

[27] Varieties A wide variety of tofu is available in both Western and Eastern markets. Despite the range of options, tofu products can be split into two main categories: ‘fresh tofu’, which is produced directly from soy milk , and ‘processed tofu’, which is produced from fresh tofu. Tofu production also creates important by-products that are used in various cuisines. Fresh tofu Depending on the amount of water that is extracted from the tofu curds, fresh tofu can be divided into three main varieties: soft (or silken), firm, and extra firm. Fresh tofu is usually sold completely immersed in water to maintain its moisture content. Japanese-style “silken tofu” with soy sauce and a decorative carrot slice Soft or silken tofu Soft/silken tofu (嫩豆腐 or 滑豆腐, nèn dòufu or huá dòufu, in Chinese , lit. “soft tofu” or “smooth tofu”; 絹漉し豆腐, kinugoshi tōfu in Japanese , lit. “silk-filtered tofu”; 순두부, 純豆腐, sundubu in Korean , lit.

“pure tofu”) is undrained, unpressed tofu that contains the highest moisture content of all fresh tofus. [31] Silken tofu is produced by coagulating soy milk without curdling it. [32] [33] Silken tofu is available in several consistencies, including “soft” and “firm”, but all silken tofu is more delicate than regular firm tofu (pressed tofu) and it has different culinary uses. [34] In Japan and Korea, traditional soft tofu is made with seawater . [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] Silken tofu is a versatile, reliable substitute for dairy products and eggs, especially for smoothies and baked desserts. [40] Douhua (豆花, dòuhuā or 豆腐花, dòufuhuā in Chinese), or tofu brain (豆腐腦 or 豆腐脑, dòufunaǒ in Chinese) is often eaten as a dessert, but sometimes salty pickles or hot sauce are added instead. This is a type of soft tofu with an even higher moisture content.

Because it is very difficult to pick up with chopsticks , it is generally eaten with a spoon. With the addition of flavorings such as finely chopped spring onions , dried shrimp , soy sauce , or chilli sauce , douhua is a popular breakfast dish across China. In Malaysia, douhua is usually served warm with white or dark (palm) sugar syrup, or served cold with longans . Some variation exists among soft tofus. Black douhua (黑豆花, hēidòuhuā) is a type of silken tofu made from black soybeans, which is usually made into dòuhuā (豆花) rather than firm or dry tofu. The texture of black bean tofu is slightly more gelatinous than regular douhua and the color is greyish in tone. This type of tofu is eaten for its earthy “black bean taste.” Edamame tofu is a Japanese variety of kinugoshi tōfu made from edamame (fresh green soybeans); it is pale green in color and often studded with whole edamame.

Firm tofu Various tofu products in a market in Haikou City, Hainan Province, China – Left side: Brown rectangles of soy-sauce stewed dougan tofu, puffed, deep-fried tofu, tofu skin, and large blocks of plain tofu. Right side: Standard pieces sitting atop wooden boards, which press water from the tofu in between. Firm tofu (called 老豆腐 lǎo dòufu in Chinese; 木綿豆腐, momen-dōfu in Japanese, lit. “cotton tofu”; 단단한두부, dandanhan dubu in Korean): Although drained and pressed, this form of fresh tofu still contains a great amount of moisture. It has the firmness of raw meat and bounces back readily when pressed. The texture of the inside of the tofu is similar to that of a firm custard. The skin of this form of tofu has the pattern of the muslin used to drain it and the outside is slightly more resistant to damage than the inside. It can be picked up easily with chopsticks.

[31] [41] In some places in Japan, a very firm type of momen-dōfu is eaten, called ishi-dōfu (石豆腐; literally stone tofu) in parts of Ishikawa , or iwa-dōfu (岩豆腐; literally rock tofu) in Gokayama in the Toyama prefecture and in Iya in the prefecture of Tokushima . Due to their firmness, some of these types of tofu can be tied by rope and carried. These types of firm tofu are produced with seawater instead of nigari ( magnesium chloride ), or using concentrated soy milk . Some of them are squeezed to eliminate excess moisture by using heavy weights. These products are produced in areas where travelling is inconvenient, such as remote islands, mountain villages, and heavy snowfall areas. Extra firm tofu Prepared “dried” tofu threads (干絲, gānsī) Dòu gān (豆干, literally “dry tofu” in Chinese) is an extra firm variety of tofu where a large amount of liquid has been pressed out.

Dòu gān contains the least amount of moisture of all fresh tofu and has the firmness of fully cooked meat and a somewhat rubbery feel similar to that of paneer . When sliced thinly, this tofu can be crumbled easily. The skin of this form of tofu has the pattern of the muslin used to drain and press it. Western firm tofu is milled and reformed after pressing and sometimes lacks the skin with its cloth patterning. One variety of dried tofu is pressed especially flat and sliced into long strings with a cross section smaller than 2 mm × 2 mm. Shredded dried tofu (豆干絲, dòugānsī in Chinese, or simply 干絲, gānsī), which looks like loose cooked noodles , can be served cold, stir-fried, or similar in style to Japanese aburaage . [41] [42] Processed tofu Many forms of processed tofu exist, due to the varied ways in which fresh tofu can be used. Some of these techniques probably originate from the need to preserve tofu before the days of refrigeration, or to increase its shelf life and longevity. Other production techniques are employed to create tofus with unique textures and flavors.

[43] Fermented chòu dòufu is a very pungent type of tofu Pickled tofu (豆腐乳 in Chinese, pinyin : dòufurǔ, or 腐乳 fŭrŭ; chao in Vietnamese): Also called “preserved tofu” or “fermented tofu,” consists of cubes of dried tofu that have been allowed to fully air-dry under hay and slowly ferment with the help of aerial bacteria. [43] The dry fermented tofu is then soaked in salt water, Chinese wine, vinegar, and minced chiles , or in a unique mixture of whole rice, bean paste, and soybeans. In the case of red pickled tofu (紅豆腐乳 in Chinese, Pinyin: hóng dòufurǔ), red yeast rice (cultivated with Monascus purpureus ) is added for color. [44] In Japan, pickled tofu with miso paste is called “tofu no misodzuke,” which is a traditional preserved food in Kumamoto . In Okinawa , pickled and fermented tofu is called “tofuyo”(豆腐餻).

It is made from “Shima-doufu” (an Okinawan variety of large and firm tofu). It is fermented and matured with koji mold, red koji mold, and awamori . Stinky tofu (臭豆腐 in Chinese, Pinyin: chòudòufu): A soft tofu that has been fermented in a unique vegetable and fish brine. [43] The blocks of tofu smell strongly of certain pungent cheeses, or even rotten food. Despite its strong odor, the flavor and texture of stinky tofu is appreciated by aficionados, who describe it as delightful. The texture of this tofu is similar to the soft Asian tofu from which it is made. The rind that stinky tofu develops from frying is said to be especially crisp, and is usually served with soy sauce , sweet sauce, or hot sauce. Dried tofu Two kinds of dried tofu are produced in Japan. They are usually rehydrated by being soaked in water prior to consumption. In their dehydrated state they do not require refrigeration. Koya tofu (also known as shimidofu) is made using nigari . Kori tofu (literally “frozen tofu”) is freeze-dried .

[45] Fried Ganmodoki (がんもどき) With the exception of the softest tofus, all forms of tofu can be fried. Thin and soft varieties of tofu are deep fried in oil until they are light and airy in their core 豆泡 dòupào, 豆腐泡 dòufupào, 油豆腐 yóudòufu, or 豆卜 dòubǔ in Chinese, literally “bean bubble,” describing the shape of the fried tofu as a bubble. Tofus such as firm Asian and dòu gān (Chinese dry tofu), with their lower moisture content, are cut into bite-sized cubes or triangles and deep fried until they develop a golden-brown, crispy surface (炸豆腐 in Chinese, zhádòufu, lit. “fried tofu”). These may be eaten on their own or with a light sauce, or further cooked in liquids; they are also added to hot pot dishes or included as part of the vegetarian dish called luohan zhai . This deep fried tofu is also called Atsuage (厚揚げ) or Namaage (生揚げ) in Japan.

The thinner variety, called Aburaage (油揚げ), develops a tofu pouch often used for Inari-sushi . Frozen Thawed and sliced frozen tofu Thousand layer tofu (千葉豆腐, qiānyè dòufu, literally “thousand layer tofu,” or 凍豆腐 dòngdòufu, 冰豆腐 bīngdòufu in Chinese, both meaning “frozen tofu”): When tofu is frozen, the large ice crystals that develop within it result in the formation of large cavities that appear to be layered. Frozen tofu takes on a yellowish hue in the freezing process. Thousand layer tofu is commonly made at home from Asian soft tofu, although it is also commercially sold as a specialty in parts of Taiwan. This tofu is defrosted and sometimes pressed to remove moisture prior to use. Koya-dofu after soaking in water. Koya-dofu (kōya-dōfu, 高野豆腐 in Japanese): The name comes from Mount Koya , a center of Japanese Buddhism famed for its shōjin ryōri , or traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It is sold in freeze-dried blocks or cubes in Japanese markets.

Since it is dried, it can be preserved long term. It must be soaked in water before eating, and is typically simmered in dashi , sake or mirin and soy sauce . In shōjin ryōri, vegetarian kombu dashi, made from seaweed, is used. When prepared in the usual manner, it has a spongy texture and mildly sweet or savory flavor (the taste and flavor depending on what soup or cooking stock it was simmered in). A similar form of freeze-dried tofu, in smaller pieces, is found in instant soups (such as miso soup ), in which the toppings are freeze-dried and stored in sealed pouches. By-products of tofu production Tofu production creates some edible by-products. Food products are made from the protein-oil film or “skin” that forms over the surface of boiling soy milk in an open shallow pan. The solids leftover from pressing soy milk are called okara . Tofu skin Tofu skin is commonly sold in the form of dried leaves or sheets Tofu skin is produced when soy milk is boiled in an open, shallow pan, thus producing a film or skin composed primarily of a soy protein-lipid complex on the liquid surface.

The films are collected and dried into yellowish sheets known as soy milk skin (腐皮, fǔpí in Chinese; 湯葉, yuba in Japanese). Its approximate composition is : 50–55% protein, 24–26% lipids (fat), 12% carbohydrate, 3% ash, and 9% moisture. [46] The skin can also be bunched up into a stick form and dried into a product known as “tofu bamboo” (腐竹, fǔ zhú in Chinese; phù trúc in Vietnamese; kusatake, Japanese), or into myriad other forms. Since tofu skin has a soft yet rubbery texture, it is folded or shaped into different forms and cooked further to imitate meat in vegan cuisine. Some factories dedicate their production to tofu skin and other soy membrane products. Okara Okara (from the Japanese , おから, okara; known as 雪花菜, xuěhuācài, in Chinese , lit. “snowflake vegetable”; 豆腐渣, dòufuzhā, also Chinese , lit.

“tofu sediment/residue”; and 콩비지, kongbiji, in Korean ), is a tofu by-product sometimes known in the west as “soy pulp” or “tofu lees”, [47] consisting of the fiber, protein, and starch left over when soy milk has been extracted from ground soaked soybeans. [48] Although it is mainly used as animal feed in most tofu producing cultures, it is sometimes used in Japanese and Korean cuisines, such as in the Korean stew kongbiji jjigae (콩비지찌개). It is also an ingredient for the vegetarian burgers produced in many Western nations. Non-tofu “tofus” Due to their Asian origins and their textures, many food items are called “tofu” even though their production processes are not technically similar. For instance, many sweet almond tofus are actually gelatinous desserts hardened using agar or gelatin . Some foods, such as Burmese tofu, are not coagulated from the “milk” of the legume but rather set in a manner similar to soft polenta , Korean muk , or the jidou liangfen of Yunnan province of Southwest China .

Non-tofu sweets Almond “tofu”, which is not made of soy milk but rather from gelatin or agarose “ Almond tofu ” (Chinese: 杏仁豆腐 xìngrén dòufu; Japanese: annindōfu) is a milky white and gelatinous resembling tofu, but it does not use soy products or soy milk and is hardened with agar . A similar dessert made with coconut milk or mango juices may occasionally be referred to as “coconut tofu” or “mango tofu”, although such names are also given to hot dishes that use soy tofu and coconut or mango in the recipe. Egg tofu Egg tofu ( ja ) (Japanese: 玉子豆腐, 卵豆腐, tamagodōfu) (Chinese: 蛋豆腐, dàn dòufu; often called 日本豆腐, rìbĕn dòufu, lit. “Japan bean curd”) is the main type of savory flavored tofu. Whole beaten eggs are combined with dashi , poured into molds, and cooked in a steamer (cf. chawanmushi ). This tofu has a pale golden color that can be attributed to the addition of eggs and, occasionally, food coloring.

This tofu has a fuller texture and flavor than silken tofu, which can be attributed to the presence of egg fat and protein. Plain “dried tofu” can be flavored by stewing in soy sauce (滷) to make soy-sauce tofu. It is quite common to see tofu sold in market in this soy-sauce stewed form. Sesame tofu The tofu known as goma-dōfu ( ja ) is made by grinding sesame into a smooth paste, combining it with liquid and kudzu starch, and heating it until curdling occurs. It is often served chilled as hiyayakko . Peanut tofu In Okinawa, Japan, jīmāmi-dōfu ( ja ) is made in a process similar to that used for sesame tofu. A peanut milk (made by crushing raw peanuts, adding water and straining) is combined with starch (usually sweet potato known locally as umukuji or umukashi (芋澱粉)) and heated until curdling occurs. The Chinese equivalent is 落花生豆腐 luòhuāshēng dòufu.

Burmese tofu To hpu (Burmese tofu), in two forms: fresh and fritters Burmese tofu (to hpu in Burmese ) is a legume product made from besan ( chana dal ) flour; the Shan variety uses yellow split pea flour instead. Both types are yellow in color and generally found only in Myanmar , though the Burman variety is also available in some overseas restaurants serving Burmese cuisine . [49] Burmese tofu may be fried as fritters cut into rectangular or triangular shapes. Rice tofu, called hsan to hpu (or hsan ta hpo in Shan regions) is made from rice flour (called hsan hmont or mont hmont) and is white in color, with the same consistency as yellow Burmese tofu when set. It is eaten as a salad in the same manner as yellow tofu. Preparation Tofu has very little flavor or smell of its own. Consequently, tofu can be prepared either in savory or sweet dishes, acting as a bland background for presenting the flavors of the other ingredients used. As a method of flavoring it is often marinated in soy sauce, chilis, sesame oil, etc.

Eastern methods In Asian cooking, tofu is eaten in myriad ways, including raw, stewed, stir-fried, in soup, cooked in sauce, or stuffed with fillings. The idea of using tofu as a meat substitute is not common in East Asia. Many Chinese tofu dishes such as jiācháng dòufu (家常豆腐) and mápó dòufú ( 麻婆豆腐 ) include meat. Lightly flavored In Japan , a common lunch in the summer months is hiyayakko (冷奴), silken or firm Asian tofu served with freshly grated ginger , green onions , or katsuobushi shavings with soy sauce . In the winter, tofu is frequently eaten as “yudofu,” which is simmered in a clay pot with vegetables (ex: chinese cabbage , green onion, etc.) using konbu dashi . Douhua (豆花), is a soft tofu dish. The fresh tofu is served warm and dressed with sweet syrup. Lamma Island , Hong Kong .

In Chinese cuisine , Dòuhuā (豆花) is served with toppings such as boiled peanuts , azuki beans , cooked oatmeal , tapioca , mung beans , or a syrup flavored with ginger or almond . During the summer, “dòuhuā” is served with crushed ice; in the winter, it is served warm. [50] In many parts of China , fresh tofu is eaten with soy sauce or further flavored with katsuobushi shavings, century eggs (皮蛋 pídàn), and sesame seed oil. In Korean cuisine , dubu gui (두부구이) consists of pan fried cubes of firm tofu seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other ingredients. Cubes of cold, uncooked firm tofu seasoned with soy sauce, scallions, and ginger, prepared in a manner similar to the Japanese hiyayakko, are also enjoyed. The popular bar food, or anju (안주), called dubu kimchi (두부김치), features boiled, firm tofu served in rectangular slices around the edges of a plate with pan fried, sautéed or freshly mixed kimchi (김치) in the middle.

In the Philippines , the sweet delicacy taho is made of fresh tofu with brown sugar syrup and sago . The Singaporean version of taho or douhua is called tofufa. Warm soft tofu is served in slices (created by scooping it from a wooden bucket with a flat spoon) in a bowl with either pandan-flavored sugar syrup or palm sugar syrup. In Vietnam, dòuhuā, pronounced đậu hủ, is a variety of soft tofu made and carried around in an earthenware jar. It is served by being scooped into a bowl with a very shallow and flat spoon, and it is eaten together with either powdered sugar and lime juice or a ginger-flavored syrup. It is generally eaten hot, also in summer. Fried Fried tofu in Indonesia A common cooking technique in many parts of East and Southeast Asia involves deep frying tofu in vegetable oil , sunflower oil, or canola oil with varied results. In Indonesia, it is usually fried in palm oil . Although tofu is often sold preprocessed into fried items, pre-fried tofu is seldom eaten directly and requires additional cooking.

Depending on the type of tofu used, the texture of deep fried tofu may range from crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside, to puffed up like a plain doughnut . The former is usually eaten plain in Chinese cuisine with garlic soy sauce, while the latter is either stuffed with fish paste to make Yong Tau Foo or cooked in soups. [50] In Taiwan , fried tofu is made into a dish called “ A-gei “, which consists of a fried aburage tofu package stuffed with noodles and capped with surimi . In Japan, cubes of lightly coated and fried tofu topped with a kombu dashi -based sauce are called agedashi-dofu (揚げ出し豆腐). Soft tofu that has been thinly sliced and deep fried, known as aburage in Japan and yubu (유부) in Korea, is commonly blanched , seasoned with soy sauce and mirin and served in dishes such as kitsune udon . Aburage is sometimes also cut open to form a pocket and stuffed with sushi rice; this dish is called inarizushi (稲荷寿司) and is also popular in Korea, where it is called yubu chobap (유부초밥).

In Indonesia , tofu is called tahu, and the popular fried tofu is tahu goreng , tahu isi or tahu sumedang . Soups, stews, and braised dishes Yudofu, or tofu in hot water A spicy Sichuan preparation using firm Asian tofu is mápó dòufu (麻婆豆腐). It involves braised tofu in a beef , chili, and fermented bean paste sauce. A vegetarian version is known as málà dòufu (麻辣豆腐). Dried tofu is usually not eaten raw but first stewed in a mixture of soy sauce and spices. Some types of dried tofu are pre-seasoned with special blends of spices, so that the tofu may either be called “five spice tofu” (五香豆腐 wǔxiāng dòufu) or “soy sauce stewed tofu” (鹵水豆腐 lǔshuǐ dòufu). Dried tofu is typically served thinly sliced with chopped green onions or with slices of meat for added flavor. Most dried tofu is sold after it has been fried or pre-stewed by tofu vendors. [50] Soft tofu can also be broken up or mashed and mixed with raw ingredients prior to being cooked.

For example, Japanese ganmodoki is a mixture of chopped vegetables and mashed tofu. The mixture is bound together with starch and deep fried. Chinese families sometimes make a steamed meatloaf or meatball dish from equal parts of coarsely mashed tofu and ground pork. In India, tofu is also used as a low fat replacement for paneer , providing the same texture with similar taste. Tofu bamboos are often used in lamb stew or in a dessert soup . Tofu skins are often used as wrappers in dim sum . Freeze-dried tofu and frozen tofu are rehydrated and enjoyed in savory soups. These products are often taken along on camping trips since a small bag of them can provide protein for many days. Japanese ‘ miso soup ‘, stocks with miso paste , is frequently made with tofu. In Korean cuisine , soft tofu, called sundubu (순두부), is used to make a thick stew called sundubu jjigae (순두부 찌개). Firm, diced tofu often features in the staple stews doenjang jjigae (된장 찌개) and kimchi jjigae (김치 찌개).

Smoked Smoked tofu at The House of Confucius in Qufu At Qufu , the home town of Confucius, smoked tofu is a popular dish. Bacem Bacem is a method of cooking tofu originating in Java , Indonesia . The tofu is boiled in coconut water, mixed with lengkuas (galangal), Indonesian bay leaves, coriander , shallot , garlic , tamarind and palm sugar . After the spicy coconut water has completely evaporated, the tofu is fried until it is golden brown. The result is sweet, spicy, and crisp. This cooked tofu variant is commonly known as tahu bacem in Indonesian . Tahu bacem is commonly prepared along with tempeh and chicken . As flavoring Pickled tofu is commonly used in small amounts together with its soaking liquid to flavor stir-fried or braised vegetable dishes (particularly leafy green vegetables like water spinach ). It is often eaten directly as a condiment with rice or congee . Western methods Generally, the firmer styles of tofu are used for kebabs , mock meats, and dishes requiring a consistency that holds together, while the softer styles can be used for desserts, soups, shakes, and sauces.

Firm Western tofu types can be barbecued. since they hold together on a barbecue grill. These types are usually marinated overnight as the marinade does not easily penetrate the entire block of tofu (techniques to increase penetration of marinades are stabbing repeatedly with a fork or freezing and thawing prior to marinating). Grated firm Western tofu is sometimes used in conjunction with TVP as a meat substitute. Softer tofus are sometimes used as a dairy-free or low-calorie filler. Silken tofu may be used to replace cheese in certain dishes (such as lasagna ). Tofu has also been fused into other cuisines in the West, for instance in Indian-style curries. Tofu and soy protein can be industrially processed to match the textures and flavors of cheese , pudding , eggs , bacon , and similar products. Tofu’s texture can also be altered by freezing , pureeing , and cooking . In the Americas , Europe , Australia and New Zealand , tofu is frequently associated with vegetarianism and veganism as it is a source of non-animal protein.

History Three theories of origin The most commonly held of the three theories of tofu’s origin maintains that tofu was invented in northern China around 164 BC by Lord Liu An , a Han Dynasty prince. Although this is possible, the paucity of concrete information about this period makes it difficult to conclusively determine whether Liu An himself invented the method for making tofu. In Chinese history , important inventions were often attributed to important leaders and figures of the time. [41] In 1960, a stone mural unearthed from an Eastern Han dynasty tomb provided support for the theory of Han origin of tofu, however some scholars maintained that the tofu in Han dynasty was rudimentary, and lacked the firmness and taste of real tofu. [51] Another theory states that the production method for tofu was discovered accidentally when a slurry of boiled, ground soybeans was mixed with impure sea salt . Such sea salt would probably have contained calcium and magnesium salts, allowing the soy mixture to curdle and produce a tofu-like gel. Korean sundubu (soft tofu) and Okinawan tofu is still produced in a similar manner, traditionally using seawater as a coagulant.

This may possibly have been the way tofu was discovered, since soy milk has been eaten as a savory soup in ancient as well as modern times. Its technical plausibility notwithstanding, there is little evidence to prove or disprove that tofu production originated in this way. [41] The last group of theories maintains that the ancient Chinese learned the method for curdling soy milk by emulating the milk curdling techniques of the Mongolians or East Indians . Despite their advanced culture, no technology or knowledge of culturing and processing milk products existed within ancient Chinese society. (They did not seek such technology, probably because of the Confucian taboo on fermented dairy products and other so-called “barbarian foodstuffs”.) The primary evidence for this theory is the etymological similarity between the Chinese term for Mongolian fermented milk (rufu, which literally means “milk curdled”) and the term doufu (“beans curdled”) or tofu. Although intriguing and possible, there is no evidence to substantiate this theory beyond academic speculation.

[41] In Asia Tofu and potatoes grilled at a street stall in Yuanyang , Yunnan province, China The theory that tofu was invented by Lord Liu An of Huainan in about 164 BC (early Han dynasty) has steadily lost favor among most scholars in China and abroad since the 1970s. The claim concerning Liu An was first made by Zhu Xi during the Song dynasty (960-1127 AD) – roughly 1,000 years after the supposed invention. The theory that tofu-making is shown in a mural incised on a stone slab in Han Tomb No.1, at Da-hu-ting, Mixian, Henan province attracted much attention around 1990. Yet this too is debatable because (1) no step of cooking the soy puree is shown in the mural, and (2) when Chinese food historians tried to make tofu without cooking the puree, the result was a tiny amount of unpalatable material. [52] Thus, while there are many theories regarding tofu’s origins, historical information is scarce enough to relegate the status of most theories to either speculation or legend.

Like the origins of cheese and butter , the exact origin of tofu production may never be known or proven. The historical era starts in the year 965 AD (early Song dynasty) with the Qing Yilu by Tao Ku. What is known is that tofu production is an ancient technique. Tofu was widely consumed in ancient China , and techniques for its production and preparation eventually spread to many other parts of Asia . Tofu sold in Haikou, Hainan, China Its development likely preceded Liu An, as tofu is known to have been a commonly produced and consumed food item in China by the 2nd century BC. Although the varieties of tofu produced in ancient times may not have been identical to those of today, descriptions from writings and poetry of the Song and Yuan Dynasty show that the production technique for tofu had already been standardized to the extent that they would be similar to contemporary tofu. In China, tofu is traditionally used as a food offering when visiting the graves of deceased relatives. It is claimed that the spirits (or ghosts) have long lost their chins and jaws, so that only tofu is soft enough for them to eat.

Before refrigeration was available in China, tofu was often only sold during wintertime, since tofu did not spoil as easily in cold weather. During the warmer months, any leftover tofu would be spoiled if left for more than a day. Chinese war hero Guan Yu used to be a tofu maker before he enlisted in the army. Chinese martial arts expert and hero Yim Wing-chun was a celebrated tofu maker in her village. (Tofu as such plays a part in a 1994 movie about her life, Wing Chun .) Tofu and its production technique were subsequently introduced into Korea and then Japan in the Nara period (late 8th century) as well as into other parts of East Asia . The earliest document concerning tofu in Japan shows that the dish was served as an offering at the Kasuga Shrine in Nara in 1183. [53] The book Tofu Hyakuchin (豆腐百珍 Dòufu Bǎizhēn), published in the Edo period , lists 100 recipes for cooking tofu. The rise in acceptance of tofu likely coincided with that of Buddhism , as it is an important source of proteins in that religion’s vegetarian diet.

Since then, tofu has become a staple in many countries, including Vietnam , Thailand , and Korea , with subtle regional variations in production methods, texture, flavor, and usage. In Southeast Asia, tofu was introduced to the region by Chinese immigrants from sea-faring Fujian provinces, evident from the fact that many countries in Southeast Asia refer to tofu using the Min Nan Chinese pronunciations for either soft and firm tofu, or “tāu-hū” and “tāu-goan” respectively. In Indonesia , Malaysia , Singapore , Thailand and the Philippines , tofu is widely available and used in many local dishes. Tofu is called tahu in Indonesia, and Indonesian dishes such as tahu sumbat, taoge tahu, asinan , siomay and some curries are often add slices of tofu as an ingredient. In addition, tahu goreng , tahu isi and tahu sumedang are popular fried tofu snacks. Tofu is called tauhu in Malaysia and Singapore. Malaysian and Singaporean Indians use tofu in their cuisine. such as in Indian mee goreng , rojak pasembor. The strait peranakan cuisine often uses tofu, such as in mee kari Penang and laksa .

The makers of tofu in these countries were originally Chinese but tofu now is made also by non-Chinese. Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are major producers of tofu and have plants located in many municipalities. However, Singapore imports its tofu from its neighboring country, Malaysia. Tofu in the Philippines is essential to the daily diet, as taho , widely eaten as breakfast, or tokwa (a dry fried variation), which is a staple or alternative to meat in main meals and in numerous regional dishes. Tofu was introduced to the archipelago in the 10th to 13th centuries by Song Chinese mariners and merchants, along with many different foods which had become staples of the Philippine diet. The use and production of tofu were first limited to urban centers with influential Chinese minorities, such as Cebu or Tondo , but quickly spread to even remote native villages and islands, long before the Spanish arrival in the 17th century. In the West Benjamin Franklin was the first American to mention tofu in a 1770 letter to John Bartram . Franklin, who discovered it during a trip to London, included a few soybeans and referred to it as “cheese” from China.

[54] The first tofu company in the United States was established in 1878. [55] In 1908 Li Yuying , a Chinese anarchist and a vegetarian with a French degree in agriculture and biology, opened a soy factory, the Usine de la Caséo-Sojaïne , which was the world’s first soy dairy and the first factory in France to manufacture and sell beancurd. [56] However tofu was not well known to most Westerners before the middle of the 20th century. With increased cultural contact between the West and East Asia and growing interest in vegetarianism, knowledge of tofu has become widespread. Numerous types of pre-flavored tofu can be found in many supermarket chains throughout the West. It is also used by many vegans and vegetarians as a means to gain protein without consuming meat products. Nutrition and health Traditional Chinese medicine claims Tofu is considered a cooling agent in traditional Chinese medicine. It is claimed to invigorate the spleen, replenish qi , moisten and cool off Yang vacuity, and detoxify the body. [57] However, there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims, nor their implied notions.

Functions In Chinese traditional medicine, tofu is considered suitable for those who are weak, malnourished, deficient in blood and qi; for the elderly and slim; for those with high fat content in blood, high cholesterol, overweight, and with hardened blood vessels; for people with diabetes; for mothers with low breast milk supply; for children and young adults; for those with an inflamed respiratory tract, phlegm, coughing or asthma. Tofu is also suited for people of old age; it is recommended that it be eaten together with liquor, since tofu contains cysteine, which can speed up the detoxification of alcohol in the body and lessen the harm done to the liver. [57] Protein Tofu is relatively high in protein , about 10.7% for firm tofu and 5.3% for soft “silken” tofu, with about 5% and 2% fat, respectively. [58] respectively as a percentage of weight.

[59] In 1995, a report from the University of Kentucky , financed by Solae , concluded that soy protein is correlated with significant decreases in serum cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein LDL (″bad cholesterol″) and triglyceride concentrations. [60] However, High Density Lipoprotein HDL (″good cholesterol″) did not increase. Soy phytoestrogens ( isoflavones : genistein and daidzein) absorbed onto the soy protein were suggested as the agent reducing serum cholesterol levels. On the basis of this research, PTI, in 1998, filed a petition with Food and Drug Administration for a health claim that soy protein may reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. The FDA granted this health claim for soy: “25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” [61] For reference, 100 grams of firm tofu coagulated with calcium sulfate contains 8.19 grams of soy protein.

[62] In January 2006, an American Heart Association review (in the journal Circulation) of a decade-long study of soy protein benefits showed only a minimal decrease in cholesterol levels, but it compared favorably against animal protein sources. [63] Allergies Because it is made of soy, individuals with allergies, particularly those allergic to legumes , should not consume tofu. Chemistry of tofu All waters especially surface waters contain both dissolved and suspended particles. Coagulation and flocculation processes are used to separate the suspended solid portion from the water to form the curds which makes tofu. The suspended particles vary considerable in source, composition, and charge, particle size, shape and density. This affects the shape, firmness, and texture of the curds. The small particles are stabilized or kept in suspension by action of the physical forces on the particle themselves. One of the forces that play a dominant role in the stabilization results from the surface charge present on the particles. Most solids suspended in water present a negative charge and since they have the same type of surface charge, the particles repel each other when they come close together therefore they will remain in suspension rather than clump together and settle out of the water.

[64] [65] Tofu is made from soymilk which is a turbid colloidal liquid/solution. Turbid means a cloudy opaque or thick liquid with suspended matter. A colloid solution is a solution in which a material is evenly suspended in a liquid, in other words a colloid is a microscopically small substance this is equally dispersed throughout another material. Tofu structure is related to soymilk components particularly colloid components such as protein particles and oil globules. Protein particles content increases with the increase of globulin ratio in soybeans. Tofu is made from the soybean mixture having different ratios by adding coagulant at various concentrations. [66] Gelation of tofu Proteins The two main fractions of the soybean important in tofu making are the 11S component, containing glycinin and the 7S subunit, containing hemagglutinins, lipoxygenases, b-amylase, and β-conglycinin. The major soy protein components, in the two fractions that make up 65-85% of the proteins in soybeans include glycinin and β-conglycinin.

The soybean protein consists of many different subunits which are sensitive to heat, pH and ionic strength and become unevenly distributed among soluble and particulate fractions due to hydrophilic and hydrophobic interaction due to the amino acid composition. [9] Denaturation of glycinin and Β-conglycinin Tofu is prepared by changing the nature of native soy proteins (Glycinin and β-conglycinin) in soy milk to form a gel. In the tofu making process, the denaturation of soy proteins happens during the heating processing unit where soy milk is steamed to 75-95 degrees C. The soy protein enthalpies of denaturation range from 0.2 to 3.0 J/gram protein for 7S fraction containing β-conglycinin and from 0.2 to 6.0 J/gram protein for 11S fraction including glycinin. [67] Upon denaturation, β-conglycinin and conglycinin unfold and expose the hydrophobic acidic amino acid side chains to promote protein aggregation.

[68] Soymilk particle composition (cooking) When talking about the particles in soymilk, researchers commonly refer to the particles in the soymilk system based on particle size and fractionation. The precipitated fraction refers to particulate protein particles that are >40 nm in size, the supernatant fraction contains soluble proteins <40 nm and all lipids exist in the floating fraction after the soymilk is heated. At room temperature (20 degrees C) the soy proteins and corresponding subunits are in their native state and located in the particulate fraction and soluble fraction. The particulate fraction displays the lipid oil bodies are surrounded by majority of 11S subunits and 7S subunits. When heated, to 65-75 degrees C, the 7S subunits dissociate first moving to the soluble fraction and the oil bodies are released into the soluble and floating fraction. After high temperature subjected to a high temperature (75-95 degrees C) the protein-lipid complex is completely dissociated as the 11S subunits dissociate.

What remains in the particulate fraction are 11S and 7S subunits that interact and oil bodies remain in the floating fraction. [69] [70] Gel texture: protein composition Gelation occurs when the soybean protein subunits dissociate, denature then aggregate therefore the protein composition of glycinin and β-conglycinin will determine the gel strength of the final tofu product. Since glycinin and β -conglycinin have different enthalpy of denaturation the gelation mechanisms also differ therefore gelation occurs at two different temperatures, it is possible for a gel to form at a lower temperature (75 degrees C) if the soybean protein contained a higher composition of the β-conglycinin then glycinin. A study that analyzed isolated proteins different gelation mechanism showed the isolated glycinin formed a coarse gel network with a pore size of 2–3 μm. [71] The glycinin gel network is stabilized through further formation of disulfide crosslinks and non-covalent interactions.

It is hypothesized β-conglycinin heat induced gels form as randomly aggregated assembly of clusters that randomly form a gel with a finer dispersed network with a pore size of 0.5–0.6 μm. [71] It is found in a mixed system like tofu that glycinin contributes to the hardness and factorability, while β-conglycinin contributes to the elasticity of the gels however further research is needed to conclude how the ratio of subunits truly affects the texture of tofu making as conflicting results have been reported. [67] [72] Aggregation and gelation mechanism Gelation can be defined as protein aggregation phenomenon in which polymer-polymer and polymer-solvent interaction are so balanced that a tertiary network of matrix is. Coagulation is protein aggregation in which polymer-polymer interaction are favored resulting in a less elastic, less hydrated structure than a protein gel. The gel formation characteristic of tofu consists of the following two steps: an irreversible step which is (1) protein denaturation induced by heat and (2) acid or salt coagulation. [18] Heat induced denaturation results in the disruption of the secondary and tertiary structure of the soy proteins.

Now that the soy proteins are unfolded, the hydrophobic regions that are initially located inside the protein are exposed to the outside medium. In the second step, the exposed negatively charged acidic side chains residues (-COOH) present on glutamic and aspartic acid amino acid are protonated by the addition of coagulan [68] t. The addition of acid or ions neutralizes the surface charge of the exposed side chains. As a result, the electrostatic repulsion between protein molecules are decreased and hydrogen bonding and Van de Waals forces dominate and the now neutralized protein molecule becomes the predominant structure. Due to charge dispersion and decrease electrostatic repulsion, the particles can come closer together and aggregation occur via hydrophobic interactions causing the proteins aggregate to form a three dimensional protein network entrapping water and other components. [67] [73] Storage During freezing, the ice crystals puncture cell walls and facilitate the release of free and bound water and cause a decrease in total water content in tofu after freezing then thawing.

The initial protein-water bonds are irreversibly replaced by protein-protein bonds, which are more elastic which cause a structural change to the gel network and lead to an increase in textural properties such as hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and gumminess. [74] [75] See also Bainy, Eduarda M.; Corredig, Milena; Poysa, Vaino; Woodrow, Lorna; Tosh, Susan (2010-07-01). “Assessment of the effects of soy protein isolates with different protein compositions on gluten thermosetting gelation” . Food Research International. 43 (6): 1684–1691. doi : 10.1016/j.foodres.2010.05.010 . ISSN 0963-9969 . ^ Kohyama, Kaoru; Sano, Yoh; Doi, Etsushiro (1995). “Rheological Characteristics and Gelation Mechanism of Tofu (Soybean Curd)”. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

43 (7): 1808–1812. doi : 10.1021/jf00055a011 . ^ Ringgenberg, Elise; Alexander, Marcela; Corredig, Milena (2013-01-01). “Effect of concentration and incubation temperature on the acid induced aggregation of soymilk”. Food Hydrocolloids. 30 (1): 463–469. doi : 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2012.05.011 . ^ Gandhi, A. P.; Bourne, M. C. (1988-08-01). “Effect of Pressure and Storage Time on Texture Profile Parameters of Soybean Curd (tofu)”. Journal of Texture Studies. 19 (2): 137–142. doi : 10.1111/j.1745-4603.1988.tb00930.x . ISSN 1745-4603 .

^ Xu, Yangzi; Tao, Yukun; Shivkumar, Satya (2016-12-01). “Effect of freeze-thaw treatment on the structure and texture of soft and firm tofu”. Journal of Food Engineering. 190: 116–122. doi : 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2016.06.022 . External links Tofu - YouTube Tofu Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Sep 12, 2011 Tofu or bean curd is a food made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks. It is of Chinese origin,and it is also a part of East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and others.

There are many different varieties of tofu, including fresh tofu and tofu that has been processed in some way. Tofu has a subtle flavor and can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish. Tofu is thought to have originated in ancient China, but its precise origins are debated. Chinese legend ascribes its invention to prince Liu An (Chinese, 179--122 BC). Tofu and its production technique were introduced into Korea and then Japan during the Nara period. It also spread into other parts of East Asia as well.This spread likely coincided with the spread of Buddhism because it is an important source of protein in the vegetarian diet of East Asian Buddhism. Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty described a method of making tofu in Bencao Gangmu. Tofu contains a low amount of calories, relatively large amounts of protein, and little fat. It is high in iron and, depending on the coagulant used in manufacturing, may also be high in calcium and magnesium.

Category Tofu | Good Eats | Fandom powered by Wikia Share Tofu, or bean curd is a food made by coagulating soy milk, and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks. It is of Chinese origin, and part of East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and others. There are many different varieties of tofu, including fresh tofu and tofu that has been processed in some way. Tofu has very little flavor or smell on its own, so it can be used either in savory or sweet dishes, and is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish. Tofu originated in the Han dynasty in ancient China. Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty described a method of making tofu in Bencao Gangmu. Tofu and its production technique were subsequently introduced into Korea, then Japan during the Nara period. It also spread into other parts of East Asia as well. This spread likely coincided with the spread of Buddhism as it is an important source of protein in the vegetarian diet of East Asian Buddhism. Tofu is low in calories, contains a relatively large amount of iron, and contains little fat.

Depending on the coagulant used in manufacturing, the tofu may also be high in calcium and/or magnesium. About – Miss Tofu For when your eyes are too tired for words About Since my target audience is multinational, I should first explain what Tofu is.”Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks.” (Wikipedia) What wiki did not mentioned is that a fundamental trait of tofu is it being very soft and fragile. Pretty much sums up the person everyone thought I am. But this is a record of me getting rid of this nickname and progress to perhaps, stinky tofu? 😉 “Stinky tofu or chòu dòufu is a form of fermented tofu that has a strong odour . (Wikipedia)” At least it’s more bad ass. As much as I would like to feel strong and independent; I know I am not (yet). But often times this is not a choice, but a must. And I should never be too harsh on myself. So this will be a written record of my journey on to becoming a better self. This is a time to make mistakes, make many MANY mistakes.

But I must learn from it, too, so the effort or whatever wasted is worthwhile. Part of growing up is becoming a better person and that is what we live for and should strive to achieve. 🙂 To put this further, the final step of life is to contribute to the greater good of mankind when we become better. (Credits to a wise friend.) Share this: Kitchen DIY: How To Make Tofu - Dave's Homestead Dave's Homestead Kitchen DIY: How To Make Tofu Posted on by David Nash Homemade Tofu This project to learn how to make tofu was done simply because I thought it was neat, and not one that I thought would actually be used a lot, but I recently bought a book called Country Beans and saw how easy it was to make tofu and I thought I would try it. Basically tofu is a bean curd made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks. It’s very similar to making a vinegar based cheese like ricotta. To do make tofu you only need soymilk, a coagulant, a pot, spoon, sieve, and a way to press out the water.

I used my cheese mold, but you could use a saucer pressing down on the curds in your sieve. There are three basic types of coagulants; Salts, Acids, and Enzymes. Enzyme tofu production is beyond my scope as a home chemist so I won’t discuss them. I have also read that a lot of the medical problems some attribute to tofu stems from the use of enzymes but I am not a doctor, so you should research that yourself. Salt coagulants Calcium sulfate (gypsum): The traditional and most widely used coagulant to produce Chinese-style tofu. It produces a tofu that is tender but slightly brittle in texture. The coagulant itself has no perceivable taste. Use of this coagulant also makes a tofu that is rich in calcium. Magnesium chloride ( Nigari) salts or calcium chloride (Lushui): These are the coagulants used to make tofu with a smooth and tender texture. In Japan, a white powder called nigari, which consists primarily of magnesium chloride, is produced from seawater after the sodium chloride is removed and the water evaporated.

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom salt), is readily available and cheap, so for the beginner or first time user, this is a great coagulant to use Acid coagulants Can affect the taste of the tofu more than salts, and vary in efficacy and texture. But the two most used are Vinegar (acetic acid) Lemon Juice (citric acid) The recipe I used called for acid and it said either distilled while vinegar or lemon juice could be used interchangeably. I used lemon juice. Instructions on How to Make tofu: Boil your soymilk. The country bean book did not give a quantity to use, so I dumped in a full container of organic plain soymilk. It said stir frequently, and I concur. I did not stir frequently enough and filled the kitchen with a nice chocolate smell as some of the soymilk scorched. Once it is boiling simmer for 7 minutes. (Stir frequently) Mix 1 ½ cup of hot water with ½ cup of acid. Once the milk has simmered remove from heat and stir in 1/3 of your acid into the milk. Stir very thoroughly. Keep the spoon in the pot and stop stirring.

This sets up eddies in the milk to ensure a good mixing. When the milk stops moving, remove the spoon and sprinkle the second third of the acid on the top of the milk. Cover the pot and let sit for 20 minutes. Check the milk, the milk should curdle and the liquid should be clear but yellowish. If the milk has not fully separated ad the last third of the acid, stir, cover and let sit another 3 minutes or so. You will most likely need all the acid, but the more acid you use the more you will taste it, so by adding it in steps you may reduce the amount you will need to use, resulting in a purer product. Ladle the curds into a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Lift the edges of the cheesecloth and lift the bundle out of the sieve and let place it into your press. The weights and press times will change depending on how firm you want your tofu. 10 minutes with a quart mason jar of water will give softer tofu, double the weight and time for a firmer tofu. I used a quart jar of honey and 20 minutes and it turned out pretty good.

Once it has been pressed place the tofu in a bowl of cold water for everything to set. Tofu tastes best a few hours after it’s been made. If you make your tofu in the morning, it will be at its peak at dinner.. If you will store the tofu for more than a day, cover the tofu with water. Since it is preservative free, home-made tofu should not be kept more than a couple of days – If you intend to eat the tofu on the same day don’t put any water in the container. Put on an airtight lid, and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Alternatively you can freeze your tofu, and if you do that, the water crystals will form holes in your tofu changing its texture to a more meat similar texture.

Tofu Construction starts at the foundation and ends in disaster | Cement Trust Tofu Construction starts at the foundation and ends in disaster Posted on August 25, 2011 by cementtrust Earthquake survivors have a name for poor building practices: Tofu Construction In China, the term tofu dregs (the messy bits left after making tofu) is used to describe shoddy work that is a poorly executed by someone who is responsible for a building project. With Tofu Construction you get a structure that may not withstand the next disaster. In under-developed countries there are “tofu-work” projects completed by even the largest and most well-meaning organizations. Vice-President Biden’s visit to China this week is just another reminder of the risks that Tofu Construction presents to governments and organizations. Chinese officials made sure that they picked a school without any “tofu-work” issues that might sour their image. No group wants the bad PR that would result from the failure of this tofu construction work. It would be like watching a video of a USAID plastic-wrapped shelter blowing across a Haitian tent city during a hurricane.

The term Tofu Construction does works well in describing the cement-based construction materials that are sometimes used in the rebuilding effort in Haiti. Wikipedia teaches us that Tofu “is a food made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks”. Soft White Blocks… Doesn’t this also define many of the concrete building blocks created from the white sands of Haiti? The poor quality sand, the skimping on cement, the mixing on the ground, each combine with the primitive molds to press out what is like a “tofu” construction product. The millions of cubic yards of rubble contain the remnants of this disastrous construction process. And the loss of life and property will never change until we stop accepting this practice and replacing it all with a better concrete construction supply system . The leaders of Haiti and the building crews from all the charities must realize that Tofu Construction is at the very foundation of the construction problems of the country. Until we upgrade the process, this will continue to leave a bad taste in our mouths. Please share this:

Question: Tofu is made by coagulating what, and compacting the resulting curds into blocks?
Answer: Soy milk