What Exactly IS Tofu?

You'd likely be surprised that tofu has been a part of your diet and you had no idea! But honestly, you probably have no clue what tofu really is. So what is it? Besides being one of the most searched foods on the Internet, and a protein-packed, calcium-loaded meat alternative, what exactly is this vegetarian/vegan "meat"?

Tofu (better known as bean curd), is a food created from the compression of soybeans, water and a coagulating agent. The result is a protein and calcium-rich food that is then pressed into blocks/squares. Tofu is subtle in flavor and can have a variety of consistencies.

The Asian population has had tofu in their diets for centuries and more recently tofu has begun to trend in American diets, especially for vegetarians and vegans. The heightened use of tofu in the States has created a lot of commotion around it. Some even criticize tofu due to it often being created with genetically modified soybeans.

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However, if you're willing to do a little research and spend a couple extra bucks, you can steer clear of the GMO created versions. Research has actually shown that GMO-free tofu has a connection to decreasing the risk heart disease and cancer.

Here is a yummy tofu recipe so that you can try it out for yourself!

Ingredients

1/3 cup white miso (soybean paste)
1/3 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts
5 tablespoons canola oil
2 (14-ounce) packages water-packed firm tofu, drained
8 cups gourmet salad greens
Minced fresh chives (optional)

Directions

Combine first 4 ingredients, 1/4 cup peanuts, and 3 tablespoons oil in a small bowl.
Stir with a whisk.
Cut each tofu block crosswise into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices.
Arrange tofu on several layers of paper towels.
Top with several more layers of paper towels; top with a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan.
Let stand 30 minutes.
Remove tofu from paper towels.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 8 tofu slices to pan; sauté 4 minutes on each side or until crisp and golden.
Remove from pan, and drain tofu on paper towels.
Repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining 8 tofu slices
Place 1 cup greens on each of 8 plates.
Top each serving with 2 tofu slices, 3 tablespoons miso mixture, and 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped peanuts.
Garnish each serving with chives, if desired.