Explore What kind of tofu is best for salads?

As a representative of traditional Chinese cuisine, tofu is not only rich in nutrition but also has various textures and forms. Some are delicate and smooth, while others are firm in texture. Which one is the most suitable for making salads? Follow me to explore!

What type of tofu is best?

When making tofu salad, I usually choose soft tofu or lactone tofu because:

Delicate texture: Soft tofu has a fine and soft texture, a smooth taste, and a loose structure. It can be well mixed with seasonings such as salad dressing to enhance the taste and flavor of the salad.

Rich in nutrition: Soft tofu retains more moisture and nutritional components such as protein and calcium, which can provide rich nutritional value for the salad.

Easy to match: The taste of soft tofu is relatively mild and will not cover the flavors of other ingredients. It can be better matched with various seasonings and ingredients to show rich taste levels.
In contrast, firm tofu (northern tofu) has a relatively hard texture and a rougher taste. It is not easy to be evenly mixed with seasonings such as salad dressing and is not very suitable for making salad.

Can you eat raw tofu in a salad?

Regarding whether raw tofu can be put in tofu salad, my choice is not to put it. The reasons are as follows:

Cause gastrointestinal discomfort: Raw tofu may contain some anti-nutritional factors and microorganisms. Direct consumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and may even pose some health risks.

Require cooking treatment: Usually, I will perform appropriate cooking treatment on tofu, such as blanching or steaming. This can remove some anti-nutritional factors and also make tofu more hygienic and safe.

Taste and safety: Tofu that has been processed and then used in salad will have better taste and safety.

If you really prefer the taste of raw tofu, it is recommended to soak the tofu in hot water before using it.

Do I need to rinse tofu?

In fact, for tofu with intact packaging and produced in a regular way, generally there is no need to rinse it. These tofu have already undergone strict hygienic treatment during the production process and can be eaten directly.

However, if there are obvious impurities or stains on the surface of tofu, for the sake of our health and taste, it is better to rinse it. This can remove some unclean things and make us eat more at ease.

Also, if it is homemade tofu or bulk tofu bought from places like farmers' markets, it is recommended to rinse it slightly with clean water to remove possible bacteria and impurities on the surface.

But be careful not to rinse too hard when rinsing, otherwise the tofu will be damaged.

Does store bought tofu need to be pressed?

The tofu bought in stores, no matter what kind it is, is a finished product after being pressed and formed, and there is no need to press it again.

The tofu used for making salad is usually tender tofu. Its texture is relatively soft, smooth and tender, and has a high water content. Pressing may destroy its original taste and shape, making the tofu become too tight and lose the characteristics of tender tofu.

But if you have special requirements for the taste of tofu in salad personally, or hope that tofu can better match with other ingredients, you can gently press or slightly squeeze to help the tofu maintain its shape and at the same time remove some water to make it more suitable for salad.

How long does tofu last in the fridge?

At room temperature, tender tofu can usually be preserved for about 1 day; when refrigerated, it can be preserved for 2-3 days; when frozen, it can be preserved for 1 month.

Specific situations are as follows:

Preservation at room temperature:

At room temperature, tender tofu is very easy to breed bacteria, so it is best to be stored in a cool place.

Generally speaking, it can only be preserved for about 1 day at room temperature.

Refrigerated preservation:

Put tender tofu in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment. Remember to seal it well.

The low temperature of the cold storage compartment can effectively slow down the growth of bacteria. Tender tofu can be preserved for 2 to 3 days.

Frozen preservation:

Although it is not recommended to freeze tender tofu directly because the taste will deteriorate after thawing and become rough and with ice chips.

But if freezing is really necessary, it is best to eat it within 1 month. The taste will decline after thawing.

What is the best way to cook tofu for beginners?

For beginners, there are many ways to cook tofu. Which one to choose mainly depends on your taste and experience. Here are several simple and delicious methods that allow you to get started easily.

I. Steamed tofu

Introduction: Steaming can best retain the original taste of tofu and is suitable for beginners who like to eat lightly.

Steps: Cut tofu into pieces and put it in a steamer. After the steamer is heated up, steam for 8 to 10 minutes. After taking it out after steaming, seasonings such as chopped green onions and minced garlic can be sprinkled according to your own taste.

II. Stewed tofu

Introduction: Stewing tofu is a very simple method and is suitable for beginners. Moreover, tofu can fully absorb the taste of soup.
Steps: Cut tofu into pieces and blanch it first to remove the fishy smell. Heat oil in a pan over low heat and put ginger and scallions in to stir-fry until fragrant. Then put tofu in and add an appropriate amount of water and simmer slowly for 10 to 15 minutes.

III. Stir-fried tofu

Introduction: Stir-fried tofu is very common in home-cooked dishes. It is not difficult to operate and is suitable for beginners.
Steps: Cut tofu into slices and blanch it in salt water to remove the fishy smell. Heat oil in a pan over low heat and put ginger, scallions and garlic in to stir-fry until fragrant. Then put tofu in and stir-fry. Add an appropriate amount of seasonings and stir-fry until it is flavorful.

IV. Pan-fried tofu

Introduction: Pan-fried tofu is a relatively simple and common method. For beginners, it can be easily made.
Steps: Cut tofu into appropriate pieces. Pour an appropriate amount of oil into a pan and fry tofu over medium heat until both sides are golden brown. Then it can be paired with various seasonings.