a note about tofu

I get the feeling that a lot of people are scared of tofu and that's why they "don't like it." So in order to promote tolerance, I'd like to introduce you to your good friend tofu. Tofu tastes like what you cook it in. That's all. Doesn't sound so scary, now does it? The toughest part


You can find tofu in any grocery store (if I can find it here in the south, then it can be done). It comes in a package that looks like this:

For cooking purposes, I recommend extra firm tofu. When you open the package, you'll see a block of tofu sitting in liquid. Don't worry! That's how it should look. But in order to use the tofu, you'll need to get as much of the liquid out of the block as you can. In three easy steps!

1. Place the block of tofu onto a plate with two or three paper towels. Put two or three paper towels on top of the tofu.
2. Get a heavy, flat thing (a cutting board!) and place it evenly on top of the tofu. Put a small pan or heavy bowl in the middle of the cutting board; this is to put pressure on the tofu and gently get the liquid out.
3. Wait. For like at least thirty minutes.

Check your paper towels at least once during this process; if your tofu has more water than usual, you might need to replace your paper towels. 

Now your tofu is ready for cooking!

I'm not even going to write down a recipe because it is SO EASY to cook tofu, you guys. Three more easy steps!

• Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray and bring to a medium heat (about a 5 on my stove top).
• Put the tofu in the pan (I generally tend to cube mine, but cooking it flat is also fine). Pour the sauce of your choice over the tofu.*
• Cook tofu for no more than six minutes, flipping occasionally to make sure it cooks thoroughly and is completely distributed with sauce. Serve.**

* - I often use a soy sauce/teriyaki sauce combo, but BBQ sauce works also. I've even used honey mustard.

** - Rice makes a good side with tofu; I've also put tofu in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato. It's pretty versatile, as it just takes place of a protein in your dish.

Now you have no reason to be afraid of tofu. It's the easiest thing in the world to cook, so try it out!