Silken and Regular Tofu
Also know as soybean curd, tofu is made from soybean, water, and calcium, like cloud ears, it does not have its own flavor, but can absorb flavors of the foods it is cooked with. In regular supermarkets, you may find different kinds of tofu, usually there are two: silken todu and regular tofu. Both come in a variety of texture, such as soft, medium, firm and extra firm. Silken tofu is softer than the other, and has a creamy texture as well. But regular tofu is more common in Chinese cuisine, often used in stir-fries, grilling, and soups.
Regular tofu:
Other names:
Chinese-style tofu, bean curd.
Provide:
In most grocery stores or supermarkets, regular tofu is kept in plastic container in the refrigerator, if there is an Asian market near your place, you may find them soaked in water.
Use:
Most of the Chinese food recipes call for regular tofu (Firm or extra firm regular tofu works perfectly) as its firm shape can be held during cooking.
Storage:
Before you purchasing, make sure the tofu is still in its expiry period, anyway, you do not want to buy sour tofu. Keep in mind that once you have opened the package, soak the leftover parts in water in a bowl, and refrigerate afterwards, they will last for a week if you change the water daily.
How to drain regular tofu well before cooking?
Indeed, drained regular tofu can absorb flavor easier than undrained one, and make a tastier dish.
1. Cut tofu into uniform size pieces.
2. Lay a kitchen paper out on a big serving plate, arrange tofu cubes on it neatly, then cover another kitchen paper on them.
3. Put a book or any other heavy things on it, let sit for 20 minutes.
4. During this period, you may find water leeks out of it, no worries, drain it by tiltting the plate if needed.
Nutritional and healthy benefits:
Tofu is loaded with calcium, iron, protein, and Vitamin B.
Silken tofu:
Other names:
soft, silk or Japanese-style tofu.
Provide:
Sometimes silken tofu is packaged in aseptic boxes that do not require refrigeration, so silken and regular tofu do not placed at the same section of the store.
Use:
When it comes to silken tofu, most recipes will let you know, commonly you will find silken tofu in salad dressings, sauces and desserts.
Storage:
Like regular tofu, you are supposed to check the expiry time before you purchasing, remember to soak the leftover parts after use, properly refrigerate can keep a week or so.
Nutritional and healthy benefits:
Tofu is loaded with calcium, iron, protein, and Vitamin B.
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