Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 How long will tofu be ok in the freezer? Erika **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030\ 000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 ...Hello everyone, I am learning and transitioning into a vegetarian lifestyle. I have some troubles with making something's taste filling. I tried once and as very disapointed in the firm tofu... I was trying it as a substitue for chicken in a vegetable stirfry. Please share any and all ideas for making great meals that include tofu. I should I prepare it, to make it very firm once it is done? Thanks, Sye- ______________________________\ ____ Special deal for users & friends - No Cost. Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text3.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 There are SO many ways to make Tofu yummy. Have you tried googling recipes? There are some great vegan recipe sites out there. You have to learn to cook with it - because if cooked poorly, it can turn you off for years! I went and actually purchased a book on how to cook tofu - I've made lasagna, stir fries, " nuggets " , and a bunch of other foods. Good luck! Crissie On Behalf Of Code Red Fitness Monday, March 31, 2008 5:20 PM What is the best way to make tofu? ...Hello everyone, I am learning and transitioning into a vegetarian lifestyle. I have some troubles with making something's taste filling. I tried once and as very disapointed in the firm tofu... I was trying it as a substitue for chicken in a vegetable stirfry. Please share any and all ideas for making great meals that include tofu. I should I prepare it, to make it very firm once it is done? Thanks, Sye- ________ Special deal for users & friends - No Cost. Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text3.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 We're in transition too! My family loves the Quorn products (www.quorn.us)! I just used it last night with pasta, mushrooms and broccoli (think " chicken, broccoli, ziti....), garlic, olive oil..... I'm fine with no meat and veggie meals (I feel SO much better!) and they're pretty open, but once in a while want something a bit more " substantial " . We've also tried the crumbles (frozen) in lasagna etc, also the veggie sausages are good IN things. I have some TVP (textured veg protein), but haven't used it yet. I made a meatless loaf with lentils that was yummy (many in the files), there are also recipes for meatless burgers that are satisfying. We also like the frozen veggie burgers and " chicken " burgers. And there's seitan - (MY first encounter wasn't positive, but it may have been the brand I selected, I didn't care for the taste, but there are others and I'll give it a try later on!) - http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjseitan.htm. I like to freeze tofu, then defrost, drain well and make into mock tuna or egg salad (I add things like celery, finely shredded carrot, cuke, dill, garlic powder, tumeric, etc etc.....). The texture is TOTALLY different! Also you can either bake it yourself or buy it already marinated/baked and add it to stir fry. There are SO many wonderful recipes in the files! Jann Code Red Fitness <coderedfitness wrote: > ..Hello everyone, I am learning and transitioning into a vegetarian lifestyle. I have some troubles with making something's taste filling. I tried once and as very disapointed in the firm tofu... I was trying it as a substitue for chicken in a vegetable stirfry. Please share any and all ideas for making great meals that include tofu. I should I prepare it, to make it very firm once it is done? Thanks, Sye- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 As others have said, freezing and thawing tofu firms it up nicely (though it turns an odd yellowy color); then it is nearly edible for me. I prefer it baked, or even better, sauteed/fried so the outside is firm or crispy and the inside is soft--mmmm! **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030\ 000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 Hello, Make sure you drain tofu before you cook with it, especially if you are trying to use it as a chicken substitute. Fold 1 or 2 paper towels in quarters. Place the block of tofu on it. Place another folded paper towel on top. You can then place a plate on top to squeeze out excess water. Some people will recommend that you let it sit for up to an hour. I find that a few minutes works. I would also recommend that you give extra firm tofu a try. It has a better texture for stir fry. I think firm is too silky and even gets a little gooey when stir fried. It is best used in recipes like smoothies or baking. Good Luck. Renee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 Sye, I'll share a few tips that I wish I knew a year ago when I became a vegetarian. There are two kinds of tofu. The first is " silken " and usually in aseptic (vacuum-sealed) boxes that are shelf-stable until opened. It's very creamy, and best used in puddings and baked goods, etc. The second kind is water-packed, which is always found in the refrigerated section (at my local grocery, it's a small refrigerated area in the produce section. This is the kind used as a meat substitute. In the past I had tried cubing and frying silken tofu, and let me tell ya....it doesn't work well! :-) To make tofu firmer and less like a boiled egg texture, put a package of the water-packed tofu in the freezer for a few days. Then thaw in the fridge (which may take another day or two). Personally, I cut the block into four thin slices (the long way) and lay between two clean flour-sack dish towels. I set a heavy book on top to " squeeze " out the extra water. Sometimes it's 10 minutes, other times it's 30+. Then you can cube it and fry or bake it. Trying tofu dishes at a few restaurants will really give you a good idea for how much the taste and texture can vary from dish to dish. Good luck! Kristen , Code Red Fitness <coderedfitness wrote: > > ..Hello everyone, I am learning and transitioning into a vegetarian lifestyle. I have some troubles with making something's taste filling. I tried once and as very disapointed in the firm tofu... I was trying it as a substitue for chicken in a vegetable stirfry. Please share any and all ideas for making great meals that include tofu. I should I prepare it, to make it very firm once it is done? Thanks, Sye- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 One of my favorite tofu recipes is one I adapted from chicken -- I also like to use crumbled soft tofu in place of ricotta cheese in baked ziti or lasagna. Enjoy Christine in Iowa East India Curry Casserole 1 lb firm tofu, drained Cut up and shake in seasoned flour: ½ C flour ½ C bread crumbs 3 T parmesan cheese 1 t salt 1 t each: basil, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, pepper, paprika, curry Brown seasoned tofu in ¼ C melted butter. Remove, drain, place in casserole dish. Simmer gently in pan drippings until golden: ½ C finely diced onions ½ C finely diced green pepper 2-3 cloves minced garlic 1 ½ t (or more) curry powder ½ t thyme 2 C stewed tomatoes Simmer until pan is deglazed. Pour this sauce over the tofu. Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve with steamed rice. Garnish with slivered almonds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 I just made the bbq tofu and polenta recipe on Whole Foods website. Really easy for a first-timer. They have lots of good stuff to try. cassie You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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