There are certain ingredients that don’t pair well with tofu when cooking or eating, and may cause discomfort such as bloating and indigestion. Here are some ingredients to avoid when cooking with tofu:
1. Tofu and Green Onions Don’t Mix
This may come as a surprise as green onions are commonly added to tofu dishes such as fried tofu with green onions, tofu in tomato sauce, and braised tofu. Green onions also enhance the flavor and aroma of dishes, not just tofu. However, there’s a reason why these two ingredients shouldn’t be cooked or eaten together.
Green onions contain oxalic acid, while tofu is rich in calcium. When combined, they form calcium oxalate, which is difficult for the body to absorb. Consuming these two foods together can lead to calcium deficiency and even kidney stone formation.
2. Avoid Cooking or Eating Tofu with Spinach
While it’s uncommon to cook tofu and spinach together, some people might include both ingredients in a vegetable soup or have them on the same plate. However, we should avoid cooking or eating these two foods together.
Spinach is extremely nutritious and packed with beneficial compounds. However, like green onions, spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, and when combined with tofu’s calcium, it forms calcium oxalate, hindering calcium absorption. This can lead to calcium deficiency and increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
3. Tofu and Goat Meat Don’t Mix
While it’s unlikely to cook tofu and goat meat together, you might find both dishes served on the same table. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tofu has a sweet and slightly cold property, while goat meat is considered hot and fiery. Consuming these two foods together over an extended period can lead to jaundice and edema.
4. Don’t Mix Tofu and Honey
Honey is rarely used as a sweetener in tofu dishes, but some people might use it as a substitute for sugar. While it may add a unique flavor to the dish, “Honey contains enzymes, while tofu is rich in minerals. Consuming them together can lead to adverse reactions in the body. Additionally, eating tofu with honey can cause diarrhea,” says Doctor Đoàn Thị Thu Hoài from Đắk Lắk Traditional Medicine Hospital.
5. Avoid Cooking or Eating Tofu with Eggs
Some people enjoy braising tofu and meat with eggs or coating tofu in egg before frying. However, according to TCM, eggs and tofu are both protein-rich foods. Consuming them together can hinder protein absorption in the body. Therefore, it’s best to avoid cooking these two ingredients together or eating them in the same meal.
