Tofu is a simple and cheap dish that is loved because it can be made into many delicious and rice dishes. Tofu is especially rich in protein, iron, calcium, and other essential trace elements for the human body. The shelf life of tofu is very short. It can only be stored for about 1 day at room temperature, 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Although it is very cheap, if it is not sold out in a day, some vendors keep it to sell the next day even though it has expired. Some people even use chemicals to preserve or bleach the tofu.
Here are some tips for choosing the right tofu. If you see tofu with the following 3 signs, you should avoid it!
1. Tofu has a sour smell
The main ingredients of tofu are soybeans and water. Generally, tofu will have a mild soybean smell. Because the shelf life of tofu is very short, tofu left for too long will have a sour smell after a long fermentation process. If we can smell the tofu with a sour smell, it is best not to buy it. Because this is tofu that has been left for a long time and has deteriorated.
2. Tofu is too white
Perhaps, in the subconsciousness of many people, white tofu represents delicious tofu, representing freshness, tenderness, but the reality is the opposite.
Tofu is made from a mixture of soybeans and water, basically without any other ingredients, so fresh tofu is usually light yellow in color.
If you see shiny white tofu sold somewhere, it means that it has been added chemicals. Eating tofu that contains these chemicals regularly is not good for your health.
3. Tofu is hard and sticky
Soybeans are rich in protein, so when fresh tofu is made, the tofu will be soft and elastic. Fresh tofu will not feel sticky when touched. Looking at the delicious tofu, it will look juicy.
If you buy tofu and it is too hard, without elasticity, it is not advisable to buy it. Especially the tofu that feels sticky when touched.
If you feel uneasy buying tofu outside the market, you can make tofu at home with the following recipe:
Ingredients:
– 250g dried soybeans
– 1.2 liters of water
– 20ml vinegar; 20ml lemon juice; 20g salt; 100ml cold water mixed in a bowl.
Procedure:
Step 1: Clean and soak the soybeans overnight. Then rinse with cold water (you can peel them off as desired). Put the soybeans together with the water above in a blender and grind them.
Step 2: Pour the mixture (step 1) into a thin cloth to squeeze out the water.
Step 3: Pour the soybean water into a pot and boil for 20-25 minutes over medium heat. Then add the vinegar-lemon-salt mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes until the soybeans are formed into small lumps. Turn off the heat and let it cool down.
Step 4: Spread a thin cloth on a small strainer, then scoop the tofu lumps into the cloth and wrap it up.
Step 5: Place a heavy object on top of the tofu for a few hours to drain the water and make the tofu firm. The weight of the object will determine whether the tofu is firm or soft. If you like to eat semi-firm tofu, don’t press too hard.
Now you can cut the homemade tofu into small square pieces to enjoy or use it to make your favorite dishes!
According to Phụ Nữ Việt Nam
Girl Uses Vinegar Instead of Gypsum to Make Delicious Tofu
Despite some skepticism, the end result of using gypsum to firm up tofu has proven to be surprisingly delicious.
Deep-frying tofu by immediately adding oil to the pan is wrong, try this method for crispy, unbeatable tofu.
With this simple trick, the fried tofu will turn golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender and not greasy on the inside.
Tofu should not be fried or boiled immediately after purchase, steam it with minced meat for a simple and delicious dish that goes well with rice.
By combining tofu, minced meat, and a tangy pickled vegetable, you’ll create a delicious dish of steamed tofu with minced meat and pickled cabbage that is absolutely mouthwatering.
A special way to make tofu without frying and sauce that everyone praises
Tofu is known as the “plant-based meat” and is incredibly rich in vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, B-group vitamins, vitamin E, and essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc.
Simple and Delicious Recipe for Korean Soy Sauce Marinated Tofu at Home
Korean-style marinated tofu is a simple, flavorful dish that you can easily make at home. Join us in the kitchen to learn how to prepare it!
