How to Choose the Top Tofu Brands
When you’re planning a meal, you want to choose the best tofu brands available. From firm and silken tofu and fermented and pickled tofu, there are plenty of choices to choose from. But how do you choose?
Silken tofu
Silken tofu is a type of tofu made from soy milk. It is often used as a substitute for cream or milk in many recipes. In some cases, it is blended with non-dairy milk to make a creamy, thick paste. Whether you’re using it as a cheesecake or as a base for a salad dressing, silken tofu is a delicious, versatile alternative to dairy products.
The main difference between regular and silken tofu is the texture. Silken tofu is usually unpressed, while regular tofu is packed in water. Both types are available in a variety of shapes and consistencies. This makes them a good choice for stir-fries, grilled vegetables, and other Asian dishes.
Generally, tofu is available in soft, medium, or firm varieties. Soft silken tofu is the most delicate of the three and is great for salads, smoothies, and dips. Medium tofu is a little firmer, making it a good choice for baked dishes and puddings. However, it isn’t as flexible as the firm tofu, and it won’t hold up to intense cooking.
Tofu can also be marinated or cooked in a sauce. These two methods help enhance its flavor. If you’re new to tofu, you can add it to stir-fries, rice dishes, and other Asian foods.
Tofu is also a vegan alternative to cheese and eggs in omelettes and other desserts. Some companies make tofu ricotta, a cream cheese-like consistency that can be used in lasagna.
Tofu can be sold in a number of places, including online and at mainstream grocery stores. Tofu should be purchased organic, non-GMO, and free of artificial ingredients. You’ll find silken tofu in various formats: in plastic containers, aseptic boxes, and paperboard boxes.
When shopping for tofu, look for a product with a % Daily Value (DV) that tells you the amount of nutrients in a serving. Use firm or extra firm tofu, which have more protein. For general nutrition advice, aim for 2,000 calories per day.
Silken tofu is usually sold in a rectangular plastic white container. It is usually packaged in aseptic or shelf-stable containers and can be used up to a year after purchase.
Firm tofu
Whether you’re looking to eat more plant-based meals, or you’re interested in using tofu in recipes, the right firm tofu can help you make delicious dishes. There are a variety of different firm tofu brands, each with its own unique texture and taste. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right tofu for your cooking needs.
Tofu is made from soybeans, which are grown without synthetic fertilizers. It is a rich source of calcium and amino acids. Depending on the brand, it can have a very high protein content, too.
If you’re planning to eat more soy, it’s a good idea to choose a firm tofu brand that hasn’t been processed with GMOs. These products are often labeled as lactose-free.
Some firm tofu brands have a more solid, crumbly texture, while others have a spongy, smoother feel. The texture is also determined by how much water the tofu contains. A higher water content will result in a softer, less solid tofu.
In addition to being a great source of protein, tofu can be used in a variety of vegetarian dishes. It can be braised, grilled, or fried. You can even add tofu to a stew or salad for a light, creamy, and meat-like texture.
Firm tofu is the most versatile of all tofu types. It’s firm enough to hold its shape when stir-frying or grilling, but soft enough to be easy to cut into slices.
Another firm tofu option is pressed. This type of tofu has been pre-seasoned, and it can be a quick way to add tofu to your cooking. Pressed tofu can come in a wide variety of natural flavors, like soy, shiso, and garlic.
If you want a vegan product that has an excellent texture, look no further than Whole Foods 365 Organic Firm Tofu. Made from non-GMO soybeans, this product has a mild, savory flavor and gets a nice golden brown when fried.
Before you purchase firm tofu, be sure to check the expiration date. Firm tofu will last a few weeks in the refrigerator. Choosing a firm tofu that’s not expired can save you money.
Fermented and pickled tofu
Fermented and pickled tofu are foods that are traditionally sold in Asian markets. They are usually used as a condiment or ingredient in dipping sauces. There are many varieties of these foods. Some are extremely pungent, while others are mild.
Tofu is typically made of soybeans. It is available in several different forms, from red to white. The most common type is mold-fermented tofu, which is often sold floating in brining liquor. This style of tofu can be purchased from Chinese food stores and online.
Traditionally, fermented tofu is made in the southeast coast of China, specifically the Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces. Other areas of Southeast Asia also produce this style of tofu, including Vietnam and Indonesia. In the Philippines, it is known as tahuri, and in Malaysia it is called tau ju. These regions may have a long history of fermented tofu production.
The process of producing tofu involves soaking soybeans in water and coagulating the whey with a coagulant, such as sodium alginate. Once the coagulant is complete, the resulting curd is pressed to form tofu.
Several types of tofu are produced, including red, white, tsao, and rose sufu. These can be prepared in a variety of ways, and serve as an aromatic seasoning or condiment. However, the most popular type of tofu, and the most common in Chinese cooking, is the mold-fermented tofu, which has a creamy, silky consistency.
Several varieties of tofu are made in Taiwan. One of these is tofu-yo. This tofu is cut into cubes and fermented for several months. Depending on the manufacturer, it can have a salty, funky flavor that is more like feta.
Another form of fermented tofu is chou doufu. This is red tofu, which is typically a condiment used for dipping sauces. Originally, it was made in the Shoushing region of Chekiang province. Wai reported that the primary mold used in these factories was Actinomucor elegans.
Many Japanese have never heard of this type of tofu. While it is available in a few Chinese food stores in mainland Japan, it is not common. A few Japanese have tasted it, however.
Phoenix Bean’s tofu
Phoenix Bean makes high-quality tofu. This company has been in business for over 30 years, and produces its products from Illinois-grown soybeans.
Last year, Phoenix Bean made 1.2 million pounds of tofu. The product line includes 13 different types of soymilk, a variety of sprout products, and a handful of ready-to-eat tofu salads. These tofu dishes are preservative free and cholesterol-free.
Phoenix Bean’s tofu is made in a factory in Chicago. They make it with a special process that creates unique flavors and textures. It is also gluten-free and contains no additives.
Phoenix Bean Tofu has been operating out of the Edgewater neighborhood on the north side of Chicago for the past 36 years. Their facility is filled with customized equipment imported from Taiwan. They have also expanded to a facility near their headquarters, which will help them increase their production capacity.
Phoenix Bean’s tofu can be served hot or cold. There are no additives and no gluten in the tofu, which gives it a delicate taste.
Phoenix Bean’s products are made from organic, Illinois-grown soybeans. Phoenix Bean is committed to food sustainability and promotes the nutritional benefits of soy.
Phoenix Bean’s products have evolved in recent years. The company has introduced new marketing strategies. A few examples of their products are a burger that is soy-based, and a chili sauce that can be used with any type of food.
Phoenix Bean is also testing a flour called okara, which is naturally gluten-free. For those who are concerned about the health benefits of soy, Phoenix Bean is proud to provide high-quality, healthy tofu.
Jenny Yang bought Phoenix Bean in 2007. She bought the company because of her belief in the nutritional benefits of soy. After working in corporate finance for United Airlines, she decided to buy a local business.
Phoenix Bean was one of the first local sources of fresh tofu. The company began supplying local Chinese grocers and restaurants in the Argyle neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Now, Phoenix Bean products are sold through Peapod and Farmer’s Fridge.
Jenny’s Chili Sauce is available at a local Asian grocery store, and Eli’s Cheesecake in Chicago uses Phoenix Bean silken tofu in their vegan cheesecakes.