Tofu - Cooking technique for firm/chewy edges?
This may be a very basic question and I've just somehow not been doing it properly.
When I get tofu in the prepared foods department or the Chinese buffet, it's prepared in cubes that seem to have been marinated and then cooked in some way that makes it... not "crispy" as I see a lot of advice about online, but more of an al dente sort of firmness or chewiness?
When people talk about crispy tofu, is this the consistency they're talking about? The "chewy" texture my favorite style of tofu, but I've never been able to replicate it following the usual crispy-tofu directions, and am not sure how else to describe it.
Best Answer
Often they'll freeze the tofu before cooking it to give it a much meatier texture. That may be what you're describing.
"Crispy" tofu I usually think of as quite literally fried tofu.
Pictures about "Tofu - Cooking technique for firm/chewy edges?"
How do you keep tofu from being chewy?
If you want the tofu to have an even denser, firmer and chewier texture, try freezing it first. Just remove the tofu from its package, put it in a food storage bag or wrap it in plastic wrap and stick it in the freezer for a few hours. When you want to use it, thaw it out in the refrigerator and then press it.How do I make firm tofu more firm?
After you have pressed your tofu for at least 30 minutes, you may also want to slice it into strips or cubes and then freeze it. Freezing tofu will change the texture of the tofu, making it firmer and "chewier," as well as more absorbent.How do you keep tofu firm while cooking?
After pressing and draining as much liquid from the block as possible, cut the tofu into cubes, sticks, or wedges, then toss it with cornstarch until all the pieces are well-coated. This extra layer is the ticket for maximum crispiness.How to Make Tofu Taste Good | Minimalist Baker Recipes
More answers regarding tofu - Cooking technique for firm/chewy edges?
Answer 2
Do you have a picture of this dish?
From what you've said, sounds like extra firm tofu to me. You can buy this in stores. It comes premarinated in a soy sauce based marinade
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ella Olsson, Marianna OLE, Nadine Wuchenauer, JAMIE DIAZ