Tofu

[Natasha]

I just had the best tofu. It was in a poke bowl and they fried it in little bite-size cubes. It was kind of charred, smoky, and an almost meaty feel when I bit into it.

Does anyone here know how to cook tofu like that? I've tried multiple times and am always underwhelmed. I need some tips.

[BonitaApplebum]

I think I'd do it pan fried at a high temp. I believe you should press tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. And I think you can dredge tofu in flour first too.

[Natasha]

I do press the tofu before cooking. I've also tried dredging in cornstarch, although not in flour.

[merigayle]

press, dredge in corn starch, air fry!

I have never done it but some people say freezing and then thawing tofu makes it chewier. Also the brand of tofu can make a HUGE difference.

[caribougrrl]

I do press the tofu before cooking. I've also tried dredging in cornstarch, although not in flour.

I find dredging in cornstarch is the crispiest way to fry tofu. Dredging in tapioca starch gives you a chewier crust on it.

To get a good char and smokiness though, I suspect you need an actual charcoal grill... or to by it grilled. https://www.house-foods.com/products/organic-tofu/organic-tofu/organic-super-firm-tofu-grilled

[BonitaApplebum]

Don't listen to me about the flour. I remembered you could dredge but I think everyone else is right and it's cornstarch you want.

[Natasha]

press, dredge in corn starch, air fry!

I have never done it but some people say freezing and then thawing tofu makes it chewier. Also the brand of tofu can make a HUGE difference.

I hadn't even thought about the brand being important.

And air fry?! Do you spray it with oil first?

[merigayle]

I hadn't even thought about the brand being important.

And air fry?! Do you spray it with oil first?

OMG yes! The brand is so important. Pre COVID i was getting my tofu locally from a hippie commune in VA but they are not currently making any, it was 100 times better than mass produced. Asian markets may be your best bet for amazing tofu. I do not spray with oil, just cut, dredge in corn starch and air fry, toss the basket as needed

[Ice Cream]

Tofu... no, way.  Tempeh, absolutely.

[Natasha]

Tofu... no, way.  Tempeh, absolutely.

I haven't been able to find any tofu, but I did get some tempeh. How do you prepare it?

[merigayle]

I haven't been able to find any tofu, but I did get some tempeh. How do you prepare it?

STeam it then saute or strifry.

[diablita]

For chewy, yummy mouthfeel I press, cube, freeze.  Then the day I want to cook I drop in simmering water for 15 min, let dry and then cornstarch and air fry.  Several steps but worth it.