tofu (beancurd)

Tofu, also sometimes known as beancurd, is made from soy milk (derived from soybeans) which has been curdled and pressed into blocks. It is a versatile, protein-rich ingredient that is used in a range of Asian cuisines to achieve varying results.

Whether you want to enjoy it as a tasty meat alternative or need some hearty additions for your soups and stews, you’ll find several fresh tofu varieties below, ranging from firm to soft to deep fried!

 

what does tofu taste like?

Alone, the flavour of tofu is fairly mild, but it can absorb the flavours you add to it, making it an exciting ingredient to add to marinades, soups and hot pots. While tofu for cooking is typically sold unflavoured, you can also easily find flavoured tofu that has already been soaked in a sauce or marinade.

 

cooking with tofu

The texture of tofu can also change the experience quite a bit. Most people will be familiar with blocks of firm or medium tofu, which can be easily cut into chunks and added to a dish. While these varieties are great staples, we also stock other types of tofu like silken, paper and deep-fried tofu. Which tofu you use will depend on the requirements of the dish:

 

  • Silken - soft, creamy texture with a mild flavour. Used in sauces, stews and desserts.
  • Soft - soft, crumbly texture. Perfect for soups.
  • Firm - firmer consistency. Good as a meat alternative, it works in stir-fries, hot pots, dumplings and when deep-fried.

 

beancurd

Beancurd and tofu are essentially the same thing, as they are both made from soybeans and pressed into blocks. The textures may differ slightly depending on how the product is labelled, but the names are describing the same basic ingredient. Tofu in the form of dried sheets or sticks is also more commonly called beancurd.

Can’t get enough? Check out our selection of savoury bites, which includes a fantastic array of tofu and beancurd snacks.