Tofu Tips

Let tofu be a mystery to you no more! With our tofu tips you will never be left wondering what to do with the white block in your fridge again ...

Storing Tofu

  • Tofu is perishable and must be kept refrigerated.
  • After tofu is opened, store the unused portion in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Medium and Firm varieties can be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a plastic container; Soft and Dessert varieties can be covered in plastic wrap and stored in the original container.
  • Quick tip: Firmer varieties of tofu (Medium Firm and up) come packaged in water and if you store them in a container with a little water, they can last up to one week. Just be sure to drain and change the water daily.

  • Discard tofu if it develops a sour odour or if the package is bloated, just like you would spoiled dairy.
  • Medium and Firm varieties can be frozen, either in original unopened packaging, or in plastic wrap for unused portions. Frozen tofu turns a creamy beige color, becoming more porous and sponge like, resulting in a firmer, chewier meat-like texture. Soft and dessert varieties should not be frozen due to their high water content, unless they will be used in blended beverages. Tofu can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw your frozen tofu, in the fridge or in the microwave, prior to use. Remember to squeeze out the excess liquid before using.

Handling Tofu

  • Be sure to drain excess water from your tofu before using. Medium Firm tofu should be patted dry with a paper towel.
  • Do not over-cook - this will make the tofu dry and tough.
  • Marinate your tofu in a glass or enamel dish; a metal dish may leave an unpleasant taste.

Eating Tofu

Tofu can be prepared in a variety of ways to create tasty, flavourful dishes. Tofu is flavourless on its own, but what isn't? You wouldn't prepare meat without any seasoning, would you? To say that tofu is bland is to say that it hasn't been prepared properly. Tofu is a kitchen chameleon, like a sponge, it readily absorbs the flavours of the foods, sauces and seasonings it's cooked with. Let it bask in a delicious sauce or spice and before you know it, your white block will be jazzed right up!

Many people don't realize that cooking with tofu does not require learning a new skill set. Tofu can easily be added into some of your favourite recipes, either by substituting dairy and animal products, or complementing them for an added health boost. Not sure what to do with the tofu in your fridge? Want to know more before you add it to your shopping cart? Keep on reading about how you can incorporate our many varieties of tofu into your daily eating.

Why don't you take your tofu and...
  • Crumble it into lasagna, chili, tacos, and Greek salad to replace or complement meat and cheese. Use your hands or crumble with a fork or potato masher. Note that tofu will not melt. (Firm varieties)
  • Marinate it in your favourite sauces to soak up all the yummy flavours (all varieties). Frozen tofu will soak up sauces and marinades more quickly. It is possible to over marinate tofu. With a lighter sauce, you can marinate overnight. For saltier, more intense sauces, like soya sauce, a few hours is usually sufficient. Forgot to marinate? Just do so right at the start of your cooking.
  • Fry or Bake it to brown the tofu and result in a chewier, more meat like texture (Firm varieties) You can even bread tofu in breadcrumbs or your favourite coating mixture (such as Shake n Bake).
  • Blend it into smoothies, soups, dips, and sauces to replace or reduce high fat dairy products (Soft, Smooth and Dessert varieties). With tofu you can indulge - guilt-free!
  • Shred it with a cheese grater. Use it to reduce the amount of cheese in a recipe or to sneak in an extra health boost for those who are adverse to the idea of tofu... don't feel bad - it's for their own good after all. (Firm varieties)
  • Grill it on the BBQ or Panini grill. It will take on that delicious BBQ flavour, grill marks and all (Firm varieties)

Dice it, cube it, slice it... you get the idea. The possibilities are endless!

It's important to note that while crumbled and cubed tofu looks like cheese, it will not melt!

Got some Sunrise tofu in the fridge, but don't know what to do with it? Check out our Quick Guide to Sunrise Tofu to discover the full potential of the tofu you have on hand. Let our mouth-watering tofu recipe section dispel the fear of the bland block of tofu for good!

Healthy Tofu Substitutions

With rising rates of obesity and other diet related ailments, more than ever people are looking for ways to prepare healthier and lighter meals, but who wants to sacrifice taste? Or maybe you're lactose intolerant, and looking for dairy alternatives. Tofu to the rescue! Many people understand that reducing meat and dairy in their diet is an important way to eat more healthfully, but they don't have a clue where to start. Strike a balance and try some of these substitutions. Yes, even chocolate cake and other goodies can be healthier!

1 cup buttermilk = 1/2 Cup (125 ml) Sunrise or Soyganic Soft Tofu blended with 1/3 Cup (85 ml) water and 1 Tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice - very close to buttermilk flavor - buttermilk is a bit more sour

1 cup cottage or ricotta cheese = 1 Cup (250 ml) Sunrise or Soyganic Medium Firm Tofu, well-drained & mashed

1 cup cream cheese = 3/4 Cup (175 ml) Sunrise or Soyganic Medium Firm Tofu, well-drained and mashed, blended with 1/4 Cup (60 ml) margarine and 1 Tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice

1 cup yogurt = 1 Cup (250 ml) Sunrise or Soyganic Soft Tofu and 1 tsp (5 ml) Lemon Juice

1 cup sour cream = 3/4 Cup (175 ml) Sunrise or Soyganic Medium Firm Tofu, well-drained and mashed, blended with 1/4 Cup (60 ml) vegetable oil and 1 Tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice

1 whole egg = 1/4 cup Sunrise or Soyganic Medium Firm Tofu, well-drained & puréed

Milk = the equivalent amount of Sunrise Unsweetened Soya Beverage

You will be amazed at the versatility of tofu and at how it can be a part of many of the meals you already make. Be prepared to be surprised. Whether you are a tofu veteran or first time user, we make adding tofu to your diet easy with our selection of delicious, healthy recipes. Get inspired!

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