Tofu has emerged as a versatile culinary ingredient, excelling in various cooking methods. Whether pan-fried, grilled, scrambled, or blended into spreads and sauces, tofu’s adaptability shines through. However, roasting tofu until it achieves a meltingly golden and crispy texture is a culinary delight that showcases its true potential.
To achieve this culinary masterpiece, the key lies in using high-quality, fresh tofu. Minnesota-made tofu, such as MinnTofu, stands out for its superior taste. MinnTofu is crafted with non-GMO soybeans grown on a family farm in St. Peter, processed in Spring Lake Park, and delivered promptly, ensuring its freshness. The result is a tofu with a lighter color, milder flavor, and plumper texture compared to commodity soybeans.
Yan Small, founder of MinnTofu, meticulously follows the traditional Chinese method of tofu processing. This method, more time-consuming than the Japanese process employed by larger companies, produces tofu with an authentic flavor and texture. Small’s passion for tofu stems from his childhood experiences in China, where he remembers shopping for fresh tofu with his grandmother. His goal is to replicate that light, mild, and earthy taste in every batch of MinnTofu.
Fresh tofu is a delicate ingredient that requires proper handling. To maintain its freshness, remove it from its container, rinse it, and return it to the container filled with clean water. Store the tofu in the refrigerator and use it within a week. When substituting fresh tofu in recipes, consider using soft tofu for smoothies and scrambles, firm tofu for stir-fries, and extra-firm tofu for crispy roasting.
Before cooking fresh tofu, pressing it to remove excess water is crucial. For crispy tofu, a light dusting of cornstarch before roasting in a hot oven will yield the desired texture. The result is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that will leave you wondering, “Where’s the meat?”
To elevate the flavors of roasted tofu, consider pairing it with dark green spinach, a spicy peanut vinaigrette, and roasted peanuts. The vibrant colors and contrasting textures create a visually appealing and tantalizing dish. The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a convenient addition to your culinary arsenal.
In conclusion, Minnesota-made tofu, with its exceptional freshness and flavor, is a culinary treasure waiting to be explored. Whether enjoyed solo or incorporated into a variety of dishes, its versatility and deliciousness will undoubtedly win over tofu enthusiasts and curious taste buds alike.
