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Tofu Stir Fry: Firm Tofu, Vegetables, Noodles, Rice And Recipes

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Published: October 30, 2007

Tofu is a type of health food. Made from soybean curd, tofu is a popular food option among health-conscious people. It is low in fat, carbohydrates and cholesterol but high in protein, iron, selenium, vitamin B complex, calcium and isoflavones. Health benefits that may be acquired from eating tofu include raised good cholesterol levels, decreased bad cholesterol levels, improved antioxidant systems, increased hemoglobin synthesis and reduced platelet-caused blood clots. Tofu also helps in the prevention of heart diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, menopause complications, osteoporosis and arthritis.

Tofu may be further classified into two types: silken and firm. Directly originating from soymilk, silken tofu is characterized by a creamy consistency that makes it a good substitute for cream cheese. It is high in moisture but low in carbohydrate. It is commonly used in making luscious desserts and salad dressing recipes. The more popular between the two tofu variants is probably the firm type. Often used as an alternative to meats, firm tofu is a lot thicker and less soft than the silken and soft tofu. Firm tofu also has slightly less moisture than soft tofu. It is also easy to cut into cubes because it is capable of retaining its shape longer than the other type of tofu. One of the favorite tofu-based meals of vegetarians is the tofu stir fry.

Aside from its health and medical benefits, tofu is also a lot cheaper as compared to other food types. It is a favorite alternative to red meat, fish and chicken because it still provides the same amount of needed protein without costing too much. Tofu is also very versatile. Because it has very little taste, firm tofu is perfect for any type of recipes because it easily absorbs the other flavors included in the dish. It may be mixed with a variety of foods and prepared almost every way imaginable. From the many ways of cooking tofu mentioned above, the most popular tofu-based dish is still tofu stir fry.

There is a basic recipe for tofu stir fry, that can be augmented to suit specific tastes or needs. However, before cooking anything, it is best to prepare all the ingredients and cookware to be needed first. Clean the woks, measure the oil, slice the vegetables, chop the tofu, prepare the spices and wear an apron. The preferred types of oil used in stir fry recipes are vegetable or fruit-based oils such as coconut oil, pumpkin oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, peanut oil, palm oil, sesame oil, canola oil, grape see oil and soybean oil. The type of vegetables used in tofu stir fry depends on the taste of the person who will eat the dish afterward. Popular vegetable choices are broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, onions, cabbage and celery. Remember to pre-cook rice or noodles with which to serve the tofu stir fry. After all the ingredients are prepared, it is time to cook the tofu stir fry.

For tofu stir fry, first heat a nonstick work to a high temperature. After heating the wok, add the desired oil for the tofu stir fry. Remember, tofu takes on any flavor with which it is cooked; use the oil flavor best for that tofu stir fry. Add garlic and ginger to taste, as these are base ingredients for the tofu stir fry. Next, add the firm tofu, cut into cubes. Cook the tofu stir fry until the tofu is golden brown. Next, add the various tofu stir fry vegetables. Lastly, mix in the tofu stir fry sauce chosen, whether it be teriyaki, soy sauce or otherwise.

Tofu stir fry is best served over cooked rice or noodles. After one taste of this delicious, flavorful tofu stir fry, meat lovers will never look back.


Sources:
Holetzky, Sherry. "What is Tofu?" WiseGeek. 25 Oct. 2007. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tofu.htm.

Ho Wee Min, Kelvin. "Cooking Tofu For Vegans." EzineArticles. 2 Feb. 2007. 25 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Cooking-Tofu-For-Vegans& amp;id=440526.

Craggs, Tricia. "Easy Tofu Recipe to Brighten Your Vegetarian Cooking." EzineArticles. 9 Sept. 2007. 25 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Easy-Tofu-Recipe-to-Brig hten-Your-Vegetarian-Cooking&id=723258.
Bery, Michelle. "Enjoying A Delicious Tofu Dish." EzineArticles. 28 Mar. 2007. 26 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Enjoying-A-Delicious-Tof u-Dish&id=503739.

"TOFU STIR FRY." Cooks Recipe Search. 26 Oct. 2007. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1726,156174-254198 ,00.html.
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