Tofu cheese, also known as bean cheese – is a product made from soybeans. Although it is called cheese, it is not dairy in the classical sense. It contains no milk; it is a 100% plant-based product. It has a neutral taste, high nutritional value, and culinary versatility. This combination makes tofu cheese popular far beyond Eastern cuisine.Tofu originates from China, where it has been made for over 2000 years. Over time, it spread to other Asian countries, including Japan and Korea, and is now an integral part of their culinary traditions.
Production and Taste Characteristics
The process of making tofu resembles cheese production and consists of sequential stages. First, soybeans are crushed and soaked to obtain soy milk. Coagulants (citric acid, magnesium chloride, calcium sulfate, etc.) are added to this mass, necessary for curdling the proteins. This process is called “curdling.” The mass obtained after curdling is then pressed to remove excess liquid and form blocks of tofu.
в процессі виготовлення тофу
Depending on the degree of pressing, tofu can be:
soft (silken): has a delicate texture, used in desserts and soups;
medium-firm: versatile, suitable for frying and baking;
firm: dense, ideal for grilling and dishes where a stable texture is needed.
Health Benefits
Tofu is rich in:
proteins: high plant protein content makes it a great alternative to meat;
amino acids: contains most of the essential amino acids necessary for the body;
minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium.
Tofu has a relatively low calorie content and no cholesterol. These characteristics have solidified this soy product in healthy eating diets.
Culinary Uses
Due to its neutral taste, tofu easily absorbs the aromas and flavors of other ingredients, making it versatile in preparing various dishes. For example, adding it to vegetable salads increases their protein value. It is an ingredient in Asian first courses, including miso soup. It can be fried, grilled, and silken tofu can be used as a base for making desserts – puddings and creams.For inspiration, we suggest trying the recipe for a delicious Asian-style dinner with tofu cheese from the blog "Cooking Deliciousness at Home".
карамелізований тофу з грибами шімеджі
