Tofu and Tofu Recipes - House Foods America

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cook Tofu?: There are many different ways to cook Tofu. The easiest way is to cut the Tofu into cubes and add it to your favorite soup. Also, you can add Tofu to your favorite stir-fried meals. Find your favorite recipe at our recipe page.

How do I marinate Tofu?: Unlike meat, which is usually tenderized by being marinated, Tofu starts out tender. However, marinating Tofu is a great way to give it flavor. First, cube or slice the Tofu to create more surface area for the marinade to soak in. The length of marinating time will depend on your taste and choice of marinade. For example, many sauces, such as soy sauce, can be absorbed within 15 to 30 minutes. Heating the marinade before pouring it over the Tofu is a trick to speed up marinating time. Firm and Extra Firm Tofu soak up a marinade the best. Be sure to store your Tofu in the refrigerator while it is marinating.

Is it safe and healthy to eat Tofu straight from the container?: Yes. House Premium Tofu is pasteurized during the manufacturing process and is both safe and healthy to eat straight from the container. Additional heating is not necessary for proper digestion or absorption of nutrients.

I have noticed Tofu comes in several forms - how do I know which firmness to select?: This is a very common question and the answer deserves repeating: House Premium Tofu comes in five levels of firmness depending on its water content. Soft Tofu is great for dips, salad dressings, sauces, shakes, and cheesecake. Medium Firm Tofu works well in casseroles, soups, salads, or when you are in doubt of the firmness you need. Use Firm and Extra Firm Tofu for crumbling, stir-frying, and deep-frying.

How long can I keep the Tofu once it is opened?: If the Tofu is within the code date, it will last approximately 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, the Tofu must be kept in an air tight container. Water should be added to the container in order for the Tofu to keep its moisture.

How should I store unused Tofu?: Keep the unused portion of Tofu in an airtight container. In order to keep it moist, it is strongly recommended that you keep the Tofu in water. Once the Tofu is opened, we suggest that it be consumed within 2 to 3 days. Our Tofu is pasteurized, somewhat like milk, so it might last shorter or longer depending on the condition and the code date of the Tofu.

Can I put Tofu in the freezer?: Tofu needs to be kept in the refrigerator in order to maintain its quality. However, if you would like the Tofu to adopt a chewy, meat-like texture, freezing is an option. Do not be surprised if the Tofu comes out of the freezer with a completely different texture! To use frozen Tofu, simply let it defrost and squeeze out any excess liquid. It is now ready to soak in a marinade or use as is. It makes a great substitute for meat in this form!

Why is House Premium Tofu packed in water?: Tofu packed in water is freshly-made Tofu because the water helps it maintain its bulk and form. Tofu sold this way has a fresher taste and better consistency than Tofu that has been packed without water in aseptic packaging.

The water of the Tofu I bought is a little yellowish. Is it all right to eat?: Tofu is made from soymilk. As time goes by, the coagulated soymilk dissolves into the water. This is why sometimes the water looks yellowish.

The House Premium Tofu that I bought has expired, can I eat it?: No. Just as you cannot drink expired milk for the sake of your health, you cannot consume expired Tofu. We do not assure the freshness of expired products.

The Tofu I bought was spongy. Is it all right to eat?: The texture of Tofu will take on a chewier, meat-like texture once it has been frozen. If the Tofu you purchased was spongy, it was most likely frozen at some point. We recommend that you ask the store to exchange the Tofu.

The Tofu I bought was sour. Is it all right to eat it?: No. Sour Tofu is an indication of a high level of microbes, just like milk. If the Tofu has not been refrigerated at the right temperature, it will spoil before the code date. Ask the store where you purchased the product for an exchange.

Are you using genetically engineered soybeans?: No. All of the soybeans used at our company have been cultivated through traditional breeding methods and have not been genetically engineered using recombinant DNA technology.

I'm convinced Tofu belongs in my diet, but how do I convince my kids?: Start by gradually adding small amounts of Tofu to their favorite dishes, and/or camouflage Tofu by blending it into a smoothie, pudding or soup to make a creamed soup. Try some of our kid's recipes on Recipe book page.

I've been told to watch my cholesterol and fat intake; does Tofu fit into my diet?: Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein source with virtually no cholesterol and less than one gram of fat per ounce. Not all fats are created equal. The majority of fat in Tofu is unsaturated, which is considered a "good fat" that does not harm blood vessels. Unlike the good fat in Tofu, animal protein contains cholesterol and a higher level of unhealthy saturated fat.

What are Calcium Sulfate and Glucono Delta Lactone listed on House Premium Tofu labels? Are these substances used as preservatives?: They are both coagulants and are not preservatives. Since Tofu is made from soymilk, it must be coagulated by using Calcium Sulfate and Gulcono Delta Lactone. Gulcono Delta Lactone is a coagulant made from corn syrup. House Premium Tofu is pasteurized by a unique double-cool pasteurizing method and does not contain any preservatives.

What is Nigari?: Nigari is a coagulant made from sea water extract. The main ingredient of Nigari is Magnesium Chloride.

I heard that Tofu contains a lot of Isoflavones. What is an Isoflavone?: Isoflavones, found in high concentrations in soybeans, are compounds that have been known to help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer, as well as osteoporosis and post-menopausal symptoms.

*Ordinary Tofu includes 30-50mg of Isoflavones per 100g (3.4 oz) of Tofu. Studies recommend that an intake of 60-90mg daily may be effective.