What Does Tofu Taste Like? A Comprehensive Flavor Guide

Quick summary: Tofu’s taste is mild and slightly sweet, with a creamy and rich texture, especially in silken types. It comes in various consistencies, from soft to firm, and is often used as a protein source. It takes on the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Tofu is popularly used as a protein source in vegan or vegetarian diet. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in sweet and savory dishes, cooked and raw. A bit like a chameleon, it adapts to its surroundings, taking on the flavors of whatever you are cooking it in. 

So, what exactly is it, and what does tofu taste like? In this guide, we’ll demystify this interesting ingredient so you can stop wondering and start cooking. 

What Is Tofu?

Tofu is a soy product with a similar look to cheese as it generally comes in a block form. It is available in varying consistencies from soft and squishy (although still holding its shape) to firm types that have a similar consistency to feta cheese. Despite having a similar consistency to cheese, it does not taste at all the same. 

This soy product is completely vegan, made by soaking soybeans until they swell to double their size. They are then crushed to separate into bean fibers and soy milk. This is heated and reduced as the moisture evaporates, forming a thick paste.

The paste is spun in a centrifuge machine which separates the soy meal from the milk. The milk portion is thickened into a curd and pressed with a tofu press to squeeze out any excess liquid and form the blocks. Plain tofu is sometimes spiced in the process to amp up its mild taste.

What’s in Tofu?

The ingredients of tofu or bean curd mainly consist of soybean, water and some salt coagulants such as magnesium chloride or calcium sulfate to adjust the firmness and consistency when making tofu.

Tofu Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutrition facts of each type of tofu per 100 gram serving size (*, *, *):

Types of Tofu

Think back to our comparison of cheese. Just like cheese comes in various consistencies that are firm like cheddar, or soft like cream cheese, this soy product also comes in different consistencies. The different types will lend themselves better to certain types of cooking. Also, the taste of tofu will depend on the types and the cooking method.

Silken Tofu

This type comes in soft, firm, or extra firm types. It is made without curds forming when coagulated which results in a smooth and creamier product without any lumps. 

Since it is a lot softer, it needs to be handled carefully and cannot be pressed with the same pressure as medium block tofu as it won’t hold its shape. It is often used to thicken soups and sauces and is also the ideal option for creamy desserts and mousses.

Soft silken tofu has a high water content, creamy texture, and does not hold its shape when used in cooking but it does mix well into other ingredients such as smoothies, sauces, and fillings for baking. It can be used as a substitute for eggs or yogurt.

Extra firm and firm silken tofu are also smooth but slightly firmer. They have a heavier consistency and will just hold their shape with light cooking but are still not as sturdy and firm as block types.

Block Tofu

This type is firm and is made by pressing the soy milk curds into block shapes that can be cut or sliced. It is available in soft, medium, firm, and extra firm types.

The curds have been pressed tightly together and the product is dense with a chewy texture. Extra firm tofu types are best for fried, crispy tofu, or dishes requiring a hearty bite. It can be stuffed, baked, stir-fry and pan-fried in any savory dish.

Soft block tofu has a texture similar to set gelatin. With its high water content, it works best in sweet dishes. Medium block crumbles easily when manipulated. You can dab it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and marinade or batter it before cooking. It also works well in salads.

Fried Tofu or Bean Curd Puffs

These are usually store-bought fried tofu pieces in a package that you can purchase from Asian supermarkets. Depending on the size and thickness of each piece, the taste may vary.

For small and thin pieces, they will taste a little bit chewy and fatty as it’s fried in oil. For thicker and larger pieces, the outside layer is a little bit crunchy and hard (because it’s fried) but the inside will taste just like regular whilte tofu.

Fried tofu pieces have yellow color and are usually packed in plastic bags.

Frozen tofu

Frozen tofu is usually white tofu blocks that some people keep in their freezer to extend the shelf life. Because tofu is made from soybeans and water, when freezing tofu, the texture and taste will change slightly. When you thaw frozen tofu, some of the ice pockets will melt which will make the surface of block tofu not look as smooth and firm as the fresh ones.

How Does Tofu Taste

The four conventional elements of taste are salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. This is how the soy product ranks.

Sweet

Keep in mind that tofu is technically a type of coagulated or curdled soy milk. It has a very mild flavor, some would say bland, yet a slight touch of sweetness. Silken types especially are very creamy and rich since they are made with richer soy milk. Some versions have a hint of nuttiness.  

Sour

If your product in the container tastes or smells sour, we’re sorry to say, it’s probably gone off and needs to be discarded.

Salty

Natural, unflavored tofu is not highly salty, however, you do get flavored or spiced types. It also takes on the flavor of whatever you are cooking, marinading, or soaking it in, which can quickly add a salty punch.

Bitter

Fresh tofu has no bitterness on its own, unless your tofu goes bad and develops an unusual taste.

What Can I Make with Tofu?

The more appropriate question is probably, ‘Is there anything you cannot make with tofu’? There are loads of great tofu recipes available from decadent dessert recipes to egg salad, and gourmet dishes. It is so versatile and can be cooked in almost any way depending on the type you are using. 

Use silken types with soft texture for creamy desserts such as vegan cheesecake, vegan mayonnaise, chocolate spread and mousse, cake fillings, savory dips, and to ‘creamify’ sauces, soup dishes, stews, and curries.

Slightly firmer types can be pan-seared, deep-fried, crumb coated and fried, marinated and grilled, cooked with stir fries, curry, stews, casseroles, noodles, broth, and vegetable dishes. 

Swap it out as a meat substitute in your favorite saucy chicken or beef dish, or grill it skewered on the barbecue. Marinade small squares or crumbled bits in salt water, a soy sauce marinade or other dressing, and toss it into a salad or taco. Firmer types can also be cooked or glazed with sweet syrups as dessert.

FAQs

How should I store tofu?

Tofu should be stored in its original packaging or an airtight container filled with water, and kept in the refrigerator. Change the water every day to maintain freshness and quality.

How long will tofu last if frozen?

If you freeze tofu, it lasts up to 6 months but is best used within 3 months. The texture may change on freezing. 

Is there a difference in the nutritional value of firm and soft tofu?

Yes, there is a difference in the nutritional value of firm and soft tofu. Firm tofu generally has a higher protein content and lower water content, making it denser and more suitable for grilling or stir-frying, while soft tofu has a higher water content and is often used for blending into smoothies or making creamy dishes.

Can I eat raw tofu or do I have to cook tofu?

Yes, you can eat raw tofu, but many people prefer to cook it due to its mild flavor and to improve its texture. Cooking tofu can also help eliminate any potential bacteria and make it more palatable.

Can you make your own tofu at home?

Yes, you can make your own tofu at home using soybeans, water, and a coagulant like magnesium chloride or calcium sulfate. It involves soaking, blending, and pressing the soybean mixture to extract soy milk, then coagulating and pressing the curds to form tofu blocks.

Where can you buy tofu?

You can buy tofu from any Asian supermarkets. Because tofu is a staple food in Asian cuisines, the Asian groceries usually have many different types of tofu that you can choose. Some even have stinky tofu.

Is tofu gluten free?

Yes, tofu is typically gluten-free, as it is made from soybeans and does not contain wheat or other gluten-containing grains. However, it’s important to check the label and ensure that there are no added ingredients that could potentially contain gluten.

Conclusion

Whether you are making sweet, salty, spicy, or creamy dishes, raw or cooked tofu can be incorporated as a healthy low-fat, vegan alternative. Even meat-eaters can discover a whole new world of cooking by trying it out fried or as a healthier alternative to cream in sauces.

See more: How to tell if tofu is bad

*image by Wirestock&bhofack2/depositphotos