FOOD NEWS
For Perfectly Seasoned Tofu, Marinate Before And After Cooking
By Grace Allison
Although tofu is very versatile, there is still potential to enhance its flavor further. The solution is to marinate it before cooking it as well as afterward.
Placing this plant-based protein back into the marinade gives the tofu a chance to resoak the flavors that may have been lost or subdued during the cooking process.
After first marinating your tofu for 30 minutes, cook it and add cornstarch to the marinade. Pour the mixture into the pan with the tofu and let it reduce with the residual heat.
This particular hack works with firm, extra-firm, or super-firm tofu varieties that have had some (or all) water pressed from their form, making room to absorb your marinade.
Frozen tofu is like a sponge, so be sure to thaw it before use for the best texture. Thawing it melts the pockets of ice within, leaving behind small holes that can absorb flavor.
A sweet marinade containing sugar may caramelize when heated, which can harden the surface of the tofu and prevent it from absorbing the marinade when reintroduced.