Thanks

[livelaughlovep]

Wow, I posted to four communities and sat here and replied to every email - that was a lot of effort, but you pornistas, were the most voiciferous! I dont think I've ever received so many comments in my life.

Thank you for all the help, you guys are so awesome.

I have but one, two more favors to ask now that I have a armada of ideas, recipes and

Comments

[livelaughlovep]

Oh lordie, I'd tell you the brand but I forgot. Its some brand
that the asian market stocks, it says its shelf stable adn doesn't need to be refridgerated, actually.

I'll look for it, that sounds good, pork & tofu should be a good way to approach him with that 'weird stuff'. :)

[livelaughlovep]

Your icon... There's a mouse! LOL

No, not acidic, like tofu.Which tastes kinda funny as it is, I think. Soyish.

[smokeyourgender]

first, tell the men to get over themselves. that is not the usual selection of words i'd use while explaining that to them, but this is a lj community about food, and not feminist or gender issues.

anyway.

second, buy extra firm tofu, and drain it very well. i usually wrap the tofu in paper towels and sandwich it between two plates with a heavy can on top. after around an hour, come back and cut the tofu into 1 inch cubes. dredge in cornstarch, and then in egg to coat. drop these pieces in 375 degree oil and fry until golden brown. drain the pieces well, and then using whatever sort of liquid (i usually use basic dashi stock) and seasonings (i usually use ginger and hot pepper) you want for the meal at hand, place the tofu into the liquid at a simmer and allow to reduce to sauce consistency before eating.

[livelaughlovep]

This works. I do weigh it down, but maybe for not long enough. Do you change the paper towels out as they become wet?

[smokeyourgender]

no, but i do invert the bottom plate, it lets the water run away instead of pooling up

[mschaos]

if it is on the shelf, it won't be a firm style and will break apart

go to the refriderated section and get firm tofu and drain and wrap in towels then place on a plate, add another plate and thena can of sometinng to get more moisture out - it is then ready to slice and dice and cook up and will take flavors very well

[livelaughlovep]

Its refridgerated but does mention it doesn't have to be. Maybe I need to press it more?

[mellybrelly]

mine is no where near crumbly. It slices almost like cheese or something.

[livelaughlovep]

Mine is the same, kind of wet, but when I cook it it takes on the exact texture of scrambeled eggs.

[nigirisake]

Ma Po Tofu. This recipe is more or less true to traditional recipes.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_30050,00.html

Seriously, China had over a thousand years to develop excellent recipes for tofu. I think the main reason people don't like tofu is that it's usually used as a meat substitute. So cook it like it's meant to be cooked. Tofu is tofu, it's not meat or eggs or dairy replacement. Revel in its tofu-ness.

Cut tofu into larger pieces before cooking so it doesn't break apart as easily when you stirfry. That should help with the scrambled eggs issue.

[livelaughlovep]

I totally agree, when people use foods as they weren't meant to naturally be used, and then complain its 'weird', well, you asked for it! I mean it can be good, or it can be really bad, but hey. LOL.

[nigirisake]

XD Yeah. Tofu mayonnaise is just going too far ._.

There's also an excellent dish whose name I forget. It involves firm tofu though.
Cut the tofu into triangular pieces, then stuff the tofu with a pork mixture. Fry it and serve it with some sort of sauce over it. The sauce is sort of like a teriyaki sauce but not. If i recall correctly, it's like soy sauce, sugar, ginger and some other stuff. Play with tastes, I guess :D

[livelaughlovep]

Wow, that sounds good. I really have to find some of this real tofu and not this silken crap!

[livelaughlovep]

LOL I'm not keen of fried things, but fried tofu is good. Ill try everything said. I think next time I get a block ill press, marinate (with somthing spicy) and fry. :)