How to Make Tofu and Tofu with Simple Recipes (Dried Soybeans/Fresh Lemon)

Tofu: From Ancient China to Your Kitchen - A Simple Guide

Hi, welcome to Healthy Cooking with Rose! Finding the right tutorial and recipe for making perfect tofu at home can be challenging, especially with so much information out there. In this blog, I’ll share with you the best way to make tofu from scratch. I’ve made tofu myself, and it turned out great! I’ll guide you through the do’s and don’ts of tofu-making with simple recipes, starting with basic ingredients like dried soybeans and fresh lemon juice. But before we dive into the process, let’s take a quick look at the history of tofu and how it became the popular ingredient it is today.

Tofu's History:

Tofu was first made in China over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, around 206 BCE to 220 CE. According to legend, a Chinese prince accidentally curdled soy milk with a natural ingredient called nigari, creating tofu. From China, tofu spread to Japan and Korea, becoming an important part of vegetarian diets. Today, tofu is enjoyed worldwide, especially by those who love plant-based foods and are looking for a healthy, flexible ingredient to add to their meals.

The Do's and Don'ts of Making Tofu:

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, here are some crucial do’s and don’ts to ensure your tofu turns out perfectly.

Do’s:

Use Dried Soybeans: Always start with dried soybeans to make tofu. This method works every time and guarantees the best results.

Don’ts:

Don’t Use Store-Bought Soy Milk: Avoid using soy milk from the market to make tofu. I’ve tried it, and it doesn’t work—it messes up the entire process. Stick with homemade soy milk from dried soybeans for the best outcome.

For a visual guide, check out this video link: How to make tofu step-by-step video

How to Make Tofu at Home:

Now that you know the do’s and don’ts, let’s get started with making tofu at home. It’s easier than you might think!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried soybeans
• 4 cups water (for soaking the soybeans)
• 5 cups water (for blending the soybeans)
• 2 tsp nigari (a coagulant) or fresh lemon juice

Steps:

1. Soak the Soybeans: Rinse the soybeans and soak them in 4 cups of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. The beans will swell as they absorb the water.
2. Blend the Soybeans: Drain the soaked soybeans and blend them with 5 cups of fresh water until smooth. This mixture forms your soy milk base.
3. Strain the Soy Milk: Pour the blended mixture through a cheesecloth into a pot, separating the liquid soy milk from the soybean pulp (called okara). Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
4. Boil the Soy Milk: Heat the soy milk in a pot and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
5. Curdle the Soy Milk: Remove the pot from the heat. Dissolve the nigari or fresh lemon juice in a small amount of warm water and gently stir it into the hot soy milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to form curds.
6. Press the Tofu: Line a tofu mold or a clean container with cheesecloth, pour in the curds, and fold the cloth over the top. Press it down with a weight to remove extra liquid. Press for 15-30 minutes, depending on how firm you want your tofu.
7. Remove and Store: Once pressed, remove the tofu from the mold. You can use it immediately or store it in water in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to change the water daily to keep it fresh.

Tofu Recipes:

Tofu is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some simple ideas to get you started:

• Stir-Fried Tofu: Cube firm tofu and stir-fry it with vegetables and your favorite sauce for a quick, healthy meal.
• Tofu Scramble: Crumble tofu and sauté it with turmeric, onions, and veggies as a plant-based alternative to scrambled eggs.
• Baked Tofu: Marinate tofu slices and bake them for a crispy, flavorful snack or side dish.
• Tofu Smoothie: Blend silken tofu into your smoothies for a creamy, protein-packed boost.

Now that you know how to make tofu, the key do’s and don’ts, and a bit about its history, it’s time to get cooking! Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can make your meals both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or sticking to your favorites, tofu is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let us know what tasty tofu dishes you create. Enjoy your cooking journey!

And if you’re having trouble finding dried soybeans in your area, here are some links to buy them on Amazon at reasonable prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores.

1. Signature Soy NON-GMO Soybeans for Making Soymilk & Tofu 20 Lbs. FRESH CROP
2. Kikkoman Traditionally Brewed Soy Sauce Gallon , Organic
3. The Original Huy Fong Sriracha, Rooster Sriracha Chili Sauce
4. Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System, 1500W, 4 Functions for Smoothies, Processing, Dough, Drinks & More