Food Preparation: Tantalizing Tofu --- Pressed, Fried Tofu Tastes Great!

Don't be afraid to try tofu. It's a high-protein, low-fat, cruelty-free, healthful substitute for meat. And it tastes good --- if prepared properly.

A few people can appreciate the bland, creamy taste and soft, cool consistency of unprepared tofu. Those who can't should realize that with a little preparation, tofu can transform into a delightful and delectable food.

Made from bean curd, tofu has the ability to readily absorb flavors when marinated or cooked in sauces. Yet its soft consistency often turns people off. However, there's an easy way to transform tofu into bite-sized pieces with crispy, brown exteriors. The key is to press out the excess moisture and then fry the tofu until it's almost dried. This can be done in two very easy steps.

Pressing Tofu:
Purchase a block of firm or extra firm tofu. Remove it from its packaging and pat the surface dry with a paper towel. Fold up a clean flour sack towel, lint-free cloth or several layers of paper towels into a long rectangle. Place half the cloth/paper towel layers on a large dinner plate. Place the block of tofu on top. Fold over the other half of the cloth/paper towel layers to cover the tofu. Cover all with a sheet of plastic wrap and place a large, heavy book on top. After an hour or two most of the moisture will be pressed out of the tofu.

Frying The Pressed Tofu
Cut the tofu into slices approximately one-quarter inch to one-half inch thick. The slices can be cut into rectangles, squares or triangles, as you prefer. Fry in a heated, non-stick frying pan sprayed very lightly with cooking oil. Fry each side, turning only once, until each side becomes brown and crisp. This will take several minutes. Remove from frying pan. Salt lightly and enjoy. Or use in your favorite stir-fry or soup recipe.