TOFU Really?

 I get it, TOFU is not a favorite of many people, but hear me out, it really can be a great & tasty addition to your cooking.

For many, tofu is that bland white block of "hippie food" with little texture or flavor.  In reality tofu is a great mimicker and takes on the flavor of what it is surrounded with.  This soy-based bean curd can be a great way to reduce calories and fat while boosting your daily protein.  I have used it in stir fry dishes, as a topper for salads, and even meatloaf (Sorry vegans but it works great paired with ground meat).  Here are two of my favorite recipes incorporating tofu; try some, modify them to your taste, make them your own and I think you will enjoy it.

TOFU infused Meatloaf

1# Extra firm tofu

1/2# Extra lean ground beef

1/2# ground turkey or chicken

1 medium onion diced

1 medium bell pepper diced

1 package dry au jus mix

1 tbsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp teriyaki sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp brown sugar (or 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener)

2 eggs

4 slices keto friendly bread, diced

Crumble the tofu and combine with all remaining ingredients in a large bowl.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Form into a loaf and place into a glass bread baking dish

(Now at this point I do a typical Western PA step by scoring the top of the loaf and drizzling HEINZ ketchup over the top.  This is totally optional)

Place in 350degree, preheated oven for 60 minutes

Remove from oven, cover with foil, and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

TOFU & Chicken breast stir fry

1/2 package extra firm tofu, crumbled

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

1 cup sugar snap pea pods chopped

1 large onion shopped

2 ribs celery chopped

1/2 package cole slaw mix (this is a short cut you can shred your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer)

1 tbsp minced ginger

2 tbsp Hoisin sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp teriyaki sauce

2 tbsp minced ginger

1 pkg stir fry seasoning

2 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional but I love the flavor)

In a large Wok or non-stick skillet, add 4 tbsp olive, heat until shimmering

Add CRUMBLED tofu and DICED chicken breast, stir until browned.

Add ALL remaining ingredients and stir until warmed though and browned

Taste for seasoning.

I like to eat it just as is, but it is also great served over brown rice.

This also works GREAT as an egg roll filler, simply place 2 tsp of the mixture in the center of a moist rice wrapper, tuck sides in and roll up.  Place rolls in the air fryer seam side down, cook 5 minutes at 400 degrees.