tofu
Curdled soy block
Tofu is a soft, bland food made from coagulated soy milk pressed into blocks.
It originated in East Asia and is a staple protein in vegetarian and vegan cooking.
Tofu absorbs flavors from marinades and sauces, making it versatile despite its neutral taste: The stir-fry had crispy tofu with garlic and ginger.
Textures range from silken to extra-firm.
Protein-rich Asian legume
- edamameYoung soybeans in pods
- soymilkPlant-based dairy alternative
- tempehFermented soybean patty
- nattoFermented soybean dish
soy sauce · tamari · soy protein · coagulant · curd · legume · isoflavones · bean curd
Sourced from flora
- vegetarianOne who abstains from flesh
- veganAvoids all animal products
- meatlessWithout animal flesh
- meat substituteNon-animal protein alternative
nutrition · amino acids · complete protein · lean · low-calorie · cholesterol-free · healthy · dietary
Fermented legume paste
- kimchiFermented Korean vegetables
- ramenJapanese noodle soup
- stir-fryQuick-cook in hot oil
- mapoWest Indian goby species
hot pot · bibimbap · pho · pad thai · bánh mì · curry · teriyaki · sesame
Pushed or smoothed flat
- cubedMultiplied by itself twice
- grilledCooked on metal bars
- pan-friedCooked in shallow fat
- bakedCooked by dry heat
marinated · seared · crispy · chewy · dense · sliced · crumbled · breaded
soybeans
Protein-rich Asian legume
natto · soy sauce · tamari · soy protein · coagulant · curd · legume · isoflavones · bean curd · fermented
plant-based
Sourced from flora
- vegetarianOne who abstains from flesh
- veganAvoids all animal products
- meatlessWithout animal flesh
meat substitute · nutrition · amino acids · complete protein · lean · low-calorie · cholesterol-free · healthy · dietary · muscle
miso
Fermented legume paste
mapo · hot pot · bibimbap · pho · pad thai · bánh mì · curry · teriyaki · sesame · ginger
pressed
Pushed or smoothed flat
baked · marinated · seared · crispy · chewy · dense · sliced · crumbled · breaded · sautéed
custard
Cooked egg-milk mixture
velvety · jiggly · delicate · tender · pudding · mousse · blancmange · gelatinous · wobbly · supple
neutral
Not favoring any side
- mildModerate in intensity
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- unseasonedLacking flavor or experience
plain · absorbent · versatile · marinade · flavorless · sponge · canvas · adaptable · seasoning · sauce
tofubacon
Cured smoked pork
BBQ ribs · cheeseburger · foie gras · hot dog · fried chicken
- soft tofuSmooth, creamy soybean curd
- fried tofuBean curd cooked in oil
- dried tofuPressed, desiccated soy product
- tofu scrambleSeasoned crumbled bean curd
- tofu stir fryCooked soy cubes with vegetables
- firm tofuCompact soybean curd