Weight Loss Retreat Tofu Cooking

We've been using Tofu at the FitFarms Weight Loss Retreat since Day 1 but being totally honest I was never a fan until I discovered that it should be marinated over night. I can even still remember the chef saying 'would you like lunch Stephen' and I would politely say 'not after that amazing breakfast chef I'm full up.'

What is Tofu?

It's basically coagulating soy milk. There's a process when the curds are then pressed into a white block like the ones we buy from shops. It's similar to making cheese and I heard that the process first started in China over 2000 years ago. It came popular in the 1960's in the UK among the non asian hippies who ultimately labelled it as a politically conscious vegetarian food.

Most of the worlds soybeans are now grown in America and unfortunately the majority is genetically modified! You can buy non GMO tofu which is usually a little bit more expensive.

Is Tofu good for you?

Yes tofu is extremely nutrient dense.

100 grams of Tofu will deliver you: 8 grams of protein, 1 gram of fibre. It's absolutely packed with vitamins and minerals including Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Phosphorus, Selenium, Calcium and Manganese.

That 100 grams of Tofu only carries 70 calories and is high in protein so it's a thumbs up from FitFarms.

Is Tofu Absolutely Boring and Bland?

For me if you just take it out of the packaging it's one of the most tasteless food types I've ever tried. It really needs to be pressed before you attempt to cook with it. BUT if you marinate it overnight it can completely change into something gorgeous. It's also great for marinating because the natural texture of tofu soaks up marinades.

Healthy Tofu Marinade?

Here's a great healthy marinade and is one of my favourites because it has cider vinegar which has many health benefits. Leaving it overnight is perfect but it will soak in and change the taste within 30 minutes.

We will be adding recipes to our nutrition page so take a look for some new fresh ideas in a few weeks time from now.

This marinade is for 340 grams of tofu

1/4 cup of water, 2tbsp soya sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne powder, 1 tsp cornstarch , 1 tsp coconut oil from a jar.

Chop your tofu into cubes, mix all the ingredients together and add to the cubes. Leave to rest in the fridge overnight for best results but 30 minutes will add a slight taste to the tofu.

If you are looking for more ideas on tofu recipes click here on this BBC tofu recipe