Fondue Fun: Tofu Style, An 8-Step Guide

Fondue is a fun and delicious dish that can be easily prepared without any chef skills. It typically consists of melted cheese or chocolate served in a shared pot over a small burner. However, oil fondue is a variation that uses hot oil instead, and it is an excellent option for cooking tofu. Tofu is a versatile, plant-based protein that can be used in various dishes, and it is an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. When preparing tofu for fondue, it is best to use extra-firm tofu cut into small cubes. This ensures the tofu holds its shape during cooking and provides a chewy texture. Before cooking, the tofu should be pressed to remove excess water, and it can be seasoned or marinated to enhance its flavour. Once cooked, the tofu can be dipped in a variety of sauces or enjoyed plain.

Choosing the right tofu texture

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from creamy desserts to savoury fondues. When it comes to choosing the right tofu texture for your fondue, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of tofu textures available. Tofu typically ranges from silken to extra-firm. Silken tofu has a soft and creamy texture, while extra-firm tofu is denser and has a lower water content. For blending into desserts or slicing into miso soup, silken tofu is a good option. However, for fondue, extra-firm tofu is the way to go. Its denser texture holds up better during the cooking process and results in a heartier bite-sized piece.

If you're using tofu in an oil fondue, cutting it into small cubes is a great way to ensure even cooking. The small size also makes it easy to skewer and dip into your favourite sauce. On the other hand, if you're using tofu in a broth-based fondue, you can cut it into slightly larger cubes, such as 1.5 cm cubes. This allows the tofu to retain its shape and texture while absorbing the flavours of the broth.

In addition to the texture, it's also important to consider the type of tofu you're using. Organic tofu made without genetically modified soybeans is a good option, as it ensures a high-quality, natural product. Pressed tofu is another option that can enhance the texture of your fondue. Pressing removes excess water from the tofu, resulting in a chewier texture. This can be especially beneficial if you're baking, grilling, or frying your tofu. Using a tofu press or a cast-iron skillet are both effective methods for pressing tofu.

Lastly, don't forget to season your tofu! Tofu has a reputation for being bland, so be sure to add plenty of flavour. Marinating the tofu before cooking is a great way to infuse it with flavour. You can also spice it up by adding ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, or chilli peppers directly to your fondue pot.

Preparing tofu for fondue

Selecting the Right Tofu:

Start by choosing the right type of tofu. Tofu comes in various textures, ranging from silken to extra-firm. For fondue, it is recommended to use extra-firm tofu as it has a denser and heartier texture, making it ideal for holding its shape during the cooking process.

Draining and Pressing:

Tofu has a high water content, so it is important to drain and press it before cooking. Using a tofu press or a cast-iron skillet, press the tofu for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step gives the tofu a chewy texture and makes it easier to cook. If you are short on time, you can gently press the tofu with a kitchen towel or paper towels to remove some of the moisture.

Cutting the Tofu:

Cut the tofu into small, bite-sized cubes. This ensures that the tofu cooks evenly and can be easily picked up with a fondue fork or skewer. Aim for cubes that are around 1.5 cm in size.

Seasoning:

Tofu has a bland taste, so it is important to season it well. You can marinate the tofu cubes in a mixture of your choice, such as soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, or spices. For a crispy texture, you can also toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch before cooking.

Cooking the Tofu:

There are several ways to cook tofu for fondue. You can bake the tofu cubes in the oven at 425°F until they are browned around the edges. Alternatively, you can cook the tofu in a hot pot of oil, broth, or boiling water. If using oil, be sure to use a high-smoke-point oil such as sunflower, canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil. Cook the tofu until it is heated through or cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Serving:

Once the tofu is cooked, you can serve it with a variety of dipping sauces or eat it plain. If using a communal pot, place the cooked tofu onto a regular fork and dip it into your chosen sauce. Enjoy the delicious and healthy tofu fondue!

Seasoning tofu for fondue

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. When preparing tofu for fondue, it is important to consider the type of fondue you are making and the desired texture and taste of the tofu. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning tofu for fondue:

Choosing the Right Type of Tofu

The type of tofu you choose will depend on how you want to prepare it and the final texture you desire. Extra-firm tofu is recommended if you want to serve it as a main dish or as a topping on bowls or salads. It has a denser and heartier texture with less water content. On the other hand, if you plan to blend tofu into desserts or soups, silken tofu is a better option as it has a softer and creamier texture.

Pressing the Tofu

Tofu contains a lot of water, and pressing it will help remove excess moisture, especially if you plan to bake, grill, or fry it. Using a tofu press or a cast-iron skillet can give the tofu a chewy texture. However, if you are short on time, you can simply drain and gently press the tofu with a kitchen towel or paper towels.

Seasoning the Tofu

Tofu has a reputation for being bland, so it is important to season it well. You can marinate the tofu or bake it with spices and sauces. Here are some seasoning options:

• Salt and pepper are basic seasonings that can enhance the flavour of tofu.
• Garlic is a great option to add a savoury kick to your tofu.
• Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavour to the tofu.
• Lemon or lime juice can bring a tangy and bright flavour to the tofu.
• Spicy options like sriracha or red chiles can give your tofu a kick.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or ginger can add a refreshing flavour.

Dipping Sauces

In addition to seasoning the tofu itself, you can also serve it with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas:

• A traditional sauce for Shabu-Shabu (Japanese for Chinese fondue) includes lemon juice, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds.
• A peanut sauce can be made by blending tofu, coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger.
• You can also try a variety of store-bought sauces or make your own with your favourite ingredients.

Oil for tofu fondue

Tofu is a great option for fondue, especially for vegetarians. The best type of tofu to use for fondue is extra firm tofu, cut into bite-sized chunks.

There are a few different ways to prepare tofu fondue, depending on the type of fondue you are making.

For a savoury tofu fondue, a hot pot or pot of boiling water can be used. In this case, the tofu can be placed directly into the hot pot or boiling water. If you are using a cheese fondue, you may want to brown the tofu first before placing it into the cheese.

For a Chinese-style tofu fondue, also known as a Mongolian Firepot, a pot of slowly simmering broth is placed in the centre of the table. Guests then spear a piece of tofu with a dipping fork and immerse it in the broth until it is cooked to their liking. This is then followed by a soup made from the broth.

For an Indonesian tofu-peanut fondue, tofu is blended with coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, molasses, garlic, and ginger until smooth. This mixture is then heated in a saucepan and transferred to a warm fondue pot.

While oil is not typically used for tofu fondue, it can be used to fry potatoes which can then be dipped into cheese fondue.

Tofu fondue recipes

Fondue is a fun and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including with tofu! Here are some recipes and tips to help you create a tasty tofu fondue.

Oil Fondue

Oil fondue is a type of fondue that uses hot oil instead of the traditional melted cheese or chocolate. Tofu is an excellent option for oil fondue because it can absorb the flavours of whatever seasonings you choose to use. Here's how you can make it:

• Cut the tofu into small cubes.
• Season the tofu with salt, pepper, garlic, or any other seasonings of your choice.
• Cook the tofu in the hot oil until it is browned.
• Dip the cooked tofu in your favourite sauce or enjoy it plain.

Shabu-Shabu Style

Shabu-shabu is a Japanese-inspired fondue style that involves cooking thin slices of meat and vegetables in boiling water. For a vegetarian option, tofu is a great choice! Here's how to make it:

• Prepare a bland broth by combining water and vegetable broth in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil.
• Transfer the broth to a fondue pot placed in the centre of the table, keeping it simmering throughout the meal.
• Cut the tofu into bite-sized or 1.5 cm cubes and arrange them on a platter with thinly sliced vegetables.
• Prepare a dipping sauce by combining lemon juice, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds in a bowl.
• Each guest can spear a piece of tofu or vegetable with a fondue fork, briefly immerse it in the broth until cooked to their liking, then dip it into the sauce.

Indonesian Tofu-Peanut Fondue

For a unique and tasty twist on traditional fondue, try this Indonesian-inspired tofu and peanut fondue:

• Combine silken tofu, reduced-fat coconut milk, natural chunky peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, lemon or lime juice, minced garlic, chopped ginger, and small fresh red chiles or jalapenos in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until heated through.
• Transfer the mixture to a warm fondue pot and stir in chopped cilantro.
• Serve with your choice of dippers, such as vegetables or bread.

Tips for Cooking with Tofu

• Choose the right texture: For fondue, extra-firm tofu is best as it has a denser texture and less water content.
• Press the tofu: Tofu contains a lot of water, so it's a good idea to press it before cooking to remove some of the moisture, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. This will give it a chewier texture.
• Season well: Tofu has a reputation for being bland, so be sure to season it generously or marinate it before cooking.

Frequently asked questions