Brilio.net - Tofu has become an inseparable part of Indonesian cuisine. This vegetable protein made from soybeans is not only popular because it is affordable, but also because of its high nutritional content and ease of processing. A survey by the Central Statistics Agency shows that the average per capita consumption of tofu in Indonesia reaches 7.5 kg per year.
The habits of modern housewives who like to shop for food stocks in large quantities for the sake of time and cost efficiency make tofu often purchased in large quantities. However, storing raw tofu has several challenges. Tofu that is stored for too long can be slimy, give off an unpleasant odor, or easily crumble when cooked. This happens because the water and protein content in tofu is a medium for bacterial growth.
Another problem that is often faced is tofu that is easily destroyed when cooked, especially for soup or stir-fry dishes . This makes the appearance of the dish less attractive and the texture is not as expected. Not to mention if the tofu that is stored becomes slimy, of course this makes us doubt the safety of consuming it.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to overcome these problems. TikTok account owner @ernawati137_ shared a trick to preserve tofu without having to boil or add preservatives. The method used is to steam the tofu for 30 minutes after being thinly sliced and placed on a steamer strainer.
"Steam the tofu for 30 minutes so that it lasts longer in storage and is not slimy when cooked until dry and does not crumble easily," wrote the account owner as quoted by BrilioFood from TikTok @ernawati137_, Thursday (30/1).
photo: TikTok/@ernawati137_
Why does tofu need to be steamed?
The process of steaming tofu has several important benefits. First, steaming helps reduce the water content in tofu without removing its nutrients as occurs in the boiling process. Second, the heat from the steam can kill bacteria on the surface of the tofu, thus slowing the spoilage process.
In addition, steaming also helps solidify the protein in tofu, making its texture more solid and less likely to fall apart when cooked. This process also removes the unpleasant aroma that sometimes remains in raw tofu.
How long does tofu last after steaming?
After going through the steaming process, tofu can last longer than regular raw tofu. At room temperature, steamed tofu can last up to 2-3 days, while if stored in the refrigerator it can last up to 5-7 days. However, make sure to store tofu in a tightly closed and dry container for optimal results.
Delicious Tofu Recipes
1. Crispy tofu with sweet and sour sauce.
Material:
- 4 pieces of steamed tofu
- 100 grams of wheat flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Enough water
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/4 onion, diced
- Salt and sugar to taste
- 100 ml water
How to make:
1. Mix all the flour ingredients, divide into two doughs (wet and dry)
2. Dip the tofu into the wet batter, then roll it in the dry batter.
3. Fry until golden brown
4. For the sauce, saute the garlic and onion until fragrant.
5. Add the other sauce ingredients, cook until thick.
6. Pour the sauce over the fried tofu.
2. Steamed tofu with soy sauce seasoning.
Material:
- 6 pieces of steamed tofu
- 4 cloves of shallot, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 green chilies, sliced diagonally
- 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce
- 1 stalk of spring onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to make:
1. Saute the shallots and garlic until fragrant
2. Add green chilies
3. Add steamed tofu, stir gently
4. Add sweet soy sauce, salt and pepper.
5. Cook until the spices are absorbed
6. Sprinkle with spring onions before serving.
3. Mushroom tofu soup.
Material:
- 5 pieces of steamed tofu
- 100 grams of wood ear mushrooms, soaked
- 2 carrots, cut into rounds
- 2 stalks of spring onions
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 piece of ginger, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 liter of water
- Fried onions for sprinkling
How to make:
1. Boil water, add garlic and ginger.
2. Add carrots, cook until half cooked.
3. Add the wood ear mushrooms
4. Add steamed tofu, cook until all ingredients are cooked
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Sprinkle spring onions and fried onions before serving.