Tauhu is a popular and healthy food made from soybeans. It is widely used in Asian cooking and is known for its soft texture, mild taste, and high protein value. In many countries, tauhu is also called tofu, but the way it is prepared and used can vary slightly depending on the region. In this detailed guide, you will learn everything about the tauhu recipe, including Indian-style tauhu, Chinese-style tauhu, how to make tofu at home, and the difference between tofu and tauhu.
- What Is Tauhu?
- Tauhu Recipe Overview
- Simple Tauhu Recipe at Home
- How to Make Tauhu at Home Step by Step
- Tauhu Recipe Indian Style
- Tauhu Recipe Chinese Style
- Tauhu Recipe Hebbars Kitchen Style
- What Is the Difference Between Tofu and Tauhu?
- What Are the Ingredients in Tauhu Sumbat?
- How to Make Tauhu Crispy
- Health Benefits of Tauhu
- Tips for Perfect Tauhu Every Time
- Frequently Asked Questions About Tauhu Recipe
- Final Thoughts on Tauhu Recipe
What Is Tauhu?
Tauhu is a soft, protein-rich food made from soy milk. It is created by curdling soy milk and pressing the curds into solid blocks. Tauhu is widely used in Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Indian cooking.
The taste of tauhu is very mild, which makes it perfect for absorbing flavors from spices, sauces, and marinades. It can be fried, steamed, grilled, or added to curries and stir-fries.
Tauhu is also popular among vegetarians and vegans because it is a great source of plant-based protein, calcium, and iron.
Tauhu Recipe Overview
Tauhu can be prepared in many ways depending on the recipe style. Some people like it crispy and fried, while others prefer it soft in gravies or soups. Below is a simple and traditional tauhu recipe that you can easily make at home.
This recipe is suitable for beginners and does not require any special cooking skills.
Simple Tauhu Recipe at Home
Ingredients for Tauhu Recipe
To make basic tauhu at home, you will need:
Soybeans
Water
Lemon juice or vinegar (as a coagulant)
Salt (optional)
Oil for cooking (if frying)
These ingredients are easy to find in Indian kitchens or local grocery stores.
How to Make Tauhu at Home Step by Step
Step 1: Soak the Soybeans
Wash one cup of soybeans properly and soak them in water for 8 to 10 hours or overnight. This softens the beans and makes them easier to blend.
Step 2: Grind the Soybeans
Drain the soaked soybeans and blend them with fresh water until you get a smooth milk-like liquid.
Step 3: Strain the Soy Milk
Use a clean cotton cloth or fine strainer to separate the soy milk from the pulp. The liquid you get is fresh soy milk.
Step 4: Boil the Soy Milk
Heat the soy milk on a low flame. Stir continuously to avoid burning. Once it starts boiling, turn off the heat.
Step 5: Add Coagulant
Slowly add lemon juice or vinegar to the hot soy milk while stirring gently. The milk will start curdling and form white curds.
Step 6: Strain and Press
Pour the mixture into a cloth-lined strainer. Press it gently to remove excess water. Place a weight on top and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 7: Cut and Use
Once set, remove the tauhu block and cut it into cubes. Your homemade tauhu is ready to use in any recipe.
Tauhu Recipe Indian Style
In Indian cooking, tauhu is often used as a substitute for paneer. It absorbs spices very well and works perfectly in curries.
To make Indian-style tauhu, lightly fry the cubes until golden. Then cook them in a gravy made with onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Add some water and simmer for a few minutes.
This version tastes best with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Tauhu Recipe Chinese Style
Chinese tauhu recipes focus on light flavors and sauces. Soft tauhu is usually steamed or stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and spring onions.
One popular dish is stir-fried tauhu with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. It is quick to cook and very healthy.
Chinese-style tauhu is perfect for people who like light, non-spicy meals.
Tauhu Recipe Hebbars Kitchen Style
Hebbars Kitchen-style tauhu recipes are known for simplicity and clear steps. These recipes usually focus on crispy fried tauhu or tauhu curry made with Indian spices.
The method includes coating tauhu with cornflour, shallow frying it, and then adding it to a spicy gravy. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that goes well with rice or chapati.
What Is the Difference Between Tofu and Tauhu?
Many people think tofu and tauhu are different, but they are almost the same.
Tofu is the English or Japanese name, while tauhu is commonly used in Southeast Asian countries. The main difference lies in texture and preparation style.
Tofu usually comes in soft, firm, or extra-firm varieties. Tauhu is often slightly firmer and used in fried or stuffed dishes. The ingredients and process are mostly the same.
What Are the Ingredients in Tauhu Sumbat?
Tauhu Sumbat is a popular Indonesian dish. It is made using fried tauhu that is stuffed with vegetables and served with peanut sauce.
Common ingredients include:
Tauhu cubes
Cabbage
Carrot
Bean sprouts
Peanuts
Garlic
Chili
Tamarind
Palm sugar
This dish is known for its sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor combination.
How to Make Tauhu Crispy
To make tauhu crispy, always remove excess water before cooking. Lightly coat the cubes with cornflour or rice flour and shallow fry them in hot oil.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding tauhu. This helps create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft.
Health Benefits of Tauhu
Tauhu is very healthy and suitable for all age groups. It is rich in plant protein and low in calories. It helps in muscle building, weight management, and improving digestion.
It is also cholesterol-free and contains calcium, iron, and magnesium. This makes it a good food choice for heart health and bone strength.
Tips for Perfect Tauhu Every Time
Always use fresh soybeans for better taste.
Do not boil soy milk on high flame.
Press tauhu properly to remove excess water.
Marinate tauhu before cooking for better flavor.
Store unused tauhu in water inside the refrigerator and use within two days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tauhu Recipe
What is tauhu made of
Tauhu is made from soybeans, water, and a coagulant like lemon juice or vinegar.
Is tauhu healthy
Yes, tauhu is very healthy. It is high in protein, low in fat, and suitable for vegetarian diets.
Can I eat tauhu every day
Yes, tauhu can be eaten daily in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet.
Is tauhu the same as paneer
No, paneer is made from milk, while tauhu is made from soy milk. Tauhu is vegan-friendly.
How long does homemade tauhu last
Homemade tauhu lasts for 2 to 3 days if stored in water inside the refrigerator.
Can tauhu be frozen
Yes, tauhu can be frozen, but its texture becomes slightly chewy after thawing.
Final Thoughts on Tauhu Recipe
Tauhu is a simple, nutritious, and versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Whether you like Indian-style curry, Chinese stir-fry, or Indonesian tauhu sumbat, this ingredient fits perfectly in every cuisine.
Making tauhu at home is easy, cost-effective, and much healthier than store-bought versions. If you love cooking healthy meals, tauhu should definitely be part of your kitchen.
For more easy and healthy recipes like this, visit myfirstrecipe.com and explore our wide collection of homemade food ideas.
