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Tofu and Bean Curd Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to tofu products
Unsure how to shop for tofu products? Learn more about tofu, the different types of tofu, and some frequently asked questions from Instacart's buying guide.
About tofu
A meat alternative, tofu has a relatively neutral flavor and is extremely popular in Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. Also known as bean curd, tofu is made by boiling and curdling soybeans, resulting in curds that are pressed and turned into cubes. While nutrients in tofu vary – depending on its ingredients and how it's prepared – it remains high in protein, making it an ideal choice if you're interested in a plant-based diet.
Types of tofu
Tofu typically comes in two different types: silken and regular. Silken tofu, also known as Japanese-style tofu, has the highest water content and a custard-like texture. Regular tofu, also known as Chinese-style tofu, is pressed and has a more sponge-like texture. This type of tofu is the more popular option and has five different categories, all relating to texture:
- Soft: Since it hasn't undergone curdling, soft tofu crumbles very easily. Use this type of tofu in dips, smoothies, and desserts. It's similar to silken tofu but is the Chinese-equivalent.
- Medium: Medium tofu is denser than soft tofu but remains delicate. You can use it in soups, and depending on the brand, it is interchangeable with firm tofu.
- Firm: This type of tofu resembles feta cheese in that it doesn't crumble when you pick it up, yet it remains easy to chop. Firm tofu is the most versatile option and usually comes packaged soaked in liquid.
- Extra-Firm: The culinary possibilities between the firm and extra-firm tofu types are similar, but extra-firm tofu doesn't absorb marinades easily.
- Super-Firm: You might mistake super-firm tofu for meat as it has such a dense texture. It works well as a meat substitute as you can deep-fry, stir-fry, and grill it. This type of tofu isn't readily available at stores, but you can easily make it yourself.
Once you know what type of tofu you need, open your Instacart app and add it to your order. Your Instacart shopper will locate it, fill your order, and deliver it right to your door. Sit back and relax while the Instacart shopper does all the work, saving you the time and hassle of heading to the store.
Tofu cooking tips
Tofu can be rather bland on its own with a slight bean taste, but it easily absorbs the flavor of seasonings or marinade. With the right combination of ingredients, you can make tofu taste like almost anything. If you add it to dressings and dips, you can add texture and volume to these dishes. You'll want to use regular tofu with medium, firm, or extra-firm textures for most recipes. These three don't have a huge difference in texture, so if you want the tofu to retain its shape, opt for the extra-firm tofu.
There are numerous ways that you can prepare tofu. You can cook it by itself, use it in baking, add it to a marinade, fry it, throw it in the blender, or bread it – the possibilities are endless. Deep-frying or pan-frying tofu will give you the crispiest texture. Some tofu also comes pre-seasoned, making it easier to prepare. All you have to do is open the package, turn on the pan or grill, and get cooking.
Tofu and Bean Curd Near Me
Buy your favorite Tofu and Bean Curd online with Instacart. Order Tofu and Bean Curd from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about tofu
Until you're ready to use the tofu, you can store an unopened container of tofu in the refrigerator. Packaged tofu has a long expiration date when unopened, so check the best-before date on the package to make sure you're using it before it expires.
Once you open the container, place any leftover tofu in a sealed container and cover it with water. Change out the water daily to keep the tofu fresh. After opening the package, you have about one week to use it before the tofu goes bad.
No, you don't need to cook tofu. You can eat it straight out of the package if you want. You can also use raw tofu in recipes such as dressings, sauces, or dairy substitutes. However, you'll most often find that tofu is prepared in a way to enhance its flavor, whether that involves cooking, baking, or adding it to a recipe.
Yes, you can freeze tofu for up to three months. Cut it into chunks, and freeze the tofu on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once it's solid, which should take 30 minutes to an hour, transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to use the tofu, take the container or bag out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator so it can thaw. You can also use the defrost setting in the microwave to thaw it. Keep in mind that freezing tofu does cause its texture to change slightly.