The Asian Cheese

Well, I don't know about you, but I REALLY love TOFU. I have found though that many people I run into absolutely hate it and I don't always understand why. It really has no flavor, which is great because it acquires the taste of whatever you cook with so you can actually get pretty creative with it. I guess I am partically biased because growing up in Thailand, that is like the equivalent of Cheese to Americans. I guess tofu is, then, the "Asian-cheese?"

If you are thinking about trying tofu, here are some great health benefits:

• High is protein
• Low in saturated fats
• Good source of calcium
• Good substitute for meat (Vitamin E and protein)
• Easy to digest

Anyhow, here is a recipie that I enjoy making for tofu:

Ingredients:

• 1 tube of medium-soft tofu (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 3 cups of beansprouts
• 1/3 cups of diced green onions and onions (each)
• 1/2 - 3/4 cups of diced bell peppers
  
• 2 1/2 cups of oil
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 2-3 cups of cornstarch
• cilantro (optional - for garnish)
  

Directions:

Frying Tofu

1. Heat 2 1/2 cups of oil (takes 3-4 mins).
2. Coat sliced tofu with cornstarch and drop in oil.
3. Place fried tofu pieces on a wire rack to cool.

Frying Tofu with Veggies

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet (medium heat)
   
2. Cook bell peppers and onions
3. Add tofu, oyster sauce, and fish sauce
   
4. Mix so everything cooks evenly
5. Add beansprouts and green onions
6. Cook for about 7 minutes

This makes a great entree to have with rice or noodles. It'll serve 2-3 people. Garnish with cilantro. YUMMY!