Plain tofu tastes mild and slightly nutty, a little like unsweetened soy milk, with almost no salt of its own. On its own it can seem bland, but that is the point: tofu soaks up the flavour of whatever you cook it with, so a well seasoned tofu dish tastes of its sauce, its marinade and the browning from the pan.
What each type of tofu tastes like
The flavour changes far less than the texture from one type to the next, and the texture is what decides how a dish turns out.
| Type | Taste and texture | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Silken | Soft, smooth and custardy, with the mildest, milkiest flavour | Soups, sauces, dressings, desserts and mapo tofu |
| Firm | Springy and holds its shape, with a gentle bean flavour | Stir fries, braises and curries |
| Extra firm | Dense and chewy, browns well | Pan frying, baking, grilling and the air fryer |
| Smoked | Firm, with a savoury, smoky taste straight from the pack | Salads, sandwiches and quick stir fries |
| Fried tofu puffs | Light and spongy, soak up broth | Hot pot, laksa and noodle soups |
| Fermented tofu | Strong, salty and cheesy, used in small amounts | A seasoning for greens, braises and congee |
Why tofu tastes bland, and how to fix it
Tofu is mostly water held in a fine web of soy protein. The water dilutes any seasoning and stops the outside browning, so the most common reason tofu tastes of nothing is that it went into the pan wet and under seasoned. Four simple steps fix most of it.
Press out the water
Wrap firm or extra firm tofu in a clean tea towel and set something heavy on top for 15 to 30 minutes, or use a tofu press. Less water inside means more room for a marinade and a crisper outside. Silken tofu is too soft to press, so drain it gently instead.
Season it twice
Marinate pressed tofu in soy sauce, garlic and a little sugar for at least 20 minutes, then cook it in a sauce as well. Tofu needs more salt than meat to taste right, so taste the sauce and be generous.
Cook it hot
Fry tofu in a hot, oiled pan and leave it alone until a golden crust forms before turning it. That browning adds a toasty, savoury flavour plain tofu does not have.
Coat it in cornflour
A light dusting of cornflour before frying gives a crisp shell that grips onto sauce, the trick behind most restaurant style crispy tofu.
Does tofu taste like meat, egg or cheese?
Not really. Plain tofu has none of the savoury depth of meat, though a chewy, well browned piece in a rich sauce can stand in for chicken in many dishes. Silken tofu has a soft, custardy texture that people often compare to egg, but the flavour is milder. Only fermented tofu comes close to cheese, with a pungent, salty, creamy taste that is used as a seasoning rather than eaten in chunks.
Freezing changes the texture
Freeze a block of firm tofu in its pack, then thaw it in the fridge and squeeze out the water. Ice crystals open up the inside into a spongy, chewier texture that drinks up marinade, which suits stews, hot pot and anything where you want the tofu to carry a lot of sauce. Yuba, or tofu skin, is the chewy film that forms on hot soy milk and feels quite unlike a block of tofu.
How to tell if tofu has gone off
Fresh tofu smells clean and faintly beany. If it smells sour, feels slimy or the water in the pack has turned cloudy and yellow, throw it away. Once opened, keep leftover tofu covered in fresh water in the fridge, change the water daily and use it within three to five days.
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat tofu raw?
Yes. Tofu is cooked as part of how it is made, so it is safe to eat straight from the pack. Chilled silken tofu with soy sauce, ginger and spring onion is a classic Japanese side dish.
Is tofu sweet?
No. Plain tofu has no sweetness of its own. Some Chinese and Taiwanese desserts serve soft tofu in a sweet syrup, which is where the idea comes from.
Why does my tofu taste sour?
It has most likely started to go off. Fresh tofu should never taste sour or smell sharp.
What is the best tofu for a beginner?
Extra firm tofu, pressed, coated in cornflour and pan fried. It is the easiest to cook well and the best way to find out how much flavour tofu can carry.
