Tofu is coagulated soy-milk. It is a staple food in many countries of the world, particularly the far east. It comes in different forms, including soft, silken and firm. Tofu is versatile and may be prepared in a variety of ways. It can be sliced and deep-fried, ground, mashed, cubed for soups, stir-fried, or grilled. Tofu has very little of its own flavor, so marinating tofu is a great way to add character and flavor to this nutritious food.
Vegetarian and vegan dishes often call for tofu. Softer tofu grades absorb these flavors more quickly than firmer tofu. Soft or silken tofu will tend to get even softer when marinated, as they absorb more of the liquid. For this reason, firmer grades of tofu are better for marinating.
Marinating tofu can be quick if the marinade is thin. Very thin marinades like soy sauce can be absorbed so quickly that all that may be required is simply dipping the tofu in the marinade. If a stronger flavor is desired, allow it to soak a few minutes. For quick marinades that require less than an hour, the marinading tofu does not need to be refrigerated. It should be covered, but may be left at room temperature.
For thicker marinades, the tofu may need to soak for several hours or even overnight, depending on the desired strength of the absorbed flavor. Long-soak marinades should be refrigerated to avoid spoiling. Tofu should also be kept in a covered container, whether marinading or not, as it will tend to absorb odors from other foods.
A good way to help speed the absorption of the marinade is to freeze and thaw the tofu before marinating it. Tofu that has been frozen and thawed will take up the marinade faster. This trick can help lessen the marinating time when using thicker marinades. Cutting the tofu into smaller pieces will also help speed absorption.
Generally, tofu should be marinated before cooking. This helps ensure the final character of the tofu in the recipe. Marinating after cooking will result in a tofu that may not have the desired taste or texture. Some recipes may call for marinating tofu after cooking however. Follow the instructions for each recipe.