If you’re looking to reduce your cholesterol or eat more plant foods, tofu is an excellent protein-packed option. Choosing the type of tofu can get a little confusing, but we’ve got you covered along with recipe ideas too.

Tofu 101

Also called soybean curd, tofu is made by curdling soy milk with a coagulant (such as calcium sulfate or nigari, which is found naturally in ocean water). It’s then pressed (similar to cheese) and the firmness depends on the amount of liquid that’s extracted. Tofu has a bland, slightly nutty flavor that absorbs the flavors you combine it with.

There are 3 types of tofu available at the market: firm, soft, and silken. Firm tofu (also found as “extra firm”) holds up well in dishes where you want it to maintain its shape like on the grill or in a stir-fry. Soft tofu is appropriate for recipes where you blend the tofu like puddings, tofu scrambles or eggless egg salad. Silken tofu is made by a slightly different process where the end result is a custard-like product. It’s great in pureed dishes like smoothies and mousse.

The Nutrition Scoop

The nutrition facts slightly differ between the types of tofu. Firm tofu is higher in unsaturated fat, protein and calcium than the other types. Below is a comparison for a 4-ounce portion.

Firm Tofu:

Calories: 120; Protein: 13 grams; Fat: 6 grams; Saturated fat: 1 gram; Calcium: 120 milligrams; Iron: 8 milligrams

Soft:

Calories: 86; Protein: 9 grams; Fat: 5 grams; Saturated fat: 1 gram; Calcium: 130 milligrams; Iron: 7 milligrams

Silken:

Calories: 72; Protein: 9.6 grams; Fat: 2.4 grams; Saturated fat: 0 grams; Calcium: 40 milligrams; Iron: 1 milligram

Tofu is cholesterol free, a good source of energy boosting B-vitamins and very low in sodium. If you’re looking to make tofu a way to get in more calcium, read the label to make sure it’s made with calcium sulfate.

Tofu Ideas

If you’ve tried cooking with tofu and didn't like the taste, don’t blame the tofu. Tofu has virtually no taste, it’s your job to to flavor it. In recipes in acts like a sponge soaking up the flavors you combine it with. Try out these suggestions:

• Cut firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes. Use it instead of chicken or beef in your favorite stir-fry recipe.
• Add cubes of tofu to a soup or casserole dish.
• Try the Barbecued Tofu pictured above, seen on Bobby Flay's show, BBQ With Bobby Flay.
• Add diced firm tofu to rice in Ellie’s Fried Rice with Scallions, Edamame and Tofu.
• Add silken tofu to a fruit smoothie like in this Peach-Mango flavored one.
• Here are 5 more ways to enjoy tofu.

TELL US: What’s your favorite way to eat tofu?