Maple Jerk Best Tofu Recipe: Must TRY!

From the Best Tofu recipes is this Tantalizing Maple Jerk Tofu. Sizzling with savoury authentic jerk flavour and seasoning. Not a fan of tofu? Maybe you are not doing it right! Let me tell you once you try this Jamaican tofu recipe. I promise you'll have a newfound love for the versatility of tofu.

There was a time when I would scoff at the very mention of the word tofu. Truth is I had heard about it but always associated it with negative feelings. I imagined it would be flavourless and there were mentions of issues with soy which tofu is derived from. I hadn't done any research of my own just anecdotal references from "other people".

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MY TOFU EXPERIENCE

The first time I really tried tofu was from an asian food joint. I made the mistake of responding yes when asked if I wanted the soft tofu version. I didn't know they were available in soft, medium, firm, extra firm at the time and in my ignorance I didn't bother to ask. Just pass the tofu lady. I made a colossal mistake, anyone that's ever had the soft version of tofu knows it's very mushy - to say the least. I was less than impressed and to make matters it had like zero flavour to it. So that was my first introduction to tofu.

WHAT IS TOFU AND IS IT HEALTHY

Tofu is made from the soybean plant (a type of legume grown for its edible bean); which is then curdled and pressed into blocks; similar to making cheese!. Soybeans are rich in protein and are used to make food products such as tofu, soy milk and various dairy and meat substitutes. 

Soybeans are mainly composed of protein but also contain good amounts of carbs and fat. For example 100g of tofu yields around 16g of protein, 9g of carbs, 6g of fibre. This makes tofu an excellent source of plant based protein. Soybeans are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including: Vitamin K1, Folate, Manganese, Copper and Thiamine (Vitamin B1).

BUT ISN'T SOY BAD FOR YOU?

Persons with an aversion to tofu typically will sight studies pointing to tofu containing phytoestrogens - this is plant form of estrogen. Some persons believe plant estrogen can negatively impact hormone function and increase risk for certain types of cancer. However, many studies have shown this is not accurate.

I will make this last point, tofu is a staple food item in many large countries like Japan, China and Brazil and has been consumed for centuries by these populous. I think we can agree if there were any true cause for concern we would know by now.

Here's a breakdown of protein consumption around the world. Soybeans are also heavily fed to livestock which is then consumed by non-vegans (if it's good enough for livestock then that's saying a lot).

WHAT TOFU TO BUY FOR YOUR JAMAICAN JERK BEST TOFU Recipe

Be aware soybeans are one of the most heavily grown genetically modified plant (GMO) in the world. I strongly suggest you always purchase non-GMO/organic tofu whenever possible.

For our recipe you can use medium, firm or extra firm varieties. I have made this jerk tofu recipe with all three but I actually prefer the firm versus extra firm.

JERK TOFU STEAKS RECIPE

We hope you enjoy this Jamaican jerk tofu recipe as much as we do. Please share your tofu experience and how you incorporate in your meals.