“Tofu is one of the most important ingredients in Chinese cooking,” says Joyce Kai, owner of Gourmet Chinese Restaurant in Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood.
It is one of the oldest, with recorded descriptions dating back more than 2,000 years.
Tofu is tofu. It is derived from soybeans (the soybean itself dates back about 5,000 years). It is made by fermenting the same way as cheese. Its use first spread to Japan, then throughout Asia, and then to the United States and Europe.
Over the past few decades, we’ve seen it transform into all kinds of dairy-free products, from soft serve ice cream to ricotta, and its versatility is amazing. But it’s best when it’s raw and repeated over and over again, from silky to firm in texture, dried to fried. It also has its own “skins” for even more creative usage.
“Tofu represents the philosophy that simple ingredients can be made special through technique and seasoning.”
The ‘Gourmet’ menu includes a variety of variations on the globally celebrated tofu on World Tofu Day (July 26), including the restaurant’s ‘hidden menu’ favorite, spicy tofu sticks.
Here, soy milk is slowly heated until a skin forms on the surface, similar to pudding.
“The skin is lifted, dried, and then rehydrated, creating a unique chewy texture,” Kai says. “Toss with homemade chilli oil, fresh garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, coriander, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. The result is a refreshing cold appetizer that’s flavorful, spicy, and slightly tangy.”
It’s a dish that has been enjoyed in China for more than 1,000 years, she says.
“Originally, yuba (tofu skin) was considered a premium soy product because it required patience and craftsmanship to make.”
It’s well known by vegans and vegetarians as a plant-based alternative to meat, but it’s celebrated as an ingredient in its own right in Chinese cuisine. However, there are some lower-ranked dishes in A Gourmet.
“Our hidden menu allows us to share dishes that many Chinese families grew up eating, dishes that may be unfamiliar to first-time guests but beloved by those seeking authentic taste.”
This dish is one of them, but other dishes using tofu are also widely known. Whether tofu is your go-to or you’re exploring Meatless Monday and finding your own way, read on for some more ways you can celebrate.
Gourmet Chinese: 101 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando, 407-868-8709; gourmetfl.com
Spicy Creamy V Ramen, JINYA Ramen Bar
With two locations in the Orlando metro and many locations across North America, JINYA’s vegetarian customers love to retreat to the smooth flavors of the vegetarian favorite Spicy Creamy V Ramen, made with vegetable broth, onions, green onions, spinach, crispy onions, garlic chips, garlic oil, chili oil, sesame seeds and, of course, tofu, and served with thick noodles.
JINYA Ramen Bar: 8 N. Summerlin Ave., 407-704-1825 in Orlando and 234 E. Mitchell Hammock Road, 321-765-7077 in Oviedo. jinyaramember.com
Deep-fried tofu juju
“Tofu is one of those ingredients that goes well with just about any seasoning, and it’s good for your health,” says Louis Lin, chef and owner of both Juju in Orlando’s Milk District and its sister Susuru, which also has a location here.
At Juju, you can enjoy a pop of flavor with a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors, such as crispy fried tofu, homemade bonito soy sauce, and fresh ginger.
Juju: 700 Maguire Blvd. in Orlando, 407-412-6678; susuruorl.com/juju-restaurant
Spicy Tofu, Karashi Girl
Head to Spicy Girl and you’ll find all kinds of face-crunching fun on deck. For the past six years, it has been at the top of the list for Chinese people here in town. The food here is exemplary, primarily Sichuanese, with some amazingly surprising treats courtesy of the owner, who is half-way through northern China. We also recommend the spicy dried tofu, which provides a beautiful balance of coolness and spiciness.
Spicy Girl: 5748 International Drive in Orlando, 321-732-1749; Spicy Girl Orlando
Cold tofu, Susuru
Regarding this cold appetizer made with silken tofu, Lin says, “Dried shrimp and soybeans add a seafood flavor to this susur plate.” This dish dates back centuries in Japan and offers endless flavor variations.
Susuru: 8548 Palm Parkway in Orlando, 407-778-4813; susurorl.com
Tofu Fighters, Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery
This deep-fried dish has a bit of a wild name, but the crispy chunks of tofu offer little resistance as customers destroy it. “These have been on the menu for the past five years,” says Thriving Hospitality executive chef Ryan Stewart. “A classic menu for vegetarian customers, this dish consists of fried tofu and green onion curls tossed with spicy mayonnaise and chili peppers.
Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery: 13 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando, 407-237-0657; Eat Drinkthriveorl.com
Beef fillet with tofu pudding, delicious taste
Another perennial favorite, Yummy Taste, has a modest storefront in the Waterford Lakes shopping plaza. You can see the deliciousness hidden inside, which is hard to imagine from its simple appearance. This dish is the antithesis of Thrive’s crispy fried fare, featuring creamy, silken tofu and ultra-tender beef in a rich, spicy sauce.
Yummy Taste: 504 N. Alafaya Trail in Orlando, 407-866-2199; yummytasteorlando.com
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