What's the difference between tofu and vegan tofu?

Is All Tofu Vegan? Although tofu in general is completely vegan friendly , we always recommend checking the ingredients list on the tofu you have. Sometimes, the odd brand of tofu may use a different method to create their tofu, some of which include animal byproducts in their process.

What to use instead of cashew cream?

Canned coconut milk is a lot thinner than cashew cream but it is a great alternative to cashew cream. If you're making a recipe that calls for a creamy sauce, try using canned coconut milk or coconut cream. Coconut milk is great in curries, soups, stews, and pasta sauces.

Is tofu good for weight loss?

Adding tofu to your weight loss journey can be a delicious and nutritious choice . From its low-calorie and high-protein profile to its versatility in the kitchen, tofu offers a myriad of benefits for those aiming to shed pounds.

Is tofu really healthier than meat?

The high level of protein makes tofu a good alternative to animal-derived meat . Federal dietary guidelines include tofu as part of a healthy vegetarian dietary pattern, and a 2021 American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes choosing plant-based proteins for heart health.

Is cashew cream healthier than dairy cream?

Compare this to the nutrition information for our Cashew Cream recipe, and you'll see that cashew cream has fewer calories, total fat, saturated fat and sodium. Going by these numbers, cashew cream is healthier than heavy cream .

What nut is best substitute for cashews?

Pine nuts are firmly connected with cashews, making pine nuts an incredible replacement for cashews. The two of them have a somewhat sweet flavor, so they can substitute each other well. They are healthy and nutritious with rich fats.

Why do vegans use cashews?

Cashews make an exceptional addition to any vegan diet due to their rich nutrient composition, providing essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and dietary fiber .

Which tofu is healthiest?

For relatively similar serving sizes, the nutrition differences between silken and firm tofu are pretty big. Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.

Yes, tofu is vegan since it's made from soy, a plant-based legume. No animal products, byproducts, or processing aids are used during its production, so tofu is vegan-friendly. That said, some specialty varieties of tofu or traditional dishes may contain animal ingredients.

What are the three types of tofu?

Tofu is categorized as silken, regular, firm, extra-firm and super-firm . Silken, the softest type of tofu, can be compared to a young white cheese. Firm tofu, the most common, has the same consistency as feta, while the texture of super-firm can be compared to that of meat.

What does vegan tofu taste like?

Before it has been cooked or seasoned, tofu tastes sour and is quite bland. However, this food is an excellent absorber of flavors, which makes it a favorite for anyone who knows their way around a kitchen. When prepared correctly, tofu can be savory, sweet, crunchy, or soft .

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!)

by Caitlin Shoemaker

updated on December 27, 2022

GFGluten FreeVVegan

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

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Crispy Tofu gets tossed with nutty cashews and a sweet and savory sauce to make this Vegan Cashew Chicken totally delicious!

Let’s talk about thisVegan Cashew “Chicken”– crispy chunks of baked tofu “chicken” get slathered in a sweet & savory sauce with bits of nutty cashews and fresh green onions…need I say more? Well this is a food blog, so you know I will 😉 But seriously friends,thisis one recipe you don’t want to skip!

This hearty and delicious vegetarian main is a great way to save money on takeout, without sacrificing flavor.

INGREDIENTS + INSPIRATION

This recipe is inspired by the takeout classic Cashew Chicken – which is actually a Chinese-American fusion dish that first gained popularity in the midwest in the 1940s. My version is vegan – obviously – and takes a few ingredient “shortcuts” to help cut down on your prep time.

This recipe could also be namedCashew Tofubecause starts with protein-packed tofu that gets coated in soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil, then baked in the oven until crispy. Vegan or not, this tofu isdeliciousand makes the perfect animal-free chicken substitute!

Like most great recipes, the stir fry sauce brings the dish together. This one has pretty simple ingredients: soy sauce and rice vinegar add salt and tang, while hoisin sauce adds the perfect amount of spice and sweetness and toasted sesame oil adds a burst of umami flavor. Toss this finger-licking sauce with soft and crunchy cashew nuts, your tofu, and some green onion, and you’ve got the ultimate flavor and texture combination!

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN CASHEW CHICKEN

This Cashew “Chicken” really only requires a few minutes of prep time – the oven does most of the work!

Preparethe tofu and toss it in the oven to bake, flipping halfway
Sautéaromatics in a large pan or wok, then add all of the sauce ingredients andsimmeruntil thick.
Add thecrispy tofuto the sauce and mix well, then stir in the green onions and sesame oil.
Serveover rice, then enjoy!

I like to serve this Vegan Cashew Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli for a little extra color! If I have a little extra time I also like to make some stir fried veggies with red bell pepper, snow peas, and mushrooms. Typically I serve this with some fluffy jasmine rice, but you could also serve it over ramen or rice noodles for a fun take!

COOKING TIPS + FAQ:

Do I need to use cashews?No, not necessarily! Peanuts would also be delicious here too, or you could simply leave the nuts out if you have an allergy – you could also add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for a nut-free crunch!
Can I pan-fry the tofu instead?I recommend baking the tofu for the best meaty texture and hands-off prep, but you can pan-fry it if you wish. Press the tofu and coat it in the soy sauce and cornstarch, then pan fry in a cast iron or similar pan with a couple tablespoons of oil over medium high heat until crispy on all sides.
Can I make this gluten-free?Substitute the soy sauce with liquid aminos or tamari, and get agluten-free hoisin sauceinstead!
Storage:this recipe is best served fresh, but will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you plan on having leftovers I recommend keeping the crispy tofu and sauce separate and combining just before serving to keep the tofu crispier.

If you’re like this vegan cashew chicken stir fry, you’ll also love thisCrispy Orange Tofu, thisVegan Kung Pao Tofu, and thisBlack Pepper Tofu!

Finally, if you make this recipe and decide to share it onFacebookorInstagram, don’t forget to tag me@FromMyBowl+ #FromMyBowl! I love seeing your delicious recreations 🙂