10 Best Tofu in the UK 2024
Tofu is one of those foods that people either love or hate (or love to hate). An absolute staple across Chinese and Japanese cuisine, it's taken Westerners a little longer to get to grips with the wonderful, and sometimes wobbly, block know as tofu.
However, once you know, you really know. There are few things more delicious than well-prepared tofu, whether that be deep-fried and crispy, silky and delicate in a soup or salad, or marinated and stuffed with rice in sushi. We can't wait to show you our favourite picks from Clearspring, Yukata and Taifun, available from Tesco, Waitrose and The Japan Centre.
Quick List - Top Tofu
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How to Choose Tofu in the UK - Buying Guide
In this section we will go through the different types of tofu and what they are used for. We will also look at any dietary requirements to take into consideration and whether you need your tofu quick, easy and ready to eat or have the time to cook and prepare it yourself.
There Are a Few Different Types of Tofu – Choose the Right One for Your Recipe
There are a few different types of tofu on the market and it's important to know what you are looking for to choose one that's fit for purpose. Texture and consistency can vary a lot making some types of tofu more suitable for certain dishes than others. Below we've detailed the most common types of tofu and what they are best used for.
Silken Tofu Can Be Used to Make Tofu Scramble, Desserts, Miso Soup or Even to Thicken Sauces
Silken tofu, also called Japanese-style tofu, has a softer consistency than other types. It can fall apart easily if not used correctly, but many people don't realise silken tofu is meant to be so soft!
This type of tofu often comes in aseptic containers that don't need to be refrigerated until they are opened, and can last a long time.
Silken tofu can be blended into salad dressings, sauces and desserts as well as being used to make tofu scramble or to garnish miso soup. It's not recommended to press silken tofu as it disintegrates easily so depending on how soft it is, it may not be suitable as the "meat" of the meal like with firmer tofu.
Regular Tofu Is Versatile – It Can Be Baked, Roasted, or Used as a Meat Substitute in a Variety of Dishes
Regular tofu, also called beancurd, is a very popular and widely-used ingredient in Western cooking these days. Super easy to use, it can replace meat in stir fries or salads and is perfect for baking or roasting too.
This type of tofu is firmer but still comes in various consistencies – medium, firm and extra firm, which the packet may specify. It is commonly found in the refrigerated section in the supermarket, and can be eaten without any prior preparation, especially if it is the extra firm kind!
Otherwise, similarly to silken tofu, medium and firm tofu can often still be used in sauces or to make a vegan scramble. A big draw is that it's a real blank canvas that can be flavoured in any way you like, whether as a meat substitute or marinated into vegan 'feta'.
Marinated or Smoked Tofu Is Delicious Enough to Eat Alone and Can Save Time and Effort in the Kitchen
Regular tofu can often be bought already marinated or smoked, saving time in and effort in the kitchen. When tofu is marinated or smoked it has a similar feel to smoked meat or cheese, which can be a delight for omnivores or newly-converted vegans or vegetarians.
Tofu can be bought marinaded in black pepper, chilli, garlic, ginger or soy sauce and may be deep fried, too. Beechwood-smoked tofu creates a delicious, umami flavour which doesn't need many other ingredients added. You may want even want to eat it by itself!
Braised Tofu Is Easy to Use and Flavourful With a Long Shelf Life
Braised tofu is often found served in various dishes at Chinese restaurants, but you can also make it home or even get it in a can! Braised tofu is silken tofu that has been lightly fried and then braised in ingredients such as oil, soy sauce and possibly salt.
It is an ever-so-slightly more advanced dish to try, because frying silken tofu without it falling apart takes a little bit of expertise. However, braised tofu in a can is a brilliant thing to have in the kitchen cupboard – it can be stored for a long time, tastes delicious and can even be eaten straight from the can if you so desire!
Abura-Age Are Deep Fried Tofu Pieces That Work in Sushi, Soups and Many Japanese Dishes
Abura-age is deep fried beancurd which comes in small pieces. A traditionally-made Japanese food, the tofu is deep fried in two stages at two different temperatures. The differing temperatures cause the tofu to expand and the skin of the tofu becomes so thin that it creates a hollow space inside (similar to pitta bread).
Abura-age can be sliced and put into miso or other soups, or rice can be stuffed inside to make things like inari sushi. Golden brown, airy and delicious, they work well across many Japanese dishes.
Vegan or Gluten-Free? Check Whether the Ingredients Suit Your Health and Lifestyle
One of the many great things about tofu is that it's suitable for those following vegan, dairy-free and often gluten-free diets. Made from soybeans, it is low in fat and high in protein and it's often easy to find organic tofu, too.
However, for coeliacs or those on a gluten-free diet, it's important to check ingredients before buying as some tofu is marinated in soy sauce or other ingredients, and may contain traces of gluten.
It is often only small amounts of soy sauce used in ready-made tofu, but for some it may be preferable to choose a plain tofu to season with tamari at home.
10 Best Tofu in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Tofoo Co. Smoked Tofu｜225 g | | Handmade and Beechwood-Smoked | |
2 | Yutaka Silken Tofu｜349 g | | An Unpressed, Smooth Tofu | |
3 | Taifun Smoked Tofu｜200 g | | Delicious as Part of a Meal or by Itself | |
4 | Yutaka Abura-Age Fried Tofu Pieces｜45 g, 2 pieces | | Authentic Abura-Age Perfect for Miso | |
5 | Clearspring Organic Tofu｜300 g | | Silky Smooth, Versatile, and Expertly Made | |
6 | Cauldron Marinated Tofu Pieces｜160 g | | Tasty, Quick and Easy Pieces | |
7 | The Tofoo Co. Naked Tofu｜280 g | | An Extra Firm Tofu to Season as You Like | |
8 | Cauldron Original Tofu | | An All-Purpose Organic Tofu | |
9 | Satono Yuki Tofu｜300 g | | A Traditionally-Made Japanese Tofu | |
10 | Marigold Soyabean Vegan Braised Tofu ｜4 x 225 g | | A Handy Cupboard Staple |
Handmade and Beechwood-Smoked
Though made by the same process as the Naked tofu, also by The Tofoo Co, this smoked tofu has an added edge! We have chosen it for our number one because it's extra firm and can be used in endless ways, whether as a meat substitute, in soups, salads, or stir-fries, or just snacked on as it is.
It is also organic and contains nigari for a better taste and texture, as well as being beechwood-smoked which gives it a developed and distinctive flavour. Smooth, smoky and savoury, it will add extra pizazz to your dishes – if you don't eat it straight from the packet, that is!
An Unpressed, Smooth Tofu
Having been the first food brand to bring Japanese ingredients to the UK in 1995, when it comes to tofu, Yutaka are experts. It's clear from tasting their products that a lot of love, passion and tradition goes into making them.
A soft and smooth silken tofu, its texture makes it ideal for not only for mapo tofu and agedashi, but for tofu scramble, or as an alternative to cream or ricotta to thicken sauces. Clean, pure and healthy – this is food the authentically Japanese way.
Delicious as Part of a Meal or by Itself
We're so excited to have Taifun on our list, as they create ready-made tofu so good you'll probably want to eat it straight from the packet! Though one of the more expensive tofus and one that's made with a slightly indulgent amount of oil, it's perfect for a veggie treat when you need that umami taste!
Their smoked tofu is made with almonds and sesame seeds, giving it a smoky flavour and a little bit of crunch. We love how firm this tofu and it really emulates smoked meat – ideal for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans who still like to get their hit!
Authentic Abura-Age Perfect for Miso
Here we have yet another excellent traditional Japanese product from Yutaka, Abura-Age Fried Tofu Pieces. Made from puffed soybean curd, they can be used across a wide variety of dishes, such as miso soup, sushi, udon noodle dishes and much more.
A very convenient little parcel, this ready-made abura-age helps you to create an authentic Japanese dish without the extra effort! With a gorgeously light, puffed texture and savoury taste you may just get addicted to buying these little things!
Silky Smooth, Versatile, and Expertly Made
Firm yet silken, this organic tofu by Clearspring is extremely versatile, whether roasting it, using it as an ingredient in miso soup or even desserts! It is also high in protein, low in fat, vegan and gluten-free, and a good source of magnesium, too.
Creamy and nutty, this tofu is made in Japan from whole soybeans and Mount Fuji mineral water and contains nigari, a naturally-occurring, mineral-rich extract. Tofu by the experts!
Tasty, Quick and Easy Pieces
Cauldron can always be relied upon for delicious vegan products, and these marinated tofu pieces are so good you'll find yourself buying them again and again. Already cut into small pieces which can be put in a whole range of dishes, they are crispy and oh so scrumptious, too.
Made with a marinade of herbs, spices and nothing but healthy goodness, this is a quick and easy snack or meal addition you can trust. High in protein and organic, this delightful offering proves that "fast food" can be a good idea sometimes!
An Extra Firm Tofu to Season as You Like
The Tofoo Co's Naked tofu ticks a lot of boxes, making it a great addition to the shopping list. Organic, 100% natural and handmade, it's also of the extra firm variety which makes it a perfect substitute for meat or to be used in Asian cooking.
Dense and smooth but with enough moisture to be succulent, this tofu is easy to cook with no crumbling and will take on any flavour you add to it, making it great for beginners. It comes vacuum packed too, so it lasts for over a week when kept in the fridge. You're welcome!
An All-Purpose Organic Tofu
With a light flavour and firm texture, this organic tofu from Cauldron is a brilliant all-rounder to have on hand. To name just a few, it's an ideal addition to stir-fries, curries, barbecues and salads, and contains nothing more than the essential ingredients.
This tofu is a great option for experienced and novice cooks alike and offers great value for money with its larger pack size. It can also be pressed or frozen, making it a super convenient choice.
A Traditionally-Made Japanese Tofu
A great thing about this tofu by Satono Yuki is that it can be kept in a cupboard until it's been opened, which is very convenient in comparison to some other tofu products which can go off pretty quickly.
Made in Japan from top-quality soybeans and mineral water from Mount Fuji, it's packed in a Tetra Pak container to keep it fresh. This silken tofu is extremely soft and smooth so it may seem a little daunting to rookies – but if you take the leap it's perfect for vegan scrambled eggs or vegan mayo, we promise!
A Handy Cupboard Staple
Although it may not be the first choice for a luxury dinner, this tinned braised tofu is convenient and ready to eat and makes a very handy staple to have in your kitchen cupboard. Similar in use and texture to canned fish, it's great in salads, wraps and on sandwiches. The added safflower oil and soy sauce make it tasty on its own, too.
The price is a good deal for a pack of 4, and it doesn't contain any genetically modified ingredients either. The added soy sauce contains a tiny percentage of wheat, but it's less than 20ppm making it technically suitable for coeliacs. However, you may want to consider your own dietary needs and if this works for you.
How to Cook Tofu - An Easy Baked and Fried Recipe
New to the world of tofu? Preparing this nutritious and downright delicious ingredient needn't be daunting, especially if you try out this easy recipe from Minimalist Baker. Using firm, plain tofu, it can be adapted to compliment whatever cuisine you fancy!
Looking for More Japanese Ingredients for Your Kitchen?
Japanese food isn't only super healthy and flavoursome, but it can be fun to prepare too. If you're looking for more Japanese essentials to stock up on, look no further than our related articles for some inspiration!
Summary
Tofu is such a wonderfully versatile ingredient, and with so many great options you are sure to find one that suits your preferences and dietary requirements. Whether you're looking for a smooth silken tofu, an extra firm smoked tofu to sizzle in a pan or some traditional abura-age, we hope we have inspired you in your culinary pursuit!
Author: Melanie McPhail
Top 5 Tofu
No. 1: The Tofoo Co.｜Smoked Tofu｜225 g
No. 2: Yutaka｜Silken Tofu｜349 g
No. 3: Taifun｜Smoked Tofu｜200 g
No. 4: Yutaka｜Abura-Age Fried Tofu Pieces｜45 g, 2 pieces
No. 5: Clearspring ｜Organic Tofu｜300 g
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