Vegans often use tofu as a substitute for meat. This soy-based food packs a punch when it comes to delivering protein that is low in fat and calories. Studies show that eating tofu regularly helps lower your bad cholesterol, alleviates symptoms related to menopause, makes your bones stronger, delays signs of aging, and even lowers the risk of cancer. 

A small block of tofu in Manila costs around PhP 5.00 each, significantly cheaper than ¼ kilo of meat. So aside from health benefits, substituting meat with tofu is also economical, especially if you are on a tight budget and have to spend a majority of your money on other important expenditures, like your bills for your apartment for sale in Manila. 

If you have some tofu in your refrigerator, here are some meat dishes you can make and substitute your protein with tofu:

Sweet and Sour Tofu

If you love sweet and sour, this meal is highly recommended. Cut your tofu into cubes and fry them until they are brown. Once done, saute ginger, garlic, onions, and bell pepper. Then, add your sweet and sour sauce: a combination of vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and pineapple juice. You may also add chunks of pineapple. Once the sauce thickens, add in your tofu cubes, and you’re done! 

Sinigang na Tokwa

Yes, you can substitute pork and fish with tofu when you cook sinigang: boil water and slices of the onion together and tamarind mix. Then add in your largely cubed tofu, then your kangkong, and wait for a few minutes for it to be done! This warm and hearty soup is perfect for a rainy day in your house and lot for sale.

Tofu “Burger” Steak

Whether you’re a meat-eater or a vegetarian, so long as you love food, we guarantee that you’ll love this dish. You need firm tofu, oats, onion, egg, ginger (optional), salt and pepper, and bread crumbs to make this. Chop the onion and microwave it, then grate the ginger. Add the oats and tofu to a bowl, then mix until it becomes smooth. Crack an egg into the mix, add the cooked onion, grated ginger, and bread crumbs, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well and leave it in the fridge for more than 30 minutes. After this, make patties out of the mixture and fry each side until brown. You can make a gravy or use ketchup with mayonnaise as your sauce for extra flavor. 

Tofu Bistek Tagalog

Tofu, calamansi, and soy sauce make a good combination. Cooking tofu bistek Tagalog is easy and cheap compared to cooking beef bistek. All you have to do is mix soy sauce and calamansi. Marinate your tofu for 10 to 30 minutes, then fry the tofu. Remove the tofu, then add on the pan your extra marinate for it to thicken. Then add your chopped onions. Once thick, add in your tofu and serve!

These are just four creative ways to use tofu as a substitute for your meat. We hope that when you cook these simple tofu meals, you’ll enjoy cooking, eating, and sharing them with family and friends!