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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Tofu

Tofu is a soy-based food made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Tofu is a soy-based food made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks. It originated in China and later spread throughout East and Southeast Asia.

What it is

Tofu is produced by soaking, grinding, and boiling soybeans to make soy milk, then adding a coagulant to form curds. The curds are pressed into blocks, resulting in a range of textures from silken to extra firm. Its mild flavour makes it highly versatile in cooking.

Why it matters

Tofu is valued as a plant-based protein source, rich in protein, calcium, and iron while being low in calories. It is widely used in vegetarian and vegan diets as a meat substitute. In Canada, tofu is commonly found in grocery stores and used in East Asian and plant-based cooking.

Key details

Tofu originated in China, likely during or before the Han dynasty, and later spread to Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia. Common textures include silken, soft, firm, and extra firm. It is used in soups, stir-fries, stews, and both savoury and sweet dishes.

In short

  • Made from coagulated soy milk pressed into blocks.
  • Originated in China, widely used in East Asia.
  • Mild flavour, absorbs seasonings well.
  • Common plant-based protein source.
Canadian angle

Tofu is widely available in Canadian grocery stores and is a common ingredient in vegetarian, vegan, and East Asian cooking in Canada.

Quick questions

What is tofu made from?
Tofu is made from soy milk that is coagulated into curds and pressed into blocks.
Where did tofu originate?
Tofu is generally believed to have originated in China.
Is tofu a meat substitute?
Yes. In modern cooking, tofu is often used as a meat substitute, especially in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/tofu
    Supports: Origin, definition, production method, and nutritional notes
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports-and-everyday-life/food-and-drink/food-and-cooking/tofu
    Supports: Origin in China, historical spread, and general description
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Tofu
    Supports: Texture varieties and broad culinary uses
  4. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tofu
    Supports: Definition as soy-based bean curd and common use as a food term