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Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers

12 rainbow skewers stacked with tandoori marinated tofu and a selection of colourful vegetables. Includes recipe for tandoori marinade. Only 94 calories per skewer.

Ready to grill rainbow tofu skewers, tofu and a rainbow of vegetables


Tandoori Tofu



These rainbow tandoori tofu skewers can be grilled or cooked on a BBQ and isn't it fabulous we've had such good weather for eating outdoors this year?

Summer in Scotland can often be a wet affair, with the occasional sunny day, but this year we've had nearly four months of sunshine with lots of heat too. We're all completely shocked. None of us can believe it. We've not had a summer like this in decades.

Sunny Scotland = BBQ






Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers served with wholemeal pitta bread, salad leaves, cherry tomatoes and hummus

Grilled tofu


I wanted to marinade and grill tofu for a change. 

I often cook veggie burgers, veggie sausages and vegetable kebabs on the BBQ and I've even cooked falafel on skewers, bit this time I wanted to cook tofu.

The marinade had to have lots of flavour, so I decided to make a tandoori paste, which I mixed with yogurt and a little water to make a bright yellow marinade.

Tandoori paste



ingredients for tandoori paste


Tandoori paste is a traditional Indian cooking sauce sometimes known as Tikka. Tandoori is named after the clay cooking vessel people in India traditionally cook in, which is called a Tandoor.

The ingredients are generally very similar in each recipe, with small changes. 

I used ground turmeric, cumin and coriander for flavour, then chilli pepper and paprika for heat, fresh ginger and garlic for a bit of oomph, tomato puree and agave nectar (or sugar) for colour and sweetness, coconut oil in place of vegetable oil to bring the paste together and soy sauce instead of salt (salt can dry out the tofu) to season.


Marinating tofu


marinating tofu in tandoori homemade tandoori paste

Pressing tofu


First of all you need the right type of tofu. A firm tofu is what you're looking for when you are making skewers, never silken tofu, which has more of a creamy texture and is used for sauces and desserts.

The easiest way to press tofu is with a tofu press, or if you're short of time you can buy prepared tofu from Tofoo or M&S, both of which are pretty good.

If you don't have a tofu press, wrap the tofu in lots of kitchen paper, then in a kitchen towel, top it with a heavy book (a cookbook works well) and a couple of cans on top. Cooper shows you how to do it step-by-step in my tofu fingers post.







The best way to marinate tofu


When you're ready to marinate the tofu, stir the plain yogurt into the paste and a little water until it's the right consistency.

Cut the tofu into cubes, pop them in a bowl and gently coat it in the marinade

Spoon the tofu into airtight containers and leave then in the fridge to marinate for a few hours or overnight.



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Related: How to Cook Tofu

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Rainbow skewers


Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers with a rainbow of vegetables

For these skewers, I combined the tandoori tofu with courgette; yellow, orange and red pepper; cherry tomatoes, red onion and cooked beetroot (vac packed beets).

Why the rainbow? Because it looks so pretty and the artist in me likes colours to lie in order.

You could add them to the skewers in any order, but believe me everyone will love being served them like this. We eat with our eyes first after all.

You could also serve then with my Tex-Mex Coleslaw to keep the rainbow veg going.


also check out my recipe index - Vegan BBQ Ideas & Recipes


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Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers. skewers stacked with tandoori marinated tofu and a selection of colourful vegetables. Includes recipe for tandoori marinade. Only 94 calories per skewer. #skewers #tofu #tofuskewers #tofurecipes #veganBBQ #tofurecipes

Serving the skewers


Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers served with wholemeal pitta bread, salad leaves, cherry tomatoes and hummus


I served the skewers with toasted wholemeal pitta bread, hummus, salad leaves and cherry tomatoes. 

For a more traditional meal serve the with Indian flatbreads like naan bread or  homemade chapatis. Check out my post on how to make chapatis. They are super simple.

I don't mind mixing things up and I love serving these loaded into pitta bread. 

Fresh pitta (like the pitta you get in Cyprus) would be better of course, or you could make your own pitta. My friend Lucy over at Supergolden Bakes makes some awesome homemade pitta bread, just close your eyes to what she serves it with (if you're veggie).

Calories and Nutrients per skewer

Calories and Nutrients per tandoori tofu skewer

tofu skewers, rainbow skewers, tofu kebabs, rainbow kebabs, tandoori paste, tandoori tofu, tandoori marinade, vegetable kebabs, BBQ skewers, BBQ tofu, grilled tofu
dinner, BBQ
Indian, vegan
Yield: 12 skewers
Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers

Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers

Rainbow skewers stacked with tandoori marinated tofu and a selection of colourful vegetables. Includes recipe for tandoori marinade. Only 94 calories per skewer.
prep time: 25 minscook time: 10 minstotal time: 35 mins

ingredients

Marinated tofu
  • 349g firm tofu
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 2 1/2 cm/1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tsp agave nectar (sugar or honey)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (or salt)
  • a good grinding of black pepper
  • 200g/just under 1 cup yogurt
  • 2-3 tbsp water
Vegetables
  • 2 courgettes (zucchini), sliced
  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow and orange), cut into chunks
  • 24 cherry tomatoes
  • 2 large red onions, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 4 large cooked beets, sliced thickly

instructions


  1. Make your marinade. Add all the ingredients to a bowl from the ground turmeric down to the black pepper and stir together into a paste.
  2. Add the yogurt and water to make a good consistency for coating tofu.
  3. Press your tofu for half an hour or so,  then cube it and gently coat the tofu in the marinade. Pop the tofu in an airtight container and pop in the fridge for a few hours.
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for half an hour before you make the skewers, this will prevent them from burning.
  5. Heat your grill or BBQ and then thread the tofu and vegetables onto 12 skewers in a rainbow order.
  6. Cook for a few minutes on each side until cooked and starting to char and crisp at the edges.
  7. Serve with toasted pitta bread, salad leaves, cherry tomatoes and hummus.
  8. Enjoy!

NOTES:

The times are for preparations and cooking, pressing and marinating time is not included. This depends on how long you leave the tofu to press and marinate. Some people like to leave the tofu to marinate overnight.

Calories and nutrition are per skewer. This recipe is enough for 12 skewers.
calories
94
fat (grams)
3.5
sat. fat (grams)
1.5
carbs (grams)
12.1
protein (grams)
5.2
sugar (grams)
7.8
Created using The Recipes Generator

TRY THIS NEXT


Chip Shop Battered Tofu



Chip Shop Battered Tofu


If you love tofu, you must try my Chip Shop Battered TofuIt's easy to make and so good to eat. Bite through crunchy spiced batter to creamy tofu.



More Recipes



For more simple recipes, visit my recipe index which contains hundreds of easy vegetarian and vegan recipes divided into categories with free printable recipes.



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181 comments

  1. I wonder how I'd survive in Scottish weather. I like to think I'm hardy but it'd likely do me in. The rain and I aren't friends if I actually have to go out in it!

    I think I need your Chip Shop battered tofu immediately if not sooner. Until then I'll make this marinade!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You get used to the rain, although it gets a bit much sometimes. This summer has been fabulous!

      Haha enjoy both recipes.

      Delete
  2. It's been quite the summer here in the UK hasn't it! Far too hot down in London though, seems like you've had it just right up in Scotland. These skewers look amazing! I have tried tofu many times and love it in Asian restaurants but haven't had a great deal of luck with making it at home. Barbecuing is probably the perfect way to try it next. Thanks for the inspiration!

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    Replies
    1. It's been great, although too hot for us too at times, but I know how stuffy and hot it can get down there. It's cooling a bit now although the weather is still good.

      Do try the tofu skewers and let me know how you get on.

      Delete
  3. We are a tofu loving family, but I never think to mix up my marinades. Love this tandoori marinade idea! So colorful and flavorful. I can't wait to try it!

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    1. Oh yes do, it works really well with tofu and so easy to make.

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  4. I love that this is a vegetarian recipe for the grill! The marinade sounds so good!

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  5. I've been grilling kebabs all summer & have to try your tandoori spices! yum

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    Replies
    1. You're like me and love kebabs, especially veggie ones. I hope you try the marinade.

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  6. You had me at tofu! Such a delicious recipe!

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  7. What a great marinade recipe for tofu. I'm not super familiar with tofu but this makes me want to give it a try.

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    Replies
    1. Oh it's really good if you treat it right. I needs to be pressed and have a good coating to make it more interesting.

      Delete
  8. No, but I’d like to, thanks for the inspiring recipes!

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  9. Yes Japanese

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  10. Never tried Tofu as of yet, but I'm always willing to try new foods.

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  11. Tofu is very popular in our household, and I personally love it as it's so versatile!

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  12. I cook with tofu several times a week, but buying a tofu press was a game-changer! It makes the tofu so much firmer with a better consistency - it's great to be marinated and then roasted in the oven to crisp up a little

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  13. No, I haven't tried it ever. Never had a chance

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  14. Tried tofu, been a vegetarian for 25 years. Love tofu in curries

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  15. I have actually never tried tofu. I suppose there's always a first time.

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  16. yes i eat tofu all the time x

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  17. Yes as I real dont eat meat even on posh cruises when it on offer all the time.

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  18. I love tofu. I lived in Japan for a year and it was served with everything.

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  19. We dont cook with tofu enough - its usually savwd dor oriental dishes in our house. Would love to whack it in the BBQ though! The second the good weather comes bavk I will give this a try

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  20. I'm vegan so tofu is one of my best friends!!!! I use it all the time, in salads & stirfrys specifically. The flavoured tofu is the best.

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  21. Yes we like Tofu and we like playing around with different marinades

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  22. Love the look of that tofu! So much flavour in that marinade.

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  23. I have but found it really bland. Marinating it properly is obviously the way forward

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  24. I've not included torfu in my cooking however this recipe sounds lovely so I think I am going to give it a try

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  25. I've never tried tofu. I feel like I'm missing out!

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  26. they look beautiful! Lovely rainbow kebabs, perfect supper dish

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  27. Yes, I love tofu in stir frys or in a temper batter

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  28. I`ve never tried it and know little about it.........

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  29. Have never tried it before but open to see what it is like 😊

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  30. I love tofu, I prefer buying some already flavoured ones.

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  31. I have tried tofu a couple of times.

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  32. LOVE tofu! A scramble is a fine way to go and normally cook with firm tofu but I have also recently discovered puréed soft silken tofu as an egg replacer in waffles and pancakes and I am in breakfast heaven. It also makes a great egg replacer in egg fried rice-mmm!

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  33. Yes I have and I ws not very keen but your recipes might just make me try again!

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  34. Yes, I have tried it in the past but not recently. Must try again soon.

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  35. Never tried it but as a vegetarian family considering becoming vegan we will be adding it the menu very soon!

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  36. I haven't, my children have tried it at school though

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  37. Love tofu, been vegetarian for over 25 years.

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  38. Yes, in fact, I had a tofu mousse last week on holiday.

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  39. Tried it, but not the biggest fan!

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  40. I haven't tried tofu, I really should get round to that. Great recipe, thank you!

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  41. I've tried Tofu out but never cooked with it at home - maybe I will give it a try now :)

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  42. Michelle FergusonMonday, 13 August, 2018

    Never tried it before but really should

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  43. I haven't even though I'm a vegan, however I cook meals with it all the time for the rest of my family.

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  44. I haven't tried it

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  45. I've yet to try it, my daughter has been following a vegetarian diet for almost 2 years and keeps pestering me to buy some

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  46. I have tried it, I think it's lovely

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  47. Yes, but didn't like it - have seen some lovely recipes since though - so might try it again x

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  48. I have never tried it but I really want to, ill give it a go one day

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  49. Yes I have tried it but don't eat it regularly

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  50. I have but it was tinned, i wasn't that keen, but I did not really know what to do with it

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  51. Love these rainbow skewers! So pretty:)

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  52. I've never tried it as I've never really been sure what to do with it!

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  53. I've had tofu before and don't love it but don't hate it.

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  54. We LOVE tofu in our house. Although we are a vegan family, so I suppose it's not that unusual. My favourite by far is smoked tofu.

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  55. We are vegetarian in my family and tofu is a big part of our diet.A tofu press in on my Christmas wish list this year!

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  56. I've never tried tofu. For some reason, it's never really appealed to me. However, I'm always open to trying new things! :)

    - Anthony G.

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  57. never really given tofu a try, but reading through your post, I may just do so!

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  58. its something that i need to try and eat more of - Vegitarian :)

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  59. i actually havent tried it before but i would love to

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  60. I didn't think I likeed tofu until my boyfriend madde me Ottolenghi;s Black Pepper Tofu from the 'Plenty' cook book. Delicious

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  61. I haven't but after reading your recipe I think I would like to. x

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  62. I have once, and I really didn't like it. But it wasn't cooked with anythig to give iit any flavour so it's no surprise really!

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  63. I haven't tried it before

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  64. To my knowledge I have never tried tofu..

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  65. love tofu - with the right seasonings its a delight

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  66. Yes I have but it is not a regular part of my diet

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  67. No, my son has and says its tasteless you need to add something to it

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  68. Never tried tofu but this looks so tasty

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  69. I'm veggie so have tried tofu many times though I admit I have yet to cook with it myself though I think even my (meat eating) hubby and son would approve of the chip shop battered tofu so I'm going to try that!

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  70. We tried it sometime ago and found it very bland but perhaps I should try it again and add more flavour!

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  71. I've had it in restaurants but have never cooked it at home

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  72. I've not been a fan of Tofu -find the texture a bit weird, but never thought of marinading.

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  73. I have never tried tofu! Never even really thought about trying it and wouldn't know what to do with it!

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  74. I have tried tofu but only in a miso soup. I’d love to try a few more recipes now.

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  75. I've had tofu and it was nice in the restaurant but never too confident to cook it myself

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  76. I have tried but wasn't too keen.

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  77. I’ve never tried it

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  78. I tried tofu once and didn't like it but after reading this blog post I don't think I was cooking it right!

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  79. I haven't tried tofu.Is it a bit like creamy feta??

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  80. Yes, I eat it often, I like the way it takes on the flavours that I introduce to it.

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  81. Yes! I absolutely love tofu and use it a lot in many recipes.

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  82. I haven't but have always wanted to x

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  83. I have tried tofu only once and it was in new york in this celebrity restaurant that me and my friend just had to go to (even though we could barely afford it). The tofu was amazing but ive never had it again only because i dont eat out much and my family dont like tofu so therefore wont make it and wont eat it if i make it for them.

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  84. I used to live in Japan as a veggie, so ate a lot of tofu. I like it fried best, in cubes with black sesame seeds and salt.

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  85. Tried it on my honeymoon in Bali, was delicious

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  86. I love tofu in almost anything

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  87. Yes, i've tried tofu before and it was part of a tasty meal

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  88. I have actually never tried tofu it ia something i would give a try though

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  89. I have tried it and muct admit i wasnt a fan xxx

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  90. I have not tried it although my sister has and she has said next time she uses it she will save me a taste.

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  91. I tried tofu just once but it was really good :)

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  92. I've not tried tofu but when I do I'll try to have it with lots of flavour because people generally say that's best!

    Hazel Rea - @beachrambler

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  93. no i havent but i would love to give it a go x

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  94. I have tried tofu! (Currently have some in the freezer, as it happens) I actually really like it, though it needs to be used in the "right" way and I can see why a lot of people don't like it. It's a fab carrier for flavours too

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  95. I have tried tofu, a few times. Not a fan to tell you the truth, much prefer Quorn.

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  96. I've had friend tofu once, was a lovely meal.

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  97. Marie RungapadiachyThursday, 06 September, 2018

    I have tried tofu before. Its great in a coconut based curry.

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  98. Yes I have had it a few times and really enjoyed it

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  99. I haven't but i'd like to.

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  100. Only in restaurants or pre-prepared stuff.

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  101. No I haven’t tried it but think I will now x

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  102. Have tried tofu in restaurants but not yet at home.

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  103. my son is vegetarian so i have used tofu for some os meals . usually just grilled with herbs ..... but this recipe looks fab so will try this for him 1!

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  104. Yes, i've tried it and often use it in stirfrys. I don't like it boiled and soft, but well cooked is nice - a good meat substitute for veggie's.

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  105. Thanks for this! I cook tofu a lot - I find it really picks up flavours from the herbs.
    I'll certainly try marinating it and putting it on the BBQ next!

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  106. I have had satay tofu at a Chinese buffet. It was yummy.

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  107. Not tried it yet but reading the above makes me want to.

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  108. I used to eat it but found it played havoc with my hormones so now only have it as a treat.

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  109. not tried it yet, has I am not sure what to do

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  110. I love it best in Asia where tofu is understood and transformed into a delicacy!

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  111. No I've never tried tofu but I'd happily give it a go with this great prize!

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  112. I have tried this a few months ago but unfortunately can never see it in my local Tesco’s

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  113. Yes, but a long time ago, its time I tried again!

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  114. No I haven't but OMG the chip shop battered tofu makes me want to try some! ❤️❤️��

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  115. Yes I have - I love eating tofu out but I don't eat it very much at home to be honest!

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  116. I’m not too great at making my own tofu but have tried it in Asian restaurants and love it when I haven’t made it ��

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  117. No I havent but willing to give it a try

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    Replies
    1. Sorry do not seem to be able to post a comment, I don't remember trying Tofu, always been afraid to try it, although I have been told it takes on the flavours you cook with

      Delete
  118. I have tried tofu, but not tried cookin g with it myself

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  119. Never tried but will

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  120. I like tofu when I order Chinese but haven't cooked with it myself

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  121. I eat regularly eat Tofu, I use it in currys, sushi and my daughter loves tofu wraps in her lunch box.

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  122. No I haven't tried tofu, but would love to give it a go.

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  123. yes, have loads of different dishs

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  124. Nope I've never tried it but would happily see what I could create with some. fab competition thank you!

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  125. I haven't, I bought some though but no-one fancied it.

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  126. Never tried it

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  127. No I haven't tried Tofu but would like to try t.

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  128. i have been wanting to try it for ages as im getting older im more aware of nutrition and have started to cook healthier but scared to try tofu

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  129. I have,didn't like it,I thought it tasted gank

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  130. I had tandoori tofu at a local restaurant recently and it was divine. Have had bad experiences with it too though however. Thanks for the chance to be your lucky winner

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  131. I have tried tofu but feel it needs a lot of flavour adding to be even vaguely palatable

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  132. I had it at wagamamas - it was in a miso soup - delicious x

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  133. I have never tried tofu but I'd love to in the future. I think it's all about re-educating ourselves when it comes to food and living. Our process, as a family, may be slow but we're experimenting with vegetarian and vegan recipes all the time.

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  134. I've tried tofu at an asian buffet 😉

    ReplyDelete

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