Tofu has a very mild, bland flavor on its own, often described as slightly sour, nutty, or reminiscent of soybeans. Raw tofu tastes mildly sweet and creamy, but overall it is quite neutral, which makes it an excellent flavor absorber
. The texture of tofu varies depending on the type:
- Silken tofu is soft, delicate, and creamy, often used in desserts or sauces.
- Firm and extra-firm tofu have a denser, spongier texture that can be pressed to remove moisture and cooked to have a chewy or crispy texture
Because tofu absorbs the flavors of whatever it is cooked or marinated with, it can taste savory, sweet, crunchy, or soft depending on preparation. It can even mimic the texture and flavor of meat when cooked properly, such as crumbled and fried extra-firm tofu seasoned like taco meat
. Some people compare tofu’s flavor to mild cheeses like feta or queso fresco, especially when seasoned, but tofu itself does not taste like cheese or chicken unless flavored to do so
. In summary, tofu is best described as a bland, versatile food with a subtle soy taste and varying textures that readily take on the flavors of seasonings and cooking methods used
