Tofu recipes kids love! (2024)

FAQs

Which tofu is best for kids? ›

What kind of tofu is best for babies? All tofu contains essential nutrients to nourish a growing child, although some offer more nutrition. For example, silken tofu often contains less protein and micronutrients than firm and extra-firm tofu, which are loaded with protein, iron, and zinc.

The short answer is yes, as long as they aren't allergic or intolerant to soy. Tofu is a minimally-processed, healthy food for babies and kids that offers plenty of nutrients. It's a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and many essential micronutrients including iron, zinc, and calcium.

For brand new eaters, tofu is an ideal first food and can work well for baby-led weaning. Simply cut a block of tofu into long strips that your baby can practice picking up and feeding herself. Alternatively, you can crumble extra firm tofu or cut it into small cubes she can bite.

It is made from dried soybeans that are soaked in water and then crushed and boiled. Soy milk is separated from the solids. The soy milk is poured into molds to allow the carbohydrate-laden whey to drain off. This results in soft cakes of tofu that are cut into squares and stored under water.

Use tofu in children's daily meals

So children eating a lot of tofu may not be good. But to overcome this shortcoming, pediatricians all encourage mothers and caregivers to give children tofu with meat, egg yolks as well as some other complex protein-containing foods when the baby is born.

You can serve tofu raw, baked or stir-fried — just make sure the final texture is soft enough that you can still squish it between your fingers. Tofu that's very well-baked or overly crisp might have a tough outer skin that's difficult for your baby to gum or chew. As for soft or silken tofus?

Incorporating tofu into your daily meals and snacks can bring several health benefits. Those benefits include brain health promotion, ease of menopause symptoms, and heart disease prevention. However, eating tofu has some risks, as it might lead to digestive issues or interact with certain medications like MAOIs.

While tofu is generally easy to digest for most people, some may experience digestive problems, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. This is because soybeans contain complex sugars called oligosaccharides, which can be difficult to break down in the digestive system.

Soy comes from soybeans, which are in the legume family (along with beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts). Some people are allergic to just one type of legume; others are allergic to more than one. Allergy to soy is more common in infants and kids than teens and adults, but can develop at any age.

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

Is it OK for boys to eat tofu? ›

Yes, Boys Can Enjoy Soy!

How much protein can you get from soy? The abundance of research and soy's inclusion in the USDA Dietary Guidelines confirm soy is a healthy, nutritious choice for men (and women) of all ages.

May reduce heart disease risk

Soy foods such as tofu are renowned for their cholesterol-lowering effects. In fact, the evidence is so strong that regulators in the United States and Canada have approved health claims linking soy protein to a lower risk of heart disease ( 14 ).

SOY and health

Tofu is made from the whole bean and has a higher nutritional value than soya protein extract and no toxins. Soya is well researched as a nutritional component that, as we have discovered, has been a part of the diets of millions of adults and children in Asia for centuries.

Tofu is a fantastic option for those following plant-based or vegan diets, while paneer caters to individuals who include dairy in their diets. Tofu brings additional nutrients such as iron and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense choice.

Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.

Extra-firm tofu: Consider extra-firm tofu the all-purpose tofu that holds its shape well and is excellent for slicing and cubing. It's an ideal choice for pan-frying, stir-frying, baking, grilling, and scrambling.

Soft silken tofu is the most malleable, and particularly good for pureed applications such as dressings, sauces, smoothies and yogurt or egg substitutions. Firm silken tofu has a firmer body that can stand up to cutting, making it great for sauced dishes or soup.

In general, I find that firm and extra-firm tofu are the most useful because they're versatile. They hit the tofu texture sweet spot—soft enough to absorb flavor but hardy enough to be cooked without risk of falling apart. Do note that some firm tofu, like House Foods', skews soft, more like medium-firm.