Tofu
Tofu is a smooth processed soy product made by mixing boiled fresh soy milk with a coagulant, pressed into 5-inch blocks and packaged in water to retain moisture. We use tofu in four varieties:
- Silken, used for creamy dishes,
- Soft, great for soups,
- Firm, used in stir fried dishes, and
- Extra firm used in stir fried dishes.
By itself, tofu has hardly any taste, but when added to recipes, it takes on the flavor of other ingredients.
Tempeh
Tempeh (TEM-pay) is a cultured soy product, which originated in Indonesia several centuries ago. Just as yogurt is made by combining dairy milk with a special yogurt culture, Tempeh is created by blending cooked whole soybeans with a special Tempeh culture derived from the mushroom family. The culture, which grows overnight, breaks down soy protein making it easy to digest and also binds the soybean protein into a fragrant, flavorful, brown, slightly chewy cake. It is healthier in general and contains more protein and fiber than tofu.
Tempeh has the same amount of protein as chicken, but is low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol. Tempeh dishes served in this restaurant provide you with some delicious ways to take advantage of the many nutritional and health benefits of soy foods. Tempeh is made using only organic, non-G.M.O. (genetically modified) soybeans.
Seitan
Seitan (SAY-tan) is a vegan protein made from rinsing away the starch from wheat dough, leaving behind just the high-protein gluten. This meatless option has been around for centuries. For many people who have special dietary needs, Seitan is a highly versatile wheat meat. Make no mistake thinking that because it is made from wheat, it tastes like flour or bread. Once seitan is cooked, the look and texture are more like chicken and meat. It pulls apart very much like chicken or meat. This is what makes it a popular substitute for meat/chicken in vegetarian or vegan dishes.
As for the taste, it has a savory taste. Some say it comes close to the taste of a bland chicken or a portobello mushroom. Because of its mild flavor, it can also take in many more flavors, depending on the spices added-in when creating the mixture.
