World Tofu Day, observed annually on July 26, celebrates the global significance of tofu as a versatile and nutritious food. Originating from East Asia but embraced worldwide, tofu is valued for its high protein content, low environmental footprint, and adaptability in various cuisines. This day serves to promote awareness about tofu's benefits as a sustainable plant-based protein source, encouraging healthier dietary choices and culinary exploration.

Activities on World Tofu Day often include cooking demonstrations, tastings, and educational sessions that highlight tofu's role in balanced diets and its diverse culinary applications. It's an opportunity for communities to come together, share recipes, and appreciate the cultural and gastronomic richness that tofu brings to the table, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of vegetarian and vegan cuisine globally. As you celebrate World Tofu Day 2024, we bring you famous tofu dishes that are a must-try.

1. Mapo Tofu (China)

A beloved Sichuan dish featuring tofu cubes cooked in a spicy and savoury sauce with minced pork or beef, fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. It's known for its bold flavours and numbing spiciness.

Watch Mapo Tofu Recipe Video:

2. Agedashi Tofu (Japan)

Deep-fried tofu cubes served in a hot dashi broth, topped with grated daikon radish, green onions, and bonito flakes. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce and often garnished with ginger, making it a popular appetiser or side dish in Japanese cuisine.

Watch Agedashi Tofu Recipe Video:

3. Tahu Goreng (Indonesia)

Fried tofu served with a variety of condiments such as peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), and sambal (spicy chili paste). It's commonly accompanied by vegetables like bean sprouts and cucumber, creating a flavourful and hearty Indonesian street food.

Watch Tahu Goreng Recipe Video:

4. Dubu Kimchi (Korea)

Soft tofu stew cooked with kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage), pork or seafood, and an assortment of vegetables such as onions, scallions, and tofu. It's often served bubbling hot in a stone pot (dolsot), making it a popular comfort food in Korean cuisine.

Watch Recipe Video of Dubu Kimchi:

5. Tofu Pad Thai (Thailand)

A vegan version of the classic Pad Thai dish, substituting tofu for meat or seafood. It includes stir-fried rice noodles with tofu, bean sprouts, garlic, shallots, peanuts, scrambled eggs (optional), and a tangy tamarind sauce. It's garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro, offering a balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours.

Watch Recipe Video of Tofu Pad Thai:

These dishes highlight tofu's versatility and its integration into diverse culinary traditions, showcasing how it can be enjoyed in a variety of flavourful and satisfying ways across different cultures. Wishing everyone Happy World Tofu Day 2024!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2024 07:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).