I really can’t believe that I went all these years without tofu in my life.
I was under the impression that tofu gave me horrible stomach pains whenever I ate it, so that was the main reason for avoiding it. I recently discovered it doesn’t seem to bother my stomach like I thought. When you have IBS, it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint which stomach issues are food related and which are anxiety/stress related.
I left you guys hanging after my first visit with the Naturopath, but there wasn’t a lot to report. I only went for two visits. The doctor went over my medical history and food intake and also did allergy testing. When I showed him my food diary, he took one look at it and guessed that all the tannins in the green tea I was drinking (often 2 huge strong pots a day…!) were probably irritating my stomach lining. My allergy tests came back negative thankfully. The other piece of the puzzle would be to manage my IBS by continuing to work on my anxiety.
I thought he was insane for suggesting that my green tea could be a problem for my stomach, but I figured it was worth a shot. I reduced my green tea consumption to just 0-1 cup a day to see if it made a difference. Wouldn’t you know it, my stomach pains reduced by about 50% almost immediately. I’m sure there was also a little placebo effect going on, but after reading up on tannins and stomach issues, I do believe there is truth to it. I have a cup in the morning, but I don’t overdo it anymore. I’ve brought back the water in my life, which was needed. Something so simple, made such a huge difference in how I feel.
But, back to the tofu.
I’ll admit, I was also scared of tofu…a lot. First impressions are everything and the big white hunk floating in murky water just didn’t scream “eat me”. I had to figure out what the heck to do with it first.
One of my favourite ways to prepare tofu is just a simple pan fry. After pressing the tofu for about 25 minutes to drain out the water (this results in a firmer tofu), I preheat a large skillet with 1 tsp of cooking oil and then chop the tofu into small squares. Then I cook the tofu for about 6 minutes on high heat, flip, and cook for another 6-8 minutes or so, reducing the heat if necessary. This method results in golden tofu with a nice crispy exterior.
Sometimes, all I do is add a bit of ketchup and enjoy it as is or I marinate it first with a bit of apple cider vinegar & tamari.
My other favourite way is to turn it into Crispy Tofu Strips! You must try these if you haven’t. Eric said he would happily give up regular chicken strips for these bad boys.
Other times, I like to get creative with sauces…like this incredible lemon dill sauce. If you adore my lightened up lemon tahini sauce…and the lemon dill spin-off…you’ll love this super lightened up version. It packs in 3/4 cup of fresh dill and has just a touch of tahini and oil in it. While the tofu is cooking, just whip the dressing up in processor and you’re good to go.
Do I even have to tell you that I used my mini processor again? Gah, I love that thing.
Maybe you’d like a gigantic tripod leg with your tofu, perhaps?
Sometimes a close up shot is all you need. That’s what I told myself anyways.
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Easy Lemon Dill Tofu
Yield
2 servings
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
White, wintery looking tofu is now dressed up in greens for the spring.
Ingredients
For the tofu
- 1 package extra-firm non-gmo tofu, drained, rinsed, and pressed
- 1 tsp cooking oil (I like to use safflower oil as it has a high smoke point)
For the dressing
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp dill pickle juice (or water)
- 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup fresh dill weed, large stems removed & roughly chopped
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Rinse and press the tofu for about 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the lemon dill dressing in a processor. My mini processor worked well for this (just call me a broken record).
- Preheat a large skillet over high heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Meanwhile, chop up the tofu into small, thin squares.
- When the skillet is HOT (the tofu should sizzle when placed on it), add the tofu (being careful not to let the pieces touch too much or they will stick) and cook on high heat for 6 minutes or so, flip, and cook for another 6-8 minutes, reducing heat if necessary to avoid burning.
- When tofu is golden brown on each side, remove from heat. Pour dressing into a medium-sized bowl and add the cooked tofu and stir well until coated. Serve immediately on its own, in a wrap, on a salad, or over grains and vegetables.
Tip:
I’m in love with this lemon dill dressing. Who knew you could pack in 3/4 cup of greens into a dressing?
The clean up was also minimal.
But first, I devoured this tofu.
Feel free to enjoy this in a wrap, on a salad, over a bed of grains and vegetables, or on its own like I did. Maybe next time I’ll have a bit more restraint to prepare a full meal with it…
please talk my aunt into eating more tofu? perhaps if I make this for her, it would convince her!
Yumm! I’m not even vegan or veggie, but I’ll gladly eat tofu and tempeh any day!! Lemon and dill is such an awesome combo, especially for this time of year. I’m glad you’ve been able to at least somewhat identify what was causing some of your stomach pain. I would have never thought it’d be green tea!!
I believe I’ve found my lunch for the rest of the week! This looks amazing! And I think I have the same mini processor as you… it is a lifesaver!
Yay tofu! :D Scrambled tofu is great as well – just had some for breakfast this morning with Linwoods brazil nuts/almonds/flaxseed mix. Yum.
How long will this keep? I’m the only one that would eat it..Thanks for all the great recipes.
Do you do yoga or meditate for your anxiety? I use to have severe panic attacks and now just the normal everyday anxieties…
I find yoga helps a lot. Right now Im just doing it at home, but I want to get back into the studio once a week.
I’d say it keeps for a couple days, but it’s best enjoyed immediately as it softens with time.
Chris and I love tofu! It’s on the menu about once a week over here and surprisingly doesn’t give me stomach issues. Same thing with tempeh. I found a sprouted, organic, non-GMO brand [of tofu] that I love! Current favorite combo: maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, cayenne, rice vinegar
This looks great! I have never made tofu myself, have only eaten it out, but this looks like a great recipe to try!
So glad you can start re-introducing the wonderfulness that is tofu! Fresh dill has to be the best spice ever, so I can only imagine what it would do to tofu…oh boy!
I love fresh dill and I can’t wait to try this recipe! During the summer months we have neighbors who grow dill (as well as rosemary and thyme), its great picking off what I need when I need it.
Um, yum!!! I’m glad tofu is in your life now because I love it (but yes, I agree with what it looks like before you prepare it!). This sounds so fantastic and you just twisted my arm to make me get out my mini-processor :P
Mmm I never would’ve thought to prepare my tofu that way but I LOVE the idea!
I love tofu, so I’m so happy to see you introducing it in your recipes now! I love how fresh and vibrant the dill looks in the dressing.
i absolutely ADORED the crispy tofu strips, and can’t wait to try this recipe too!
Glad to hear that!
Why don’t I use dill more?! I love how refreshing it is in lemon-y mixes. Great idea to use pickle juice too! Yum!
My go-to for tofu lately has been baking it – it makes it really fluffy inside. Almost marshmallow-like.
This recipe has perfect timing because I just bought some dill and tofu yesterday. I absolutely love dill and to me it has summer written all over it. I have IBS too and it’s a precarious situation trying not to upset it. I’ve found that drinking more water, taking a probiotic, and working on my anxiety helps because I also have an anxiety disorder. It’s amazing how much our emotions impact our physical body. Thanks for the recipe and glad to hear you are doing better!
Not a fan of tofu but really love the sound of the dill dressing I have to say! But really anything with tahini gets me!
i get terrible stomach pains from green tea too! i guess too much of anything – even good things – is not good. haha if that sentence made sense? however, i have to admit, i use the sensitivity to too much green tea as an excuse to not kick the coffee habit – not good!
It’s so true…too much of anything is not good. In the summer I was trying to eat up all my garden kale and I overdid it one week…I had bloating, cramps, you name it.
I love this! I just started experimenting with tofu last week, and I’m definitely realizing there’s far more options than I thought!
Hey!
So I have ibs and anxiety as well… And while it’s no fun I have 100% gone off my anxiety pills since sisu sent me their stress rescue pills. I never ever would have believed it!
They are all natural and work amazing which of course has helped with the ibs too since they are so connected!
Thought I should let ya know! I think everyone should know about them!
Ps this tofu sounds food! I love it smothered in mmmm sauce!
Do you have a link to them? I’d like to check them out.
I love that you’re adding tofu to the repertoire. Ive also always loved your blog for
The un- tofu vegan adventures. You make magic with so many non traditional vegan ingredients.
Also, I didn’t Know you had IBS. I think I do too, chronic constipation and major upset with dairy. How did you determine the major causes of your symptoms?
It amazes me how many people have digestive issues these days. I also have the IBS you are describing and have (so far) had good success with psyllium fiber. You can buy it at any health food store (I got mine at Vitamin Shoppe). It’s basically pure fiber that works by gathering up the extra water in your intestines and acts as a bulk forming agent to make it easier to go. There is some evidence that it may be helpful for diarrhea but is especially helpful for constipation. It is the same ingredient that is in Metamucil but without all the chemical additives and nastiness. I have tried EVERYTHING and I am having the best results with this. Good luck!!!