The $1.55 ALDI Find I Buy 6 at a Time

If you're looking to pump up the protein in your household without breaking the bank, you can't go wrong with ALDI's Organic Extra Firm Tofu for $1.55. I’ve paid $5 or more for organic tofu, so this price is unbeatable. Sampled side by side with major brands, you’d never know it was the bargain brand.

I’ve tried many kinds of tofu. I’ve made my own tofu, visited tofu factories, taught classes on cooking with tofu, and written many articles on the subject. Growing up in the Midwest, I first had tofu at Chinese restaurants and learned to make stir-fries. In college, I found a recipe for tofu cheesecake and became obsessed with making it. ALDI's tofu reminds me of the tofu I was using then.

How I Use ALDI's Firm Tofu

A tofu preparation I made when I worked in restaurants was to soak slices or cubes in a soy sauce-based marinade, then bake them to make chewy slabs for sandwiches and salads or for dipping in peanut sauce.

I love using crumbled tofu to make a classic breakfast scramble, or I'll season it for tacos or use it like hamburger in spaghetti sauce. Like the cheesecake of my early days, pureeing tofu transforms it. I've made tofu hummus and pureed it into salad dressings and soups, letting its neutral nature blend in.

Tofu isn't just for vegetarians. In countries where tofu is widely eaten, it doesn't necessarily replace meat and is sometimes even mixed with it, as in mapo tofu. Take inspiration from there and use tofu to stretch a smaller portion of meat.

Extra firm tofu is the easiest to stir-fry. Just drain it, pat it dry, and cube or slice it before tossing it in hot oil. Stir-fry the tofu until crisped, then transfer to a plate and proceed, using half as much sliced chicken or beef and adding the tofu back to the pan when the vegetables are cooked. 

I like to stock up on ALDI's tofu, and I freeze it for a chewier, firmer, and more porous texture. After freezing the tofu solid (you can even leave it in its original packaging), thaw it, wrap it in a kitchen towel, and give it a gentle press to remove excess water. Then, slice it, marinate it, and grill, bake, or sauté it.

At $1.55 a package for this versatile protein, if you're like me, you'll find yourself adding it to all kinds of dishes.

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