It's often mocked for being dull and lifeless, but when added to dishes, tofu really comes out as a culinary superstar.
Made from soybeans, tofu (also called bean curd), is popular in East Asian cuisines. About 100 grams of tofu has 76 calories and 30 per cent of your daily intake of iron. It's also low in saturated fat, high in protein and a good meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans.
Now, because of its texture (firm or soft), tofu can be moulded into just about any shape or form. As you will see in our slideshow below, you can create a wide variety of dishes, from tofu fries to tofu chicken wings to just cubes of tofu for noodles or salad.
Its high soy content has led some people to believe that tofu can cause breast cancer or heart ailments, but studies show there are no direct links with these health conditions. Other studies have pointed out genetically modified soy may impose allergy risks for some, but in general, eating tofu in moderation doesn't seem to cause harm, according to Bon Appetit.
When you can, stick to organic tofu or speak to a nutritionist if you have other health concerns.
Here are 21 of our favourite tofu recipes from around the web. Have a recipe you want to share? Leave it for us in the comments below.
