Chickpea Flour Tofu (soy-free, a.k.a. Burmese Tofu)

Chickpea flour tofu (also known as Burmese tofu or shan tofu) is made with ease and is 100% soy-free. It is high-protein, grain-free, vegan, versatile, and so delicious!

The New Tofu: Chickpea Flour Tofu 

I thought I was done with tofu.

I never liked it as an entrée, and I could always detect the flavor when it was used in creamy desserts or as an egg substitute. And don’t get me started about the cheap soy protein isolate that is thrown into some energy and protein bars. Soy just isn’t my thing.

Then, in the early days of my love affair with chickpea flour, I learned of Burmese tofu. It’s made from chickpea flour. It’s 100% soy-free. It’s fast and easy to make. It’s high in protein & fiber and low in calories.

And it’s incredibly delicious.

What is Burmese Tofu (aka Chickpea Flour Tofu)? 

In short, Burmese tofu–also known as chickpea flour tofu, shan tofu, and tòhú–is the meatless, soy-free, main-dish protein we’ve all been waiting for.

Ingredients for Chickpea Flour Tofu

Here is the ingredient list to put this recipe in action:

1. Chickpea flour
2. Water
3. Salt
4. Ground turmeric (traditional, but not required)

You will also need about 10 minutes of cooking time, followed by some unattended waiting time.

Then invert the slab of tofu onto a cutting board, cut into cubes, slabs, triangles, or any shape you like. It’s a perfect protein snack as is (it keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks), or you can use it in any savory recipe that calls for firm or extra-firm tofu. Fried in a bit of oil, or oven-fried on a sheet pan (the first two pics are oven -fried with a spritz of oil–450F for about 12 minutes), it is positively swoon-worthy.

What is the Texture of Chickpea Flour Tofu?

Don’t like the squishy, squelchy texture of soy tofu? Me neither, and chickpea tofu has none of it. Instead the texture is like velvet: gently firm, yet melt-in-your-mouth creamy.

Chickpea tofu holds together beautifully in stir-fries. If you would like the texture extra-firm, simply wait an extra day or two before using it.  The tofu releases water a it sits, so it will become firmer the longer you wait.

What is the Flavor of Chickpea Flour Tofu?

As mentioned, the turmeric is optional, but the subtle, mysterious flavor it adds is addictive; it’s also what lends the tofu it’s distinctive golden hue (although, for me, it happily shouts “I am not soy tofu!”).

You can add other spices and herbs to your heart’s content–think Thai curry paste, chopped fresh cilantro, grates fresh ginger…oh the possibilities! Simply stir in the flavors of your choice before spreading the mixture into the pan.

Excited? You should be! Chickpea flour tofu is truly a game changer. Happy eats, everyone!

Related Posts:

1. Acorn Squash & Burmese Tofu Sheet Pan Dinner {vegan, high-protein}
2. Vegan Oat Mushroom Ground Beef {Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free}
3. Sweet Potato Kale Chickpea Flour Frittata {vegan, soy-free}
4. Chocolate Chickpea Flour Muffins {vegan, grain-free}
5. Basic Vegan Chickpea Flour Muffins {grain-free, oil-free}