Chickpea Tofu (also known as Burmese Tofu) is easy to make with just 4 ingredients. A great soy-free, dairy-free & gluten-free alternative made with easy to find Chickpea flour. A healthy and delicious source of protein. It’s the perfect alternative to traditional soy-based Tofu.
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We're tofu fanatics over here which is no secret considering we have a plethora of tofu recipes. When we first entered into the realm of a vegan lifestyle we had no idea how vast the tofu game was. I mean, there's so many choices from your classic block tofu to soft silken tofu... we didn't know where to start.
We (had to) quickly learn what different types of tofu were used for and upon that research we realized we could make our own chickpea tofu.
This was an exciting find because chickpeas are a staple in vegan cuisine, with the added benefit of being sourced from legumes for those looking for a non-soy no animal protein source.
What Is Chickpea Tofu?
Chickpea tofu also known as Burmese chickpea tofu or Shan tofu is made from chickpea flour (aka garam masala flour) that comes from the Shan State in Myanmar. It's made from water and flour ground from yellow split peas and the Burmese version of chickpea flour and is prepared in a similar fashion to polenta.
Why You’ll Love These
Easy tofu recipe. It's ridiculous how easy it is to make this plant based protein, made from 4 simple ingredients.
Versatile. This chickpea tofu is great marinated, baked or fried.
Mild subtle flavor. This homemade chickpea tofu is mild in flavor and great to use in all your usual tofu recipes.
For more meat-free alternatives recipes try our: pecan taco meat bowl, mushroom burgundy or our oyster mushroom po boy.
Ingredients
- Chickpea flour (also known as garbanzo bean flour). At our local farmers market it is sold under the label Gram flour. But this can easily be found at health food stores or you can make your own.
- Turmeric. Turmeric is optional and just used for color.
- Neutral oil. Canola oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil are all neutral flavored oils.
Substitutions & Variations
Added spices. If you want a more savory variation. We recommend adding a bit of salt, ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika and black pepper.
You can also purchase already made chickpea tofu from the refrigerated section of your local grocery store like Whole Foods and Kroger. Here are a couple of premade store bought soy-free alternatives:
Franklin Farms - chickpea tofu sold at Whole Foods
Foodies Pumfu - made for pumpkin seeds is sold at local health food stores
Big Mountain Foods - made from fava beans
If you're looking for more alternatives be sure to check our meat-free alternatives guide.
Instructions
Step 1: Oil a 8 x 8 glass baking dish, set aside. (No need to use parchment paper)
Step 2: In a saucepan add 1.5 cups of water and bring to boil.
Step 3: In large bowl, mix together Chickpea flour, Salt and turmeric powder. Add 1.5 cups of water and whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Turn heat down to medium low. Add chickpea mix and whisk constantly over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, the mixture will come together quickly and should be thick and glossy.
Step 5: Pour into a glass container.
Step 6: Let sit for approximately one hour, it will solidify.
Step 7: Cut and store in the refrigerator. Perfect for pan-frying and stir fries.
Double this chickpea tofu recipe and get a head start on your meal prepping.
Expert Tips
- High quality chickpea flour. The quality of your chickpea flour can greatly affect the final texture and flavor of your chickpea tofu. Opt for a good quality, finely ground chickpea flour for the best results.
- Consistency of the batter. Ensure the batter is smooth and free of lumps before cooking. Use a whisk or blender to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment with seasoning. Chickpea tofu can be quite versatile, so feel free to add spices, herbs, nutritional yeast, or even vegetable broth to enhance its flavor profile.
- Cooking temperature. Cook the chickpea tofu mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and forming lumps.
- Cook thoroughly. Make sure the chickpea tofu mixture is thoroughly cooked before pouring it into the mold. This ensures that the tofu sets properly and has a firm texture.
- Pressing is optional. While chickpea tofu doesn't require pressing like soy tofu, you can still press it lightly between paper towels or kitchen towels to remove excess moisture if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Allow to chill. Allow the chickpea tofu to cool and set in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, or preferably overnight, for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe FAQ's
Franklin Farms sells chickpea tofu at Whole Foods.
There are many health benefits of chickpeas and therefore chickpea tofu some being there high in manganese, fiber and iron.
Storage & Reheating
- To Store. Store leftover soy-free tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To Freeze. Freezing tofu changes the texture of the tofu so we do not recommend it.
- Prepare In Advance. It keeps well so you can make it a day or two in advance.
More Chickpea Recipes
Chickpea Tofu for breakfast - pictured above. A new way to do breakfast with chickpea tofu for breakfast. Sweet & Salty Cinnamon Chickpea Tofu Breakfast Bowl with baked sweet potatoes, vanilla maple granola with hemp seed and a dollop of coconut yogurt.
Cornbread with Chickpea Flour
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a comment down below. Thanks!
📖 Recipe
Chickpea Tofu Recipe
If you love this recipe as much as we do, let us know with a 5-star rating!
Print Recipe Pin RecipeEquipment
- glass baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Small pot & whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chickpea flour Note at our local farmers market it is sold under the label Gram flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- 3 cups Water - divided
- 2 teaspoon Oil - Neutral favor oil like canola
Instructions
- Oil a 8 x 8 glass baking dish, set aside2 teaspoon Oil
- In a saucepan add 1.5 cups of water and bring to boil.3 cups Water
- In large bowl, mix together Chickpea flour, Salt and turmeric powder. Add 1.5 cups of water and whisk until smooth.1 teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Turmeric, 3 cups Water, 1 cup Chickpea flour
- Turn heat down to medium low. Add chickpea mix and whisk constantly over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, the mixture will come together quickly and should be thick and glossy.
- Pour into a glass dish and let sit for approximately one hour it will solidify. Cut and serve.
- Serving suggestion. You can gently fry in a nonstick pan with a little oil. And have with a veggie bowl or stir fry.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It is a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag and us on Instagram #thevgnway.
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The Vgn Way
Bonnie
Can’t believe how simple it was to make this tofu. I never knew I could make this at home with so few ingredients and I like switching up between soy based and this. Thankfully to have found this t recipe.