Ep. 26 - George Stiffman (Tofu Author and Evangelist)
Dec 5, 2023
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George Stiffman, a tofu evangelist and author of the book Broken Cuisine, explores the perception and versatility of tofu in the US and Asian American community. He discusses the different types and varieties of tofu, their tastes, textures, and culinary applications. Stiffman provides advice for job seekers in the alternative protein industry and emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and goal achievement.
Tofu comes in various forms beyond the widely known soft, firm, and extra firm, with at least 27 different types in China, each having its own unique characteristics and creative uses in Chinese cuisine.
George Stiffman's book Broken Cuisine aims to dispel misconceptions about tofu and raise awareness by providing foundational knowledge and inspiring others to explore the world of tofu in Western-style cuisines.
Deep dives
George Stiffman's mission to promote tofu in the Western diet
George Stiffman, also known as The Tofu Guy, is an advocate for promoting tofu within the Western diet. Through his travels in China, he learned about the various types of tofu and its culinary versatility. Wanting to dispel misconceptions and raise awareness, George wrote the book Broken Cuisine, which focuses on five rare types of tofu and how to incorporate them into Western-style cuisines. His goal is to help home cooks navigate these ingredients and encourage a greater adoption of tofu in the US.
The diversity of tofu beyond Western stereotypes
Contrary to popular belief, tofu comes in various forms beyond the widely known soft, firm, and extra firm. In China, there are at least 27 different types of tofu. These include tofu that melts, tofu with an eggy consistency, and tofu that has a fish cake-like texture. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is used creatively in Chinese cuisine. Unfortunately, in the US, many people are unaware of these variations, leading to a lack of appreciation for tofu's culinary potential.
George Stiffman's journey and the process of writing Broken Cuisine
George became interested in tofu while exploring Chinese culture during his college years. He went on a language and homestay program in China and fell in love with the country's vibrant food scene. After experiencing frustration with plant-based food options in his hometown, George partnered with a chef to refine his ideas and create infrastructure for people to understand and experiment with tofu. The process of writing Broken Cuisine involved recipe development, editing, design, and navigating the self-publishing process. George's book aims to provide foundational knowledge and inspire others to explore the world of tofu.
George Stiffman, AKA the Tofu Guy, is a tofu evangelist and author of the book, Broken Cuisine. Through his travels in China, where he worked in Buddhist restaurant kitchens, apprenticed under a fifth generation tofu master, studied at a Chinese university, spoke at food industry conferences, and ate across numerous cities, towns, and villages, he was able to learn more about the various different types of tofu (yes, there are more varieties of tofu beyond silken, soft, firm, and extra firm). He also learned about the incredible ways that it can enhance the culinary experience. George’s goal is to encourage a greater adoption of tofu within the western diet, which he does through promoting his book on tofu and consulting with restaurants. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in East Asian Languages and Culture with a minor in Consumer Behavior from University of Southern California. George’s advice is to always keep your endgame in mind and try to find a niche for yourself in the industry.