Learn to press tofu with and and not using a tofu press! These two straightforward strategies take simply half-hour. They will aid you prepare dinner crispy tofu each time!
In the event you’re a tofu lover, studying easy methods to press tofu is a whole recreation changer. Right here’s the factor: though tofu is likely to be labeled agency or extra-firm, it accommodates loads of water. This extra water could cause the tofu to crumble while you prepare dinner it, and it’ll even have a tough time crisping up.
However while you press tofu, you take away the surplus moisture. It takes on a chewier, firmer texture, which makes it tremendous satisfying to eat and fewer more likely to disintegrate. Pressed tofu guzzles up taste from a sauce or marinade, and it will get SO a lot crispier within the air fryer or oven!
Under, I’m sharing two strategies for easy methods to press tofu—with a tofu press and with out one. Each are fast and straightforward, they usually’ll take your favourite tofu recipes to a complete new stage. In the event you’re not already urgent tofu, now’s the time to begin!
Tips on how to Press Tofu with a Tofu Press
The easiest way to press tofu is with a tofu press. Right here’s why:
- These easy devices evenly apply strain to tofu. They received’t crack or squish it!
- Many seize the surplus water that the tofu releases, so that you don’t find yourself with a sopping countertop.
- They will match within the fridge, so you’ll be able to press tofu hours prematurely.
I examined the greatest tofu presses earlier this yr, and my #1 decide was the Tofuture tofu press, which is tremendous straightforward to make use of. I additionally highlighted a couple of different kinds of tofu presses that may swimsuit completely different cooks in my information, so test it out to search out the most effective press for you!
Each model is slightly completely different, however right here’s easy methods to use the Tofuture press:
- First, place the block of tofu within the inexperienced drainage container. Nest it inside the big white container, which can seize the water the tofu releases.
- Subsequent, place the inexperienced press on high. Connect the rubber bands to the hooks on the edges of the white container. I like to begin on the primary or second hook and transfer the bands all the way down to the third hook partway by means of the urgent time.
- Flip the white hooks closed to start urgent the tofu. Go away it on the counter for a fast press, 20 to half-hour, or pop it within the fridge to press in a single day.
After urgent, lower the tofu into cubes or slices to bake or air fry, or comply with the directions of no matter recipe you’re cooking!
Tips on how to Press Tofu and not using a Tofu Press
Not able to spring for a press? That’s completely effective! There are a number of strategies for easy methods to press tofu and not using a tofu press.
My favourite is straightforward: you simply want a clear kitchen towel or paper towels and a cast-iron skillet.
- Wrap the tofu block within the kitchen towel, and place it on a flat floor. The towel will soak up a lot of the surplus liquid the tofu releases. To seize all of it, place the wrapped tofu on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place the cast-iron skillet on high of the wrapped tofu. In the event you don’t have a skillet, you’ll be able to place a small reducing board on high as an alternative. Then, place a unique heavy object on the reducing board. A heavy guide or canned items work effectively.
After urgent, lower the tofu into cubes or slices to bake or air fry, or comply with the directions of no matter recipe you’re cooking!
How lengthy ought to tofu be pressed?
For the most effective outcomes, I like to recommend urgent tofu for no less than half-hour earlier than cooking, although longer is nice for those who’re capable of plan forward.
In a pinch, even much less time could make an enormous distinction. I pressed the left block of tofu within the picture above for simply 20 minutes. An unpressed block of tofu is on the appropriate. You possibly can see how a lot the tofu condensed in a short while!
When it’s OK to not press tofu?
- Press it everytime you need it to be agency or crispy… In stir-fries, grain bowls, sandwiches, and so on.
- Don’t press it while you need it to have a tender or clean texture… i.e., for those who’re pureeing it to make a vegan dessert or creamy dressing or crumbling it up for a tofu scramble.
An excellent rule of thumb is that you just’ll often press agency and extra-firm tofu however nearly by no means press tender or silken.
Favourite Tofu Recipes
Use your pressed tofu in any of those scrumptious tofu recipes:
Tips on how to Press Tofu
Serves 4
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Wrap the block of tofu in a clear kitchen towel and place it on a flat floor. To seize the surplus liquid that the tofu releases, place it on a rimmed baking sheet.
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Place a cast-iron skillet* on high of the wrapped tofu block.
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Press for half-hour earlier than utilizing in your favourite tofu recipes.
