You Must Begin Urgent Your Tofu: Right here’s Find out how to Do It (Plus, the Greatest Tofu Presses and Recipe Concepts)

Tofu might be sophisticated. For many individuals, after they first attempt to prepare dinner it themselves, they don’t perceive what the fuss is about. They may suppose it’s delicate, it’s flavorless, it’s no actual various to meat—however that’s solely initially. After you’ve discovered to prepare dinner with tofu correctly, there’s no going again. And one of the crucial vital steps towards cooking an amazing tofu-based meal is discovering the proper tofu press. Yep, that’s proper, if you happen to’ve simply been taking tofu straight out of the packet and hoping for the perfect, your world is about to alter. Right here’s why you must begin urgent your tofu, in addition to among the finest tofu presses obtainable proper now, and, after all, mouthwatering recipe inspiration. 

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Must you all the time press tofu?

Most packaged tofu has excessive water content material, and when tofu is moist, it’s a lot more durable to realize that dense texture, which permits it to simply or agency up within the oven, frying pan, or air fryer. This is applicable to most forms of tofu, even further agency.

“You possibly can technically nonetheless prepare dinner and eat tofu that has not been pressed, nonetheless, it is not going to take up taste as properly and will certainly not have an excellent texture,” meals blogger Brita Britnell writes on her weblog Meals with Feeling. “Particularly if you happen to’re attempting to get it crispy in any respect. Simply because the tofu has a firmer consistency, that doesn’t imply it’s not holding an extra of liquid inside.”

What’s one of the simplest ways to press tofu?

There are numerous other ways to press tofu. Top-of-the-line methods is to purchase a particular tofu press gadget in your kitchen (and yow will discover a few of our suggestions beneath), however if you happen to’re brief on time and don’t wish to await supply, it’s attainable to press tofu with out shopping for something new in any respect—all you want is one thing heavy.

First, layer up some paper towels over and beneath the tofu on a chopping board. After that, discover a skillet or a pan to steadiness on prime. And eventually, fill that pan with heavy gadgets within the kitchen, you should utilize tinned greens, cookery books, baggage of flour, or anything you need to hand.

Whether or not you’re utilizing a tofu press or the makeshift pan technique, you’ll want to go away the tofu for round half-hour earlier than you begin cooking, to permit a lot of the water to empty out.

Tofu presses to purchase proper now

In the event you’re a tofu fan (and if you happen to’re not, give it time), then a tofu press is a superb software to maintain in your kitchen. It’ll prevent time and problem, and, after all, enhance the style and texture of your tofu dishes. From price range choices to costlier investments, listed here are among the finest tofu presses you should buy now.

 Noya

1 Noya Adjustable Tofu Press

This barely extra refined, self-contained tofu press from Noya remains to be priced underneath $25, and also you get a bang for the buck. It presses the tofu evenly, has a separate drip tray for catching water, and it even has a pour spout (so you’ll be able to simply take away the additional water with out making a multitude). Even higher, you should utilize it for marinating tofu within the fridge, too, as a result of further lid. 
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ACHub

2 ACHub Bamboo Tofu Press

This selection is a bit more costly, at simply over $30, however it’s definitely worth the spend. It’s extra eco-friendly than the plastic choices in the marketplace as a result of it’s made with bamboo, which is coated with non-toxic, plant-based oil. And, in three items, it’s fairly easy to make use of (plus it even comes with a tofu mould, too, if you happen to fancy making your personal from scratch).
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Uncooked Rutes

3 Uncooked Rutes Stainless Metal Tofu Press

This chrome steel choice from Uncooked Rutes is for the actual tofu aficionados amongst us as a result of it’s over $100. However if you happen to’re the kind of one who likes to eat tofu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s definitely worth the funding. There are not any steel springs or plastic bands, only a heavy-duty urgent weight. “It’s the final tofu press you’ll ever purchase,” based on Uncooked Rutes.
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5 tofu recipes to strive subsequent

After you’ve pressed your tofu, the subsequent step is discovering essentially the most scrumptious recipe to strive. We have now a plethora of tofu recipes to select from right here, however to get you began, right here is only a small number of our favorites. 

Francesca Bonadonna

1 Simple, Crispy Vegan Tofu Popcorn Hen

Neglect KFC—all you want is a block of tofu and you can also make crispy, scrumptious animal-free popcorn hen with out going anyplace close to the fast-food chain. To finish the expertise, we suggest serving with fries and your favourite number of dips, too. 
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Deborah Gleason

2 Maple-Glazed Tofu Musubi

Sushi lovers, pay attention up: you can also make Hawaiian Spam musubi with out the precise Spam half. You guessed it, tofu does an amazing job of replicating the style and texture of the processed meat favourite. 
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William and Susan Brinson

3 Vietnamese-Impressed Tofu Bánh Mì

Often, bánh mì is loaded with pickled greens and hen, however as a substitute of the latter, you’ll be able to swap in some skinny slices of extra-firm tofu. For further taste and spice, this recipe requires hoisin sauce, sriracha, and chopped jalapeño slices.
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Lauren Hartmann and Julie Grace

4 Spicy Oven-Fried Tofu

Arguably, tofu is at its finest when it’s been baked—it’s crispy on the surface and tender and agency on the within. For further crunch, this recipe additionally makes use of cornflakes for the coating. And don’t overlook the recent sauce, too!
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Jeeca Uy

5 Sticky Candy Char Siu Tofu

Get monetary savings on takeout by studying to make this scrumptious sticky, candy, and tangy tofu recipe at residence. It’s simple to make, full of taste and is assured to grow to be your new go-to. 
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Charlotte is a author and editor based mostly in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.