How To Press Tofu (With AND Without A Tofu Press)

Unlock the delicious possibilities of tofu in your favorite dishes by learning the simple art of pressing it! Say goodbye to soggy, watery textures and hello to firm, flavorful plant-based protein. Whether you have special tools or not, we’ve got you covered on how to press tofu!

 

Tofu is a versatile and healthy plant-based protein source that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir fries to vegan ranch dressing. In order to achieve the best texture and flavor in your dishes, it’s essential to remove excess moisture trapped inside the block of tofu.

Whether you have a tofu press or not, following these steps will ensure your tofu is perfectly prepped and can absorb all your favorite marinades and seasonings. For more information about the health benefits of tofu and different varieties, visit our tofu 101 post.

Why press tofu?

Tofu is made from coagulated soy milk, which forms a solid curd that is then pressed into blocks. This process removes a lot of the water content, but some moisture is left behind.

Pressing tofu removes most of the excess liquid, resulting in a firmer texture that acts like a sponge to absorb flavors from marinades and seasonings. Plus, pressed tofu is less likely to fall apart and becomes much crispier when fried or baked. This in turn helps it hold up better to sauces (like in this teriyaki tofu recipe).

Using a tofu press

A tofu press is a special kitchen gadget designed solely for the purpose of (you guessed it) pressing tofu. It typically consists of two flat plates that can be adjusted to apply even pressure to the tofu block. To use a tofu press, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess liquid.
2. Place the tofu block between the two plates of the tofu press.
3. Adjust the press and lock it in place to apply gentle, even pressure. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause the tofu to crumble.
4. Let the tofu press for a minimum of 15-30 minutes. The longer you press tofu, the firmer its texture will be.
5. Once it has reached your preferred firmness, remove the tofu from the press and carry on with your recipe.

Pressing tofu without a press

If you don’t have a tofu press, don’t panic! You can still press tofu just as effectively using items you already have in your kitchen. Here’s how:

1. Again, remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the liquid.
2. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels, then place it on top of a cooling rack or pan that’s tilted to allow for drainage.
3. Set a cutting board, flat plate, or cast iron pan on top of the wrapped tofu.
4. Depending on the weight of the plate or pan, you can add more items to the top. Some great options include cans of food, cookbooks, or a heavy pot. The goal here is to apply gentle, even pressure to the tofu without crushing it.
5. Allow the tofu to press for 15-30 minutes, periodically changing out the towels if they are becoming too wet.
6. Once you reach your desired firmness, unwrap the tofu and start your recipe!

Tips for pressing tofu

• Choose the right tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu is best for pressing since it holds its shape better than softer varieties.
• Be patient with pressing: Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes. If you want a firmer texture, you should press it for around an hour.
• Marinate it afterward: Pressing tofu removes moisture so it’s able to absorb marinades and seasonings better. Make sure you marinate after pressing your tofu.
• Storing pressed tofu: It’s always nice to have pressed tofu ready to go. If you’re not using it right away, transfer it to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tofu recipes

Now that you know how to press tofu, here are a few of my favorite tofu recipes that feature it as a main ingredient:

• Tofu Curry
• Vegan Bolognese
• Vegan Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich
• Tofu Nuggets
• Vegan Chorizo
• Grillable Tofu Burgers

Tofu FAQs