How to Press Tofu Recipe

Learn how to press tofu with and without a tofu press! These two easy methods only take 30 minutes. They will help you cook crispy tofu every time!

If you are a tofu lover, learning how to press tofu is a complete game changer. Here’s the thing: even though tofu may be labeled firm or extra-firm, it contains a lot of water. This excess water can cause the tofu to break down when you cook it, and it will also be difficult to crisp up.

But when you press the tofu, you remove the excess moisture. It takes on a chewier, firmer texture, making it more enjoyable to eat and less likely to spoil. Pressed tofu brings out the flavor from a sauce or marinade, and makes it crispier on the inside. air fryer o oven!

Below, I share two ways to press tofu—with a tofu press and without one. Both are quick and easy, and they’ll take your favorite tofu recipes to a whole new level. If you haven’t pressed tofu yet, now is the time to start!

How to Press Tofu with a Tofu Press

The best way to press tofu is with a tofu press. Here’s why:

1. These simple gadgets apply pressure evenly in tofu. They can’t split it or squeeze it!
2. many get rid of excess water that the tofu will release, so you don’t end up on a sopping countertop.
3. They can do it fits in the fridgeso you can press the tofu time in advance.

I tried the best tofu presses earlier this year, and my #1 choice is the Tofuture tofu press, which is super easy to use. I’ve also highlighted a few other types of tofu press that may suit different cuisines in my guide, so check it out to find best press for you!

Each brand is a little different, but here’s how to use the Tofuture press:

• First, place the block of tofu in the green drainage container. It nests inside a large white container, which will catch the water that the tofu will release.

• Next, put the green press on the top. Attach the rubber bands to the hooks on the sides of the white container. I like to start with the first or second hook and move the bands down to the third hook mid-way through the beat.
• Flip the white hooks closed to start pressing the tofu. Leave it on the counter for a quick press, 20 to 30 minutes, or put it in the refrigerator to press overnight.

After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes or slices to bake or air fry, or follow the instructions of whatever recipe you’re cooking!

How to Press Tofu without a Tofu Press

Not ready to spring for a press? That’s perfectly fine! There are several methods for how to press tofu without a tofu press.

My favorite is simple: you just have to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and a cast-iron pan.

• Wrap the tofu block in a kitchen towel, and place it on a flat surface. The towel will absorb most of the excess liquid released by the tofu. To get it all together, place the wrapped tofu on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Place the cast-iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu. If you don’t have a pan, you can place a small cutting board on top. Then, place another heavy object on the cutting board. A heavy book or canned goods work well.

After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes or slices to bake or air fry, or follow the instructions of whatever recipe you’re cooking!

When is it OK not to touch tofu?

• Press it whenever you want it to be hard or crunchy… In stir-fries, grain bowls, sandwichesetc.
• Do not press it when you want it to have a soft or smooth texture… that is, whether you’re pureeing it to make a vegan dessert or creamy dressing or crushing it for a tofu scramble.

A good rule of thumb is that you will usually press hard and extra firm tofu but barely press soft or silky.

Favorite Tofu Recipes

Use your pressed tofu in any of these delicious tofu recipes: