Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes, but achieving the right texture often requires pressing out excess moisture. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to use a plastic tofu press to prepare perfect tofu for your favorite recipes. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Choosing the Right Tofu Press
Before you begin, it’s important to select the appropriate tofu press for the size of your tofu block. Tofu presses typically come in two sizes:
- Small Press: Suitable for blocks of tofu weighing 8-12 oz.
- Large Press: Suitable for blocks of tofu weighing 12-16 oz.
Using the correct size press ensures effective moisture removal and better results. Avoid making the mistake of trying to fit a larger block into a small press, as this can hinder the pressing process.
Step 2: Understanding the Tofu Press Components
- A typical plastic tofu press consists of four main parts:
- Top Lid: Covers the tofu and applies pressure.
- Large Strainer: Holds the tofu block and allows water to drain out.
- Spring: Provides the pressing force.
- Collection Tray: Catches the expelled water.
Familiarize yourself with these components to streamline the pressing process.
Step 3: Preparing the Tofu
- Start by gathering your ingredients and tools:
- A plastic tofu press
- A block of tofu (extra firm House Foods and Wegmans are great choices)
- A few paper towels
- A knife
- A timer
Unwrap the tofu over the sink, cut a few slits in the package, and gently squeeze out the excess liquid. If you prefer, you can rinse the tofu under cold water to remove any packaging residue.
Step 4: Setting Up the Tofu Press
Place the tofu block in the large strainer component of the press. Position the strainer over the spring, ensuring it sits securely. Then, place the top lid on the tofu block and push down until the handles lock into place. This setup ensures even pressure distribution across the tofu block.
Step 5: Pressing the Tofu
Set a timer for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how firm you want your tofu. For most recipes, pressing for 15 minutes is sufficient to achieve a firmer texture without drying it out too much. Allow the tofu press to do its work while you prepare other ingredients or take a break.
Step 6: Removing the Tofu from the Press
Once the timer goes off, carefully open the tofu press and remove the block of tofu. You’ll notice that the tofu is now firmer and ready for cooking. Use a paper towel to pat the tofu dry, removing any remaining moisture on the surface.
Step 7: Cooking the Tofu
With your tofu perfectly pressed, you can now slice, dice, or crumble it according to your recipe needs. Pressed tofu is ideal for various cooking methods such as frying, baking, or adding directly to dishes.
Here are some of my favorite tofu recipes:
Tofu Scramble: Crumble the tofu and cook it with your favorite vegetables and spices for a delicious breakfast.
BBQ Tofu Burgers: Slice the tofu and marinate it in BBQ sauce before grilling.
Buffalo Tofu Bites: Cube the tofu, coat it in a buffalo sauce, and bake until crispy.
Conclusion
Pressing tofu is a simple yet essential step in many recipes, and using a plastic tofu press makes the process easy and effective. By following these steps, you’ll achieve the perfect tofu texture every time. For more cooking tips and delicious recipes, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our blog.
