Tofu may be sophisticated. For many individuals, once they first attempt to cook dinner it themselves, they don’t perceive what the fuss is about. They may suppose it’s mushy, it’s flavorless, it’s no actual various to meat—however that’s solely firstly. After you’ve realized to cook dinner with tofu correctly, there’s no going again.
Some of the essential steps towards cooking an incredible tofu-based meal is discovering the proper tofu press. Yep, that’s proper, when you’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 a few of the finest tofu presses obtainable proper now, and, after all, mouthwatering recipe inspiration.
Do you have to at all times press tofu?
Most packaged tofu has excessive water content material, and when tofu is moist, it’s a lot tougher to realize that dense texture, which permits it to simply agency up within the oven, frying pan, or air fryer. This is applicable to most forms of tofu, even additional agency.
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“You possibly can technically nonetheless cook dinner and eat tofu that has not been pressed, nevertheless, it is not going to soak up taste as nicely and will certainly not have an excellent texture,” meals blogger Brita Britnell writes on her weblog Meals with Feeling. “Particularly when you’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 the easiest way to press tofu?
There are numerous alternative ways to press tofu. Top-of-the-line methods is to purchase a selected tofu press gadget in your kitchen (and you could find a few of our suggestions beneath), however when you’re quick on time and don’t need to await supply, it’s potential to press tofu with out shopping for something new in any respect—all you want is one thing heavy.
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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 objects within the kitchen—you need to use tinned greens, luggage of flour, cookbooks, or anything you’ve readily available.
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
When you’re a tofu fan (and when you’re not, give it time), then a tofu press is a good kitchen instrument. It’ll prevent time and problem, and, after all, enhance the style and texture of your tofu dishes. From funds choices to dearer investments, listed below are a few of the finest tofu presses you should purchase now.
1 Noya Adjustable Tofu Press, $18.99
This barely extra subtle, self-contained tofu press from Noya is priced underneath $25, and also you get a bang in your 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 large number). Even higher, you need to use it for marinating tofu within the fridge, too, as a result of additional lid.
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2 QBB Tofu Press, $16.98
This tofu press is a bit sleeker, making it an ideal choice for large households who can’t sacrifice fridge or counter house. It has three major components, is fairly simple to make use of, and is dishwasher secure making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
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3 Uncooked Rutes Stainless Metal Tofu Press, $105
This chrome steel choice from Uncooked Rutes is for the true tofu aficionados amongst us as a result of it’s over $100. However when you’re the kind of one that likes to eat tofu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s well worth the funding. There aren’t any metallic springs or plastic bands, only a heavy-duty urgent weight. “It’s the final tofu press you’ll ever purchase,” in accordance with Uncooked Rutes.
Get it right here
5 tofu recipes to attempt subsequent
After you’ve pressed your tofu, the subsequent step is discovering essentially the most scrumptious recipe to attempt. We have now a plethora of tofu recipes to select from, however to get you began, right here is only a small collection of our favorites.
Francesca Bonadonna
1 Simple, Crispy Vegan Tofu Popcorn Rooster
Overlook KFC—all you want is a block of tofu and you can also make crispy, scrumptious animal-free popcorn hen with out going wherever close to the fast-food chain. To finish the expertise, we suggest serving with fries and your favourite collection 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 incredible 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 an alternative of the latter, you’ll be able to swap in some skinny slices of extra-firm tofu. For additional 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 additional crunch, this recipe additionally makes use of cornflakes for the coating. And don’t overlook the sizzling sauce.
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Jeeca Uy
5 Sticky Candy Char Siu Tofu
Lower your expenses on takeout by studying to make this scrumptious sticky, candy, and tangy tofu recipe at residence. It’s straightforward to make, full of taste and is assured to grow to be your new go-to.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and author based mostly in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
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