Everyone has an opinion on tofu, and here’s mine: I absolutely love it…when it’s prepared the right way. If you’ve never worked with it before, cooking tofu can be daunting. But once you learn a little about it, it couldn’t be easier to prepare tofu well. Below, you’ll find my best tips and tricks for how to cook tofu like a pro, plus my go-to sriracha baked tofu recipe!
There’s lot of different sides that go well with tofu. Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls.
Do I need a tofu press?
The short answer is, it depends! Some brands of tofu, like the organic extra-firm tofu made by Hodo Foods, come already pressed, so they don’t require additional pressing. I often seek out Hodo tofu because the California-based food company uses fresh, high-quality ingredients like organic, non-GMO soybeans grown in North America. In fact, Hodo is the preferred brand of Michelin and James Beard award-winning restaurants like State Bird Provisions and Slanted Door. I love it’s delicious firm texture, and it saves me time in the kitchen. No pressing required!
For working with other brands of tofu, I definitely recommend getting a tofu press. These gadgets are simple and affordable, and they’ll give the average extra-firm tofu a great chewy texture.
After testing the best tofu presses, my favorite is the Tofuture Tofu Press, which is easy to use and yields perfectly pressed tofu every time. It also captures the excess liquid from the tofu, making cleanup easy. I just pour the extra water into the sink!
You can get the Tofuture Tofu Press on Amazon for $25.95. Want to consider a few other options before you buy? Check out my guide to the best tofu presses!
What is tofu, anyway?
Tofu is a soy-based food that’s made from curdling soy milk and forming it into a solid block. It’s a good source of plant-based protein that can be used in all sorts of ways. It’s a great addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, but even if you’re a meat eater, I urge you to try it. In my tofu recipes, I don’t use it as a meat substitute, but rather as something unique and delicious in its own right!
Tofu 101: What it is + How to Cook it
FAQ
What tastes good on tofu?
How is tofu best served?
How do you eat tofu by itself?
Can you eat eggs and tofu together?
What to serve with tofu?
There are many options for what to serve with tofu. You can keep it simple with just a lemon wedge, or get creative with a mango salsa or avocado relish. Other sides that pair well with tofu are roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, quinoa, rice, and couscous. See Also: 20 Easy Sauces for Tofu I Can’t Resist Read Also: 15 Easy Tofu Soups
Does tofu have to be cooked?
Tofu, produced from soybeans, is a protein source of vegetable origin, it does not necessarily need to be cooked, it can be consumed as a cheese substitute.
Is tofu good for You?
If you’re looking to eat more plant-based, tofu is an excellent option. Not only does tofu have great health benefits like being high in fiber, iron and calcium, but it’s a super versatile source of protein. Tofu readily absorbs spices and seasonings so there are endless flavor combinations to try.
Which tofu is best for cooking?
Firm and extra-firm tofu give you the most flexibility when it comes to cooking, since they’re the best choices for baking, pan-frying, stir-frying, and grilling, while creamy silken tofu is a great pick for whipping up a dip or blitzing into a smoothie.