Tofu is a highly popular ingredient in most Asian cuisines. This post will help guide you through everything you need to learn How to Cook Tofu Like a Pro! Tofu is one of the easiest proteins to cook, so let's get started!
Tofu is such a versatile protein that's low in fat. It serves as an awesome substitute for meat when cooked correctly in a variety of dishes, from Crispy Tofu Steaks with Bok Choy to Spicy Asian Tofu Salad. My Easy Tofu Pad Thai is one of my favorite tofu recipes, and it uses perfectly cooked tofu pieces!
What is tofu?
Tofu is a soy-based, plant-based protein crafted by curdling soy milk and molding it into a solid block. The finished texture depends on the coagulation of soy milk and subsequent pressing. This is where the firmness comes in. Tofu comes in a variety of textures, and the firmness level results from the intensity of the pressing during the production process. You can likely find all of them at your local grocery stores. No specialty stores needed!
In This Article:
Different Types of Tofu
This versatile, plant-based protein comes in various textures, from silken to firm to extra-firm, depending on the cooking method. Here's a breakdown of the various types of tofu.
Silken tofu is also called soft, silk, or Japanese-style tofu.
SILKEN: Silken tofu is a Japanese-style tofu with a high water content and it is unpressed. It offers a jelly-like consistency with a smooth surface, which is great in soups such as miso soup.
Easy and healthy, this classic Japanese Miso Soup recipe, using silken tofu, comes together in under 15 minutes!
SOFT: Soft tofu is delicate and crumbly, making it great for dishes such as tofu pudding. It's similar to silken tofu. However, it's usually more solid, and holds its shape better.
FIRM: Firm tofu holds its shape well and has a slightly soft texture, which makes it easy to pick up with chopsticks. This tofu is ideal for stir-fries because it absorbs flavors very well, while still maintaining its form.
EXTRA FIRM: Extra firm tofu holds its shape well even under high heat and intense cooking methods. It's ideal for grilling, baking, browning, and frying. Extra-firm tofu is usually my go-to for stir-frying or pan-frying.
For a healthy and delicious vegetarian dish, try my Seared Miso Tofu Poke Bowl, featuring wok-seared, extra-firm tofu, crisp veggies, and avocados. Serve it over sticky white rice and drizzle with my tangy, sweet, miso ginger dressing. So yummy!
How To Press Tofu
Removing the excess moisture from the tofu is essential for achieving the proper texture for various dishes, including maximum crispiness when pan-frying tofu.
I personally love my tofu press, which simplifies the process significantly. Alternatively, you can use kitchen towels or paper towels to press the tofu. Wrap the towels tightly around the tofu, place a heavy pan on top, and allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes, or until as much of the liquid has been absorbed.
This tofu press is my go-to for pressing and removing the liquid.
TOP TIP: You'll know when the tofu has been pressed enough when the towels used to wrap it are pretty dry on the outside. (You may need to replace the towels during the pressing process.)
How To Cook Tofu
There are several ways to cook tofu. Some recipes, such as soups (like my miso soup), don't require any additional cooking. Simply cube the silken tofu and stick it into your broth. Other dishes, like these tofu and zucchini wraps, are oven-baked. Whereas, fried dishes, like my crispy tofu steaks, are pan-fried or air-fried.
How to Cook Tofu in the Oven
Cooking tofu in the oven is so easy and hands-off. Baking tofu strips, cubes, or blocks requires little effort, and the end result is beautifully crispy tofu! Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for oven-baking. Here's a recipe using the oven method:
Oven Grilled Tofu and Zucchini Wrap
Sliced tofu and zucchini are oven-grilled, then enveloped in a soft, lavash flatbread layered with creamy avocado slices and a punchy, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. So delicious! (Vegetarian and vegan.) Click here for the full recipe.
Check out these 17 Delicious Homemade Tofu Recipes!
Steps for oven-grilled tofu:
1. Once pressed, cut the tofu into thick, even slices.
2. Brush the tofu with olive oil, and season with salt.
3. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping the slices over halfway through cooking. Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to continue browning.
4. Use oven-baked tofu in your favorite dishes, like this Tofu and Zucchini Wrap! [Get this recipe!]
HINT: Cut your tofu strips depending on your thickness preference. For sandwiches, I suggest ½-inch thick. Baking time will vary per the thickness of the tofu.
How to Pan Fry Tofu
Pan-frying tofu is super easy using just a small amount of oil for frying. It's best to use firm or extra-firm tofu for pan-frying. For the crispiest exterior, dredge the tofu in corn starch. Here's a recipe using the pan-fry method:
Crispy Tofu Steaks with Bok Choy
Crispy tofu steaks are nestled on top of baby bok choy in this easy, vegetarian recipe. This delicious dish requires little effort, but is loaded with amazing umami flavor! Click here for the full recipe.
Steps for crispy pan-fried tofu:
1. After pressing the tofu, slice the tofu in half lengthwise and cut it into even triangles. You can cut them any shape, such as small cubes, but I personally love this shape for this recipe!
2. Place some cornstarch into a shallow dish and dredge the tofu triangles, making sure to thoroughly coat all sides.
3. Shake off the excess corn starch and pan-fry the tofu steaks on all sides until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Remove the tofu and place on paper towels to drain. Toss the tofu with your favorite sauce! [Get this recipe!]
TOP TIP: Firm or extra-firm tofu is the best option for pan-frying. Make sure to press the tofu first to remove all of the excess water. This step is essential for an optimal result!
How to Air Fry Tofu
Air frying tofu is one of the easiest and quickest methods for perfectly crispy, golden-brown tofu! The air fryer also cooks with less fat, meaning a healthier, low-calorie alternative. It's best to use either firm or extra-firm kind of tofu for your air fryer tofu recipe.
Cubed and dredged in corn starch, extra-firm tofu cooks up quickly in the air fryer.
Crispy, golden tofu cubes are air-fried and the best way to finish them off is to serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
Here’s an easy, crispy, tofu recipe using the air fryer:
- Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Season the tofu for some extra flavor and dredge in the corn starch, shaking off the excess.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Avocado oil based works well!
- Line the basket with a single layer of tofu cubes, and spray the tops with the cooking spray.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the tofu cubes and finish cooking for another 5 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat in batches with the remaining tofu.
- Toss with your favorite sauce, or serve on the side with a dipping sauce! Seriously makes for one of the best tofu recipes that is perfect for all diets, especially vegan diets, as a main dish!
Storage
- To store leftover tofu that has been taken out of its original packaging, place in an air-tight container filled with clean, cold water and store in the fridge. Cook and consume within 2-3 days, but change the water in the container daily to preserve the tofu's freshness.
- For cooked tofu, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. You can also freeze cooked tofu for up to 3 months.
FAQ's
Not pressing (or draining) your tofu before cooking can lead to crumbling and lack of crispiness. It's best to press your tofu before cooking!
You'll know that the tofu is pressed enough when it's a bit moist but has been pressed enough to continue to hold its shape well.
Technically, you do not have to cook tofu, since it's ready to eat. Silken tofu can be added to recipes without further cooking (like in soups). Other varieties of tofu just taste better when cooked, coated with seasoning and tossed in a sauce.
Tofu can become rubbery if it's overcooked or has too much water. Tofu contains a lot of water, which can contribute to a rubbery texture. To prevent this, it's important to remove as much of the water as possible before cooking, by pressing the tofu. Rubbery tofu can also be caused by overcooking.
Yes! Tofu is high in protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B5 and contains omega-3 and omega-6 healthy fats. It's relatively low in calories and contains all the essential amino acids the body needs to build protein and provide energy. Tofu is also a primary source of isoflavones, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
My 10 Favorite Tofu Recipes
Whether you're a tofu "newbie" or an experienced tofu eater, here are 10 of my favorite Asian-inspired recipes that will change how you feel about tofu. Never boring or bland, these tofu recipes will make your tastebuds do a happy dance!
Jerrie Conway says
I absolutely love tofu and this info is so awesome! I learned so much and will be making one of your delicious recipes tomorrow. Thx so so much for this!
Asian Inspired Eats says
So glad you're a fan of tofu! Hope you enjoy all of these recipes!