How to Prepare Firm and Extra Firm Tofu

Preparing and cooking tofu is one of the most challenging--but important--aspects of a new vegetarian's diet. Knowing how to properly prepare tofu is key to making delicious and healthy meals.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tofu
• Paper towels

1. Select the right variety of tofu. Tofu comes in many levels of firmness, from silken to extra firm. Silken and soft tofus are usually used in desserts, soups or other recipes that call for it to be blended. Firm and extra firm tofus are used in stir fries, baking and other recipes that call for solid chunks.

2. With any kind of tofu, draining properly is key. Tofu comes packed in water, so first, drain this water out thoroughly.

3. When preparing firm and extra firm tofu for a stir fry or similar dish, further draining makes a big difference in taste. Cut your tofu into smaller chunks and place them in one layer on a paper-towel-covered cutting board.

4. Place three or four more paper towels on top of the tofu, and press down firmly to squeeze out excess water. Place another cutting board or other flat surface on top of paper towels and put a heavy object on top of this--canned goods or a bottle of wine are ideal sizes. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.

5. After a thorough draining, your tofu is ready to cook!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that even extra firm tofu is fragile. If you handle it too roughly, it will crumble.
• Freezing and then thawing tofu before draining can make the texture firmer and more dense.

[mcdaniej]

on 1/11/2009 Excellent tips!
This article also has some good ideas for preparing tofu:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4711625_tofu-extra-firmness-meatlike-texture.html