How to Press Tofu for Extra Firmness and Meat-like Texture

Sometimes tofu just isn't tough enough. This article will show you how to press tofu into the perfect texture, making it firmer and easier to cook with. This style also allows tofu to retain flavors better.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One Block firm or extra firm tofu
• 2-3 baking sheets
• several towels, clean rags, or paper towels
• heavy objects such as books or cast iron skillet

1. Cut tofu into long rectangles, about a half an inch thick each (One block of tofu should yield 5 or 6 of these)

2. Cover baking sheets with towels or paper towels (Usually one towel or 4-5 paper towels works)

3. Placed sliced tofu on backing sheet, then cover with another layer of towels or paper towels

4. place another baking sheet on top of that. (If you still have more tofu to press, you can continue the above on top of the first layers)

5. Finally, place a large frying pan, or several pots and pans, or several large books on top of the top baking sheet.

6. Let the tofu be pressed for 1-2 hours (The longer you press it, the firmer it will become)

Tips & Warnings

• plates can be used instead of baking sheets
• after pressing the tofu, you can cut it up into any shape that is suitable for the dish you are cooking
• changing the towels out half way through pressing will allow for more liquid to be absorbed, making tofu firmer
• careful not to drop the frying pan onto you foot!

[tofuqueen]

on 5/29/2009 HI! I have found a great tool to press tofu! Its called the tofuxpress and i found it searching for other ways to press. I dont need to use paper towels anymore and weights. You can find it at tofuxpress.com. It is great because I can marinate in it too! It fits great in the refrig!