Name: How To Press Tofu Without a Tofu Press
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 package extra firm tofu

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Want to know how to get crispy tofu? The secret is to press it before you use it! Here’s how to press tofu without a tofu press.

What is Tofu?

Tofu is a creamy high protein, low-fat product made of soybeans and usually pressed into blocks. Tofu is a “blank slate” as they take on flavours very well through sauces, marinades, and spices. While growing up, tofu was really only found in Asian grocery stores, however, now they can be found in nearly any chain grocery store! You can find them in different types of firmness: silken, soft, firm, and extra-firm. For this post, we’ll be working with extra-firm tofu.

Why Does Tofu Have To Be Pressed?

When working with extra-firm tofu, you have to literally have to press out as much water as possible. Tofu is not only made with water but packaged in water as well so it can be a little waterlogged. Watery tofu can get mushy when cooked so it’s best to press it first. If you want crispy tofu, this is key! In addition, pressing the water out allows the tofu to absorb more flavour.

When to Press Tofu

I totally get wanting to skip the pressing. I’m a lazy gal and sometimes don’t plan ahead. Luckily, not all recipes require tofu to be pressed but like I mentioned earlier, if you’re trying to bake or fry crispy tofu, I suggest taking the extra time to press your tofu.

What You’ll Need to DIY a Tofu Press

plate: to catch any excess water
clean linen/lint-free dish towel: to wrap your tofu with
paper towel: also to wrap your tofu with (or you can double up on the dish towel)
cutting board: the sturdier, the better
heavy objects: such as canned beans or books

How to Press Tofu at Home Without a Tofu Press

Open your package of tofu and drain the liquid it’s packaged in.
On a rimmed plate, place a dish towel over top and a paper towel on top of it. Alternatively, you can use two dish towels.

Place the block of tofu in the middle of the paper towel and wrap it up in the paper towel first then the dish towel.

tofu wrapped in paper towel and line towel

Place a cutting board on top of the wrapped tofu and then add some heavy objects on top such as canned tomatoes to press.
Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes before using.

tofu being pressed DIY method without tofu press

Ways to Use Pressed Tofu