Kathy's Vegan Kitchen

Healthy Plant-Based Vegan Cooking

Pressed Tofu for Grilling, Baking, Air-frying or Cooking in a Skillet

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WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE OR HATE TOFU?

Many people, despite their attempts to make tofu, simply hate it. Generally, tofu haters simply don’t know how to prepare it properly. At the beginning of my plant-based journey, I  too was a tofu hater. In fact, I distinctly remember the first tofu experience. At an Asian restaurant, I ordered tofu instead of meat in my dish, and it was soft and tasteless. I remember picking it out of my veggies like a little kid and making a sour disappointed face. 

Then, there is always the debate amongst plant-based eaters and professionals. Years ago, claims of soy causing cancers, as well as hormonal issues in men, created a debate about if we should even consume tofu at all. 

The opposition side, of course, says it helps prevent cancers and is a valuable source of protein. And, the “myth” on men not eating it was simply false. 

HOW TO KNOW WHAT TOFU TO BUY FOR WHAT RECIPE…

Since then, of course, I have learned a thing or two. First, and foremost, the type of tofu you buy is extremely important. For instance, soft tofu is used for dressing, dips, and sauces.

Extra-firm tofu, the other hand, is made for entrees and can be baked, air-fried, grilled or sauteed. As a general rule, I always buy the firmest tofu I can find. 

Additionally, sprouted tofu is the firmest tofu, and it does not require pressing. To be honest, this one is my favorite, simply because I don’t have to press it. I just use a paper towel to dry it off, and it’s ready to go.                        

THIS IS UNPRESSED TOFU; IT IS FULL OF WATER AND NEEDS PRESSING

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For years I avoided eating tofu. Every time I made tofu, I ended up moving it to the side of the plate, because it was either fried or mushy. Most restaurants fry it, which doesn’t interest me, and those who bake and grill it seemed to have the same issues I did; soft tasteless tofu.

Then, I figured it out with the help of my EZ Tofu Press. I bought it on Amazon, and in the beginning, I made the same mistakes. I didn’t follow the directions ( a problem I have haha); I was in a hurry as I usually am, and I got the same results….tasteless tofu I didn’t like.

I have many friends who share the same frustration, and although I have posted recipes with similar instructions, this post is literally all about the proper pressing and cooking, so you can enjoy tofu as much as I do.

HOW TO PRESS TOFU

First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the fluid from the package.  

Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs equally about four turns. I usually place the tofu press in the sink on its side, but for this visual post, I placed it on a plate to drain.

  • Turn the knobs every two minutes, equally until you have the end result (the last picture).
  • Most people stop here….NOT YET. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed as far as they can to almost touch the end like this:
  • Although I have never tried this, I decided for this press, I would measure the amount of water I got from the bottom of the plate at the end.
  • The amount was 3/4 cup fluid
  • Now, remove the press from the plate, and I give it another press with some paper towel for excess fluid removal.

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  • Now, you can cut it into cubes or strips, or you can grill it whole.

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MARINATING TOFU

But, first, you need to marinate it. Yes, you removed the fluids, so you can add fluids back in. Although this sounds crazy, it’s correct.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TOFU MARINADES

1/2 cup Tamari (vegan soy sauce)

1/4 rice vinegar

2 Tablespoons Sriracha

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WHATEVER MARINADE RECIPE YOU CHOOSE JUST…

  • Mix all ingredients together and pour half the marinade into a large deep container, so you can make a single row of tofu on the bottom.
  • Place a single layer of tofu on the marinade, and then pour the remaining marinade on top of the tofu.
  • Seal and place in a refrigerator overnight.

GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the grill to low
  • Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill.
  • Cook for about 8 minutes on each side
  • Remove from the grill and place back in the marinade until ready to use.  
  • Then, cut it into strips or cubes

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BAKING TOFU IS JUST AS EASY

  • Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
  • Then, preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat  or parchment paper
  • Cook for 15 minutes
  • Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes. 

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AIR-FRYING TOFU

  • Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
  • Set air fryer temperature at 375 degrees
  • Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times through the cooking process

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If you want to give tofu a try, I think you will love how versatile it is! Once you prepare it right, I think you will love it. Try some of these recipes: 

 

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