Pressing moisture out of tofu results in firmer, tastier, crispier tofu. Learn how to press tofu without a tofu press, with the help of everyday items you probably already have at hand.
Why Press Tofu
You can go years making perfectly decent tofu dishes without ever thinking about pressing your tofu, but if you want to bring your tofu game from average to amazing, I highly recommend you press the tofu first. Pressing excess liquid out of your tofu helps it hold its shape better, soak up marinade and seasonings for a much improved flavour, and gives it the perfect crisp texture when baked or fried.
When to Press Tofu
It’s important to understand that not all recipes require the tofu to be pressed. You should only press tofu if the recipe specifically calls for it or, if you’re skilled enough in the kitchen, when you know the recipe will turn out better if the tofu is pressed. So what does that mean?
You will normally want to press firm and extra firm tofu, when the recipe requires it to hold its shape. This usually includes frying, stir-fries, baking and grilling, as well as using tofu in salads. By no means should you press silken tofu for soups, smoothies or sauces, and you can easily make tofu scrambles or similar without pressing the tofu first.
How to Press Tofu (without a Tofu Press)
While a DIY tofu pressing method might not get rid of as much moisture as a store bought tofu press would, it’s a perfectly free option that involves only what you already have lying around, and absolutely no skill at all.
What You Will Need
Let’s jump right to the basics. Here’s what you'll need to get started:
- Cutting board
- Paper towels or two clean dishcloths
- Second cutting board
- Heavy object (such as books, jars, cans or cast iron skillet)
STEP 1: Place the Tofu Between Two Layers of Paper Towels
Place a few layers of paper towels or a dishcloth on the cutting board, then place the block of tofu on the towels. Cover with another thick layer of towels, or even completely wrap the tofu block to absorb as much moisture a possible.
STEP 2: Place a Weight on the Tofu
Balance a cutting board on top of the top layer of paper towels. Place the weight (I recommend books, cans or a cast iron skillet) on top of the board.
STEP 3: Wait from 30 Minutes to 4Hours
Let the tofu sit for at least 30 minutes. The weight gradually squeezes the moisture out, where it is absorbed by the paper towels. You might need to replace paper towels if they become fully saturated. You will know the tofu has been drained perfectly once the towels stop absorbing moisture.
Pro Tip
Try freezing the tofu first. As soon as you remove it from its package, store it in a plastic wrap and freeze it for a few hours, or until you’re ready to use it. Then thaw it out, and press it as you normally would. This results in extra dense and firm tofu, as it helps you get rid of absolutely all moisture.
How to Press Tofu: Q&A
Do you always have to press tofu?
I highly recommend you press firm and extra firm tofu when you use it in recipes that require it to hold its shape, such as when frying, grilling or in salads. When you don’t press it, the tofu is more likely to fall apart and lose shape.
Can you press tofu overnight?
Absolutely. The longer you press it, the more liquid you will drain. But I recommend storing it in the fridge if you do this, which might be a bit more difficult if you’re using a DIY tofu press.C
Howtodraintofuinahurry
Even 20 minutes of leaving your tofu under a weight can make an immense difference in taste and texture. But if you don’t have much time, you can quickly drain tofu by giving it a light squeeze oven the sink with your hands, and then tapping it dry with paper towels.
Can you press silken tofu?
You want to press firm and extra firm tofu to remove any excess liquid, which helps it to hold shape better when baking, grilling or frying. There’s no need for pressing silken tofu, as it’s usually not used in recipes that would require it to hold its shape (you will use it in soups, purees, smoothies and desserts instead). If you try to press silken tofu, it will most likely just turn to mush.
Can you over-press tofu?
You don’t have to worry about over-pressing tofu when you follow instructions, and only do it when the recipe calls for it. If you press tofu for recipes when you don’t really have to, it can result in crumbly and even mushy tofu.
