Tofu may be sophisticated. For many individuals, once they first attempt to cook dinner it themselves, they don’t perceive what the fuss is about. They could assume it’s delicate, it’s flavorless, it’s no actual various to meat—however that’s solely firstly. After you’ve discovered to cook dinner with tofu correctly, there’s no going again. And one of the crucial vital steps towards cooking an excellent tofu-based meal is discovering the correct tofu press. Yep, that’s proper, in the event you’ve simply been taking tofu straight out of the packet and hoping for the perfect, your world is about to alter. Right here’s why you must begin urgent your tofu, in addition to among the greatest tofu presses out there proper now, and, after all, mouthwatering recipe inspiration.
Home Meals
Do you have to all the time press tofu?
Most packaged tofu has excessive water content material, and when tofu is moist, it’s a lot more durable to attain that dense texture, which permits it to simply or agency up within the oven, frying pan, or air fryer. This is applicable to most kinds of tofu, even additional agency.
“You possibly can technically nonetheless cook dinner and eat tofu that has not been pressed, nonetheless, it won’t soak up taste as properly and will certainly not have an excellent texture,” meals blogger Brita Britnell writes on her weblog Meals with Feeling. “Particularly in the event you’re making an attempt to get it crispy in any respect. Simply because the tofu has a firmer consistency, that doesn’t imply it’s not holding an extra of liquid inside.”
What’s one of the best ways to press tofu?
There are a lot of alternative ways to press tofu. Probably the greatest methods is to purchase a selected tofu press gadget to your kitchen (and you could find a few of our suggestions beneath), however in the event you’re brief on time and don’t need to look ahead to supply, it’s attainable to press tofu with out shopping for something new in any respect—all you want is one thing heavy.
First, layer up some paper towels over and beneath the tofu on a chopping board. After that, discover a skillet or a pan to steadiness on high. And eventually, fill that pan with heavy objects within the kitchen, you should utilize tinned greens, cookery books, baggage of flour, or anything it’s a must to hand.
Whether or not you’re utilizing a tofu press or the makeshift pan technique, you’ll want to go away the tofu for round half-hour earlier than you begin cooking, to permit many of the water to empty out.
Tofu presses to purchase proper now
If you happen to’re a tofu fan (and in the event you’re not, give it time), then a tofu press is a good instrument to maintain in your kitchen. It’ll prevent time and trouble, and, after all, enhance the style and texture of your tofu dishes. From price range choices to dearer investments, listed here are among the greatest tofu presses you should purchase now.
Noya
1 Noya Adjustable Tofu Press
This barely extra subtle, self-contained tofu press from Noya continues to be priced below $25, and also you get a bang for the buck. It presses the tofu evenly, has a separate drip tray for catching water, and it even has a pour spout (so you possibly can simply take away the additional water with out making a large number). Even higher, you should utilize it for marinating tofu within the fridge, too, as a result of additional lid.
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ACHub
2 ACHub Bamboo Tofu Press
This feature is a bit more costly, at simply over $30, but it surely’s definitely worth the spend. It’s extra eco-friendly than the plastic choices in the marketplace as a result of it’s made with bamboo, which is coated with non-toxic, plant-based oil. And, in three items, it’s fairly easy to make use of (plus it even comes with a tofu mildew, too, in the event you fancy making your individual from scratch).
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Uncooked Rutes
3 Uncooked Rutes Stainless Metal Tofu Press
This stainless-steel possibility from Uncooked Rutes is for the true tofu aficionados amongst us as a result of it’s over $100. However in the event you’re the kind of one that likes to eat tofu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s definitely worth the funding. There aren’t any steel springs or plastic bands, only a heavy-duty urgent weight. “It’s the final tofu press you’ll ever purchase,” in response to Uncooked Rutes.
Get it right here
5 tofu recipes to attempt subsequent
After you’ve pressed your tofu, the subsequent step is discovering probably the most scrumptious recipe to attempt. Now we have a plethora of tofu recipes to select from right here, however to get you began, right here is only a small number of our favorites.
Francesca Bonadonna
1 Simple, Crispy Vegan Tofu Popcorn Hen
Neglect KFC—all you want is a block of tofu and you may make crispy, scrumptious animal-free popcorn rooster with out going wherever close to the fast-food chain. To finish the expertise, we suggest serving with fries and your favourite number of dips, too.
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Deborah Gleason
2 Maple-Glazed Tofu Musubi
Sushi lovers, pay attention up: you may make Hawaiian Spam musubi with out the precise Spam half. You guessed it, tofu does an excellent job of replicating the style and texture of the processed meat favourite.
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William and Susan Brinson
3 Vietnamese-Impressed Tofu Bánh Mì
Normally, bánh mì is loaded with pickled greens and rooster, however as an alternative of the latter, you possibly can swap in some skinny slices of extra-firm tofu. For additional taste and spice, this recipe requires hoisin sauce, sriracha, and chopped jalapeño slices.
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Lauren Hartmann and Julie Grace
4 Spicy Oven-Fried Tofu
Arguably, tofu is at its greatest when it’s been baked—it’s crispy on the surface and tender and agency on the within. For additional crunch, this recipe additionally makes use of cornflakes for the coating. And don’t overlook the recent sauce, too!
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Jeeca Uy
5 Sticky Candy Char Siu Tofu
Get monetary savings on takeout by studying to make this scrumptious sticky, candy, and tangy tofu recipe at dwelling. It’s simple to make, full of taste and is assured to grow to be your new go-to.
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Charlotte is a author and editor based mostly in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
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