Tofu may be difficult. For many individuals, once they first attempt to prepare dinner it themselves, they don’t perceive what the fuss is about. They may suppose it’s comfortable, it’s flavorless, it’s no actual various to meat—however that’s solely at first. After you’ve realized to prepare dinner with tofu correctly, there’s no going again. And some of the necessary steps towards cooking an amazing tofu-based meal is discovering the fitting tofu press. Yep, that’s proper, for those who’ve simply been taking tofu straight out of the packet and hoping for the most effective, your world is about to vary. Right here’s why you need to begin urgent your tofu, in addition to among the finest tofu presses out there proper now, and, in fact, mouthwatering recipe inspiration.
Home Meals
Must you all the time press tofu?
Most packaged tofu has a excessive water content material, and when tofu is moist, it’s a lot tougher to realize that dense texture, which permits it to simply or agency up within the oven, frying pan, or air fryer. This is applicable to most sorts of tofu, even additional agency.
“You possibly can technically nonetheless prepare dinner and eat tofu that has not been pressed, nevertheless, it won’t take up taste as nicely and will certainly not have an excellent texture,” meals blogger Brita Britnell writes on her weblog Meals with Feeling. “Particularly for those who’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 simplest ways to press tofu?
There are numerous other ways to press tofu. Probably the greatest methods is to purchase a particular tofu press gadget in your kitchen (and you’ll find a few of our suggestions beneath), however for those who’re quick on time and don’t wish to watch for supply, it’s potential 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 stability on high. And eventually, fill that pan with heavy objects within the kitchen, you should use tinned greens, cookery books, luggage of flour, or the rest you must hand.
Whether or not you’re utilizing a tofu press or the makeshift pan methodology, you’ll want to depart the tofu for round half-hour earlier than you begin cooking, to permit a lot of the water to empty out.
Tofu presses to purchase proper now
Should you’re a tofu fan (and for those who’re not, give it time), then a tofu press is a good device to maintain in your kitchen. It’ll prevent time and trouble, and, in fact, enhance the style and texture of your tofu dishes. From funds choices to costlier investments, listed below are among the finest tofu presses you should purchase now.
Yueshico
1 Yueshico Bamboo Tofu Press
For underneath $15, this easy bamboo tofu press is likely one of the extra reasonably priced choices available on the market. It’s straightforward to make use of—all that you must do is pop your tofu block within the heart of the 2 plates of wooden after which flip the wood knobs to use strain.
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Noya
2 Noya Adjustable Tofu Press
This barely extra refined, self-contained tofu press from Noya remains to be priced underneath $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 may simply take away the additional water with out making a large number). Even higher, you should use it for marinating tofu within the fridge, too, as a result of additional lid.
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ACHub
3 ACHub Bamboo Tofu Press
This selection is a bit more costly, at simply over $30, nevertheless it’s well worth the spend. It’s extra eco-friendly than the plastic choices available on the market 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, for those who fancy making your individual from scratch).
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Uncooked Rutes
4 Uncooked Rutes Stainless Metal Tofu Press
This stainless-steel possibility from Uncooked Rutes is for the actual tofu aficionados amongst us as a result of it’s over $100. However for those who’re the kind of one that likes to eat tofu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s well worth the funding. There are not any metallic springs or plastic bands, only a heavy-duty urgent weight. “It’s the final tofu press you’ll ever purchase,” in line with Uncooked Rutes.
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5 tofu recipes to attempt subsequent
After you’ve pressed your tofu, the subsequent step is discovering essentially 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 choice of our favorites.
Francesca Bonadonna
1 Straightforward, Crispy Vegan Tofu Popcorn Rooster
Neglect KFC—all you want is a block of tofu and you may make crispy, scrumptious animal-free popcorn hen with out going anyplace close to the fast-food chain. To finish the expertise, we suggest serving with fries and your favourite choice of dips, too.
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Deborah Gleason
2 Maple-Glazed Tofu Musubi
Sushi lovers, hear up: you may make Hawaiian Spam musubi with out the precise Spam half. You guessed it, tofu does an amazing 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
Often, bánh mì is loaded with pickled greens and hen, however as a substitute of the latter, you may 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 finest when it’s been baked—it’s crispy on the skin and tender and agency on the within. For additional crunch, this recipe additionally makes use of cornflakes for the coating. And don’t neglect 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 residence. It’s straightforward to make, filled with taste and is assured to grow to be your new go-to.
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Charlotte is a author and editor primarily based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.