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I’ve been developing recipes using tofu for more than 12 years. My first internship as a Food Science student was with the Soybean Council where I, along with another student, was tasked to develop a 30-recipe cookbook using all kinds of soy products, including every variety and firmness of tofu.

Later on in my career, I developed lots of tofu recipe for Vegetarians Times magazine when I was an Editorial Assistant. All that to say, I know how to cook with tofu and in this article I’ll lay out all my tips for cooking it, along with some of my favorite recipes.

Types of Tofu and Their Uses

No matter the method, to get cooking with tofu you need to drain all excess liquid and pat the cube dry. There are different forms of tofu including silken tofu, medium tofu, firm, extra-firm, tofu skins, fermented tofu. We’ll briefly cover how to use each kind, but check out this article for more in-depth info on the different types of tofu, how to prep and how to cook them.

  • Soft/Silken tofu is delicate in both texture and flavor and is commonly used in sauces, creams, dressings, even baking and smoothies. 
  • Medium tofu is a mix between silken and firm and is commonly utilized in stir-fries, grilled dishes and miso soup. 
  • Firm tofu is an easy meat alternative because it holds its shape well and is commonly carried in most major grocery stores. It’s a great alternative for chicken because of its texture and ability to take on any and all seasonings you can imagine.
  • Extra-firm tofu contains one of the tightest packed curds and is slightly chewy in texture. Extra-firm tofu is great in veggie scrambles (egg alternative), fried rice, stir frys, and sandwiches.
  • Tofu skins are pre-cooked and ready to consume. They are commonly used in cold Asian salads, quick stir-fries and even bok choy.
  • Fermented tofu or Chao is essentially tofu left to ferment for a month or more, brined and then soaked in any number of sauces and seasonings but most commonly rice wine, chilis or red bean curd. Use fermented tofu in dipping sauces, served over rice, in soups, and as a condiment.

How to Eat Raw Tofu

Eating soft/silken tofu raw is super easy to do! Simply remove from the package, drain, pat dry and mix into your favorite smoothie, salad dressing, or enjoy on it’s own with a little soy sauce and sesame oil. Soft silken tofu is also a common ingredient in vegan puddings and mousses. Although any tofu can be consumed raw, soft/silken tofu contains the easiest texture to digest on its own.

cubes of tofu on a baking sheet

How to Bake Tofu

Baking is a quick and easy method for making crispy tofu. As is the case with all kinds of tofu, it’s important to drain and dry well. To do this, slice the large block of tofu into thinner planks and sandwich them between two clean paper towels set on a baking sheet or plate. Set another baking sheet or plate on top and weigh it down with something heavy (like a Dutch oven or large cans). Let the tofu press for at least 10 minutes; replacing paper towels once.

Once the excess moisture is thoroughly absorbed (this will take 10–15 minutes) cut the tofu to desired sizes before tossing with your preferred sauce or 1–2 tablespoon oil, 3-5 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch, salt and pepper. Arrange in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400ºF for 25–30 minutes. Enjoy the crisp oven as is with your favorite dipping sauce, in fried rice, Asian noodles, salads, and more.

How to Pan-Fry

Pan-frying tofu is one of our favorite methods. Drain, dry and press the tofu as explained above. Preheat grapeseed oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimming. Toss tofu pieces desired sauce or spice mixture and 3–5 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot starch. Add tofu to hot oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on each side and crispy, about 10 minutes.

Best Tofu Recipes FAQ

What is tofu?

Tofu is made from white soybeans (not fresh green soybeans, also known as edamame), that have been ground and soaked in water (or made into soy milk), heated, and then curdled. The curds are poured into blocks and pressed into different consistencies.

How to season tofu?

The beauty of tofu is it soaks up all kinds of flavors! So there are infinite ways to season it. The simplest is to season it with salt and pepper, but any spice blend or marinade will work well.

What is the best way to cook tofu?

There is no “best” way to cook tofu. I prefer to cut tofu into cubes or strips, coat them lightly in cornstarch, and shallow fry the cubes in oil. You can also make shredded tofu, baked crispy tofu, simmer it in a broth or curry sauce, and so much more.

Best Tofu Recipes

This article was originally published on June 30, 2021.

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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