Tofu Press and Prep

Become a Better Cook! This Just Maika Cooking: Cook’s Notebook section will focus on everything related to the tofu press and prepping tofu connected to all my recipe posts, which are updated frequently.

grilled marinated tofu on top of a warm roasted vegetable pearl couscous salad on spicy basil romesco sauce in a wide rim bowl topped with micro greens being eaten with a fork and knife.

Image: Grilled Tofu with Vegetable Pearl Couscous Salad recipe.

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Why Use a Tofu Press?
Large Tofu Slices
Breading Tofu
Highly Rated Recommendations
Video Overview: Pressing and Cutting
Tofu Recipes
More Cook's Notebook
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Why Use a Tofu Press?

To prevent it from falling apart during cooking, use this tool to release the extra liquid to firm up the tofu, even if it is extra firm. I use this process when making the Crispy Turmeric Herbed Grilled Tofu as a protein for dishes or with the Roasted Vegetables and Israeli Couscous with Spicy Basil Romesco Sauce recipe.

A favorite is the Bang Bang Crispy Tofu with Egg Fried Brown Rice, a cross between Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. What about some Tofu Katsu? Try the Herb Panko Tofu with Curried Potatoes, Carrots, and Onions.

Below, I use the Tofuture Tofu Press - The Orginal and Best Tofu Press.

tofu press with tofu in the basket on top of a cutting board

Place the block into the basket.

Put on the lid and secure with bands.

Over time, the gap will decrease.

top view of tofu basket with pressed tofu

And the tofu will reduce in size.

excess liquid captured int in the reservoir.

The excess water is captured in the reservoir.

Now, you can slice and fry or bake it easily.

Now you know more about this tool, check out another excellent food prep must-have, the Japanese Mandoline.

Large Tofu Slices

Using this sliced method, create a larger cooking surface for dishes that will have the tofu later sliced into thinner pieces after cooking it. For example, you would use this for katsu tofu.

pressed tofu on a wooden cutting board cut into half displayed with a santoku knife

After using the press, remove it from the container and cut it into two pieces.

pressed tofu on a wooden cutting board cut into half with one piece placed on it's side displayed with a santoku knife

To slice into large slices, place the tofu piece on its side

pressed tofu on a wooden cutting board cut into halves with one piece cut into three slices displayed next to a santoku knife

Then, slice that tofu piece into three even slices.

Breading Tofu

Sliced breaded tofu is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in many ways. It offers a satisfying crunch and a protein-rich alternative to meat. Its crisp exterior and tender interior make it excellent for sandwiches, which can be layered with fresh vegetables and rich, potent sauces for a hearty, tasty meal.

Furthermore, it can be used to replace pork or chicken katsu. Serve with vegetables in a rich Japanese curry sauce. Try the Japanese-inspired Herb Panko Todu with Curried Vegetables.

Additionally, it can be sliced and then tossed into salads to add texture or served alongside dips as a savory snack. For example, pair it with breaded zucchini fries. The possibilities are endless.

large sliced todu laying in an egg wash in a shallow container

Pat the tofu dry, then place it into the seasoned beaten eggs. Ensure it is completely covered. You can season with salt, pepper, spices and herbs.

egg dipped large sliced tofu covered in japanese panko in a shallow container filled with more panko.

Then, place it into the panko bread crumb.

Important: Cover the entire tofu with panko. Then, flip it again, press it firmly into the panko, and repeat on the other side. Also, cover the sides.

6 breaded large tofu slices laid in two rows on a flat container

Lay them out onto a flat container to hold it's shape while preparing the rest. This way, you can easily add it to the air fryer when preheating is done.

Highly Rated Recommendations

Discover the top-rated products on Amazon, as determined by the number of satisfied customers and their glowing star ratings. Trust the wisdom of the crowd and join the thousands of happy shoppers who have already found their perfect match.

What I Use

The tofu press I use is the Tofuture Tofu Press - The Orginal and Best Tofu Press. It is easy to use and has three parts: the water reservoir, basket, and top. Just like the instructions and photos above, you place the tofu into the basket, apply the attached bands, and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to release the recess liquid, which is excellent for frying.

Runner Up

Next is the NOYA Adjustable Tofu Press. This one has an adjustable nob, a lifting tray with a visible view of your pressed tofu, and a spout to pour the excess water. It has a lid that can be changed into a storage container to store or marinate your tofu.

Another Great Rating One

Another one with great ratings is the TofuBud Tofu Press. This dishwasher-safe with an adjustable knob and clear sides to see your adjustments. It comes with easy-to-take-apart parts: the clear base, drainer, lid, stainless steel spring, and knob.

Like Mine, But Clear

Finally, the Tofu Presser from Yarkor. Like mine, it has a lid with clamps. In addition, all parts of this presser are clear and have a spring. They also claim to have your pressed tofu ready in 20 minutes instead of 30. Plus, it is dishwasher safe.

Overall Pick

Based on availability and immediate shipping, the overall pick from Amazon is highly rated and well-priced, such as the Extra Firm Tofu Press by Healthy Express. This has a more straightforward traditional design with two stainless steel wing knobs on the side and two flat boards. When pressing the tofu, place it sideways onto a shallow dish to collect the excess liquid.