How to Cook Tofu That Actually Tastes Good (2024)

Yuba: These soy "noodles" come from the skins of freshly-made tofu, and are a fantastic substitute for rice noodles in a stir-fry.

Draining Is Good—Pressing Is Better

Block tofu is packed in water to help preserve and keep it fresh. That means as much excess liquid should be removed as possible before cooking the tofu. Whether you're baking, roasting, or frying (especially frying!) it, the results will be better-tasting and crispier-crunchier if you drain it first. To avoid soggy tofu-syndrome, sandwich it between multiple layers of paper towel-lined plates and weigh it from the top. Your tofu sandwich should be constructed as such: plate, paper towels, tofu, paper towels, second plate, heavy can or cast-iron pan. It won't hurt to go through two rounds of pressing and draining, if you've got the time.

Create and Use the Perfect Marinade

One of the most common complaints about tofu is its bland flavor. We happen to think that's what makes it so awesome. To infuse it with flavor from the inside-out, embrace acidic, bold marinades. The tofu will take on flavor faster than meat-based protein, meaning that a quick 10-minute spin in a garlicky-gingery marinade can pack a punch.

Bits of silken tofu are soft and tender in this spicy stew. Photo: Gentl & Hyers

Gentl & Hyers

Embrace Cornstarch, Your Secret Weapon

Sure, you could coat your tofu with a traditional 3-step breading process. But that's labor-intensive and also stops flavor from permeating the tofu. (If you're going to bread, be sure to marinate it first). We like to bypass the breading in favor of a double dip in a bowl of cornstarch. The drying qualities of cornstarch help suck up excess moisture, and get the tofu's exterior deeply golden brown and crispy. Win-win.

Use the Right Pan for the Job

Got a nonstick pan? This is the time to use it. Don't have a nonstick? We recommend seriously considering investing in one. Tofu has a tendency to latch onto pans, and a nonstick will set you up for success.

High Heat and Fat Are Your Friends

Don't be afraid of the flame. When sautéing, high heat and plenty of fat will not only keep your tofu from sticking to the pan, they contribute to that toasty, crispy-chewy layer on the outside of your tofu. Meanwhile, the interior stays tender and creamy. Preheat your pan before adding the fat (the test kitchen likes vegetable and olive oils) and tofu, and don't crowd the pan. Adding too much tofu at once will cause the surface temperature of the pan to drop, meaning soggy, not crunchy tofu.

How to Cook Tofu That Actually Tastes Good (2024)

FAQs

How to Cook Tofu That Actually Tastes Good? ›

Press tofu and cube it. Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

How to make tofu actually taste good? ›

How to Make Tofu Taste Good
  1. Understand the different tofu varieties. ...
  2. Press your tofu. ...
  3. Marinate the tofu – for a long time! ...
  4. Use cornstarch to make crispy tofu. ...
  5. Use sesame oil for pan-frying. ...
  6. A good sauce is your best friend. ...
  7. Crumble it up. ...
  8. Use your blender.
Apr 6, 2022

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze. But having one isn't necessary.

Why don't I like the taste of tofu? ›

Enjoying tofu really comes down to preparation. If it's not prepared correctly, it likely won't taste good. The key to making tofu taste good is pressing out enough of the water so it can take on the seasoning you put with it. If you want to skip the pressing step, buy a super firm option.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Do I need to soak tofu before cooking? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

How to cook tofu so it's not mushy? ›

Drain and pressing out excess water: Tofu that's been packed in water retains a lot of moisture, even when it's been drained and patted dry. Getting that extra liquid out will give you firmer tofu that will soak up the flavors of marinades and hold up better in the skillet or on the grill.

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Contains antinutrients

Like most plant foods, tofu contains several antinutrients. These compounds are naturally found in plant foods and lower your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food ( 6 ).

Why do I feel bad after eating tofu? ›

In conclusion, tofu can cause gas and bloating in some people, but not in others. If you're experiencing digestive symptoms after eating tofu, it's important to consider whether you have a soy allergy or intolerance and try modifying your diet and cooking methods to minimize symptoms.

Is tofu an acquired taste? ›

Tofu, like any other protein, just needs some seasoning to become your new favorite food. Tofu is both the center of the plate for many of us and, also, the butt of the joke from some.

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Is tofu an inflammatory food? ›

Tofu and tempeh.

Studies suggest people who eat soy-based foods have lower odds of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Nuts and legumes, Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, along with peanuts, are rich in unsaturated fats, along with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

How do you add flavor to tofu? ›

Just as you can caramelize vegetables by roasting them in the oven, the same is possible for tofu. Start by pressing your tofu to remove the water. Then, toss pressed tofu pieces in a marinade made with a combination of oil, soy sauce, sweetener, and other flavorings of your choosing, such as garlic and ginger.

How do you make tofu taste less bland? ›

Easily sorted :- crush a couple of cloves of garlic into a bowl, add about a tablespoon of Tamari (or any soya sauce). Drop in sliced Tofu and let it marinate briefly, giving it a couple of shakes to ensure even coating and soaking, saute gently in a little hot oil.

How do you eat tofu if you don't like the texture? ›

Freeze the tofu, then thaw it in the fridge before using it. Then I will usually air fry it. It will not be mushy at all.

How do you make tofu appealing? ›

Make an exceptional stir-fry

Cut the block into cubes and press as much moisture as possible out of each with paper towels before cooking. Then place the tofu in a hot skillet or wok with vegetable oil for about a minute to give it a nice sear. Add salt and stir-fry it another minute or so.

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