Although I’ve already done a post on how to press tofu, I decided to do another one, but with a different angle. In this post, I wanted to compare towel pressing tofu against the conventional way of pressing tofu, which typically involves wrapping the entire block in some paper towels and adding a plate or something similar on the top, then weighing it down with another heavy pot or cans.
If you just want to remove some of the water from the tofu for something like a scramble or fried tofu, this method is perfectly fine. But if you want to marinate it in something, getting out all of the moisture from the tofu is key. The problem with keeping the tofu whole is that it doesn’t sufficiently pull out the moisture from the center. And placing wet tofu into a marinade not only waters it down, but also inhibits the tofu from properly absorbing it.
To get around these issues, I cut the tofu (only firm or extra-firm tofu will work here) into four or eight slabs, then use a highly absorbent bath towel and 10 pounds of even weight (large coffee table books are great) to draw out as much moisture as possible. This turns the tofu into virtual soy sponges that will greedily soak up marinades and maximize its flavor.
To illustrate the difference, I created two tofu guinea pigs, which I’ve called “Tofu A” and “Tofu B,” respectively. I’ve placed them pressed and marinated (in beet juice*) side-by-side, and the difference was dramatic!
Below are some tofu recipes that are great to use with this method:
- Balsamic-Agave Tofu
- Black Pepper and Thyme Crusted Tofu
- Grilled Sambal Oelek Tofu
- Lemongrass Tofu
- Sriracha and Peanut Butter Tofu
- Tofu Tikka Masala
- Vegan Paneer
- Za’atar Tofu
For more ideas on how to use tofu, check out my 15-Minute Quick and Easy Tofu post.
*Although beet juice is great for illustrating a point here, I wouldn’t recommend actually using it in a marinade.
littleveganbear says
I use the towel method too, unless I'm pressed (ha ha) for time, in which case I give it a quick smooshing between paper towels. I love the beetroot comparative photos though – they really illustrate the difference between these methods – the colour/marinade Tofu B has picked up is quite amazing!
Amey says
wow!!!!!!! I NEVER press my tofu, because I am lazy and quick in the kitchen. But geeez, that picture with the difference in how much the marinade is absorbed is VERY COMPELLING. Hm. Now you've got me thinking.
TheVegAdventurers says
Shamefully, we don't press our tofu often (…or ever). But, this will definitely inspire us to try it a little bit more often. This definitely shows how much can be infused into the tofu.
Glo says
I have to agree I never press my tofu. I usually buy an extra-firm that is very dry. But the next time I make a dish where the marinade is important I'm giving this a try! Thanks for the demo and awesome pics!
Magic and Mayhem says
I always press my tofu with paper towels. The towel technique sounds good on paper and it always struck me as much better for the environment but I have no idea how people can use towels in the kitchen because of the lint factor! We have 2 cats and a collie. Even fresh from the dryer, our towels and clothes are always covered in pet hair. There is no way I could use any of our towels anywhere near our food. Even if we didn't, towels shed lint. How does this not get on your food? I'm perplexed. 🙂
erinwyso says
hmmmm … we have a cat that sheds like crazy, but I've never had a problem with lint/cat hair sticking to our clean towels or the tofu that's been pressed with it, so I'm not sure what to tell you!
Mary G says
Sounds like you need to clean out the dryer vent! You might check inside the body of your dryer as well.
I bought a used dryer at a thrift shop and cleaned out enough compacted lint to FILL a large trash bag. I'm sure the people discarded their dryer because they thought it didn't work very well anymore. 😉 It works GREAT, now that it's cleaned out. LOL
Gina says
Fascinating experiment–thanks! The evidence for the enhanced marinade absorption has convinced me to use this pressing technique from now on. Can't wait to try it. On the cat hair/towel fluff issue: I have 2 cats and their hair is not on my clean towels, usually (unless they jump into the clean clothes pile, which sometimes happens). But you could just line the towel with clean cheesecloth or other thin cotton material so the tofu doesn't directly touch the towel fluff, etc. You would still get the towel moisture absorption.
Mary G says
But WHERE do you get the amazingly adorable owl timer?!?!?!?!?!?!
erinwyso says
Thank you! It's from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Owlet-Kitchen-Assorted-Colors/dp/B00E9M3BSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392722823&sr=8-1&keywords=owl+kitchen+timer
LittleMonsterx14 says
i love the comparisons!
Michelle Thiele says
Like a few other commenters, I never press my tofu! My husband and I just don't have the time to press it, but this was very convincing. You really got me with your scientific approach; I'm going to have to try it!
Abby Bean says
Why not the Tofu Xpress? It's the BEST and works in a very short time.
Ian says
I bought a few of these. The only thing I use them for is pressing tofu.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10100909/
Helyn says
How cool is THAT? Thanks for the tip. Love the little owl timer 🙂
Richa says
that owl.. <3 i need that one right now:)
brilliant idea to press the tofu! now to find the kitchen towels that don't have my pom's hair on them:)
vegan.in.brighton says
This post is SO awesome!! I always to with method A but I'm totally converting to method B as soon as I get home and get my hands on some tofu! I already love it the first way so I'm super excited to take my tofu love to the next level!
erinwyso says
I hope you enjoy, Jojo!
Tamara says
I find that when I press it becomes very crumbly. Any ideas why?
erinwyso says
Tamara, How are you pressing it? What kind of tofu are you using? Firm? Extra Firm? Does it crumble when you pick it up?
If you try this method with firm tofu, you will get dense almost rubbery tofu that's perfect for marinades that sautees and browns beautifully in the pan. It should not be crumbly at all.
Anonymous says
Just wanted to stop by and say that I've been using this method at home and am making the best baked tofu ever! Thank you so much!! it really makes an incredible night-and-day difference with texture and flavor. I used to pay $$ for store-bought baked tofu because I was never happy with the baked tofu I produced at home, this has seriously saved me so much money. Love your blog!!
erinwyso says
Thanks for your comment, so happy you like!
Mark says
I agree with the comment about TofuXpress. No paper towel waste, no extra towel washing, and the container is perfect for marinating.