How to Cook Tofu
About this recipe
Tofu is a fantastic plant-based protein, but cooking it can be a bit daunting. This video breaks down four easy methods to prepare tofu: baked, sautéed, fried, and scrambled. Each method brings out different textures and flavors, making tofu a versatile ingredient for any meal.
The key to delicious tofu is proper preparation, which includes pressing to remove excess moisture and marinating for flavor. This recipe provides a go-to marinade that enhances the tofu's taste, ensuring a satisfying dish every time.
Ingredient notes
- Use extra firm tofu for the best texture; it should be drained before cooking.
- Nut butter can be any type you prefer, such as peanut or almond.
Tips from Pinch of Yum’s video
- Pressing the tofu for about 30 minutes helps remove moisture, making it easier to cook and absorb flavors.
- For baked tofu, marinate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor absorption.
- When sautéing, cook the tofu until golden on all sides before adding sauce to enhance caramelization.
Good to know
- How long does it take to cook tofu using these methods?
- Baked tofu takes about 35 to 45 minutes, sautéed tofu takes 1 to 2 minutes per side plus 5 to 7 minutes with sauce, fried tofu takes 3 to 4 minutes per side, and scrambled tofu cooks for about 15 to 17 minutes.
- Can I use a different marinade for the tofu?
- Yes, you can use any sauce or marinade you like; the video suggests using the provided marinade or any other of your choice.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Pinch of Yum: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Line a rimmed baking sheet with a few layers of paper towel and place the block of drained tofu on top.
- 2
Place a few more paper towels on top of the tofu and place something heavy on top to press it, like a cast iron skillet with canned goods. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- 3
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, nut butter, and chili garlic paste to make the marinade. Set aside.
- 4
After pressing, slice the tofu into half-inch thick slices. You can cut them into squares, cubes, or triangles depending on your cooking method.
- 5
For baked tofu, place the tofu in a shallow dish and cover completely with the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 6
Transfer the marinated tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 35 to 45 minutes until browned and caramelized.
- 7
For sautéed tofu, heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden.
- 8
Once golden, add a little bit of sauce to the pan and stir, allowing the sauce to soak into the tofu for another 5 to 7 minutes until caramelized.
- 9
For fried tofu, add enough oil to coat the bottom of a skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Carefully add the tofu and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
- 10
For scrambled tofu, heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Break the tofu into small crumbles with a spatula and add a small amount of sauce. Stir well and cook for 15 to 17 minutes, checking and stirring every few minutes until crispy.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- The quantities for the marinade ingredients were inferred based on common ratios for similar recipes.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Pinch of Yum’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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