DIY Tofu Press

If you’re like me and you don’t have a tofu press, don’t worry. You can DIY with items from around your house. I recently shared a video about this on Instagram so you can check it out there, or keep reading for step-by-step instructions.

Starting with firm or extra firm tofu, that has been removed from the package and drained, here’s how you do it: 

Step 1: Wrap the tofu in a dish cloth or paper towel.

Step 2: Place your tofu onto a flat surface (like a cutting board or larger plate with a lip).

Step 3: Use heavy objects from your house (cast iron pan, large cookbooks, jugs of vinaigre, cans, etc) to weigh down the tofu. 

Step 4: Let it sit for approximately 30 mins (if you’re short on time, even 10 or 15 mins will suffice). When you're done pressing, you’ll notice that a lot of the water from the tofu has been absorbed into the towel.

Step 5: Coat your tofu with sauces or seasonings and then cook up a delicious, perfectly crispy tofu. 

Why press tofu?

Pressing helps remove excess water, which is KEY if you want a firmer texture and better flavor absorption. Here’s why I press tofu:

  1. Improves Texture: Tofu has high water content, and the more water it contains the softer it is. Pressing tofu gives it a firmer, meatier texture, which makes it great for stir-frying, air-frying, grilling, or baking.

  2. Better Flavor Absorption: Pressing out the water makes tofu more porous allowing it to soak up marinades, sauces and seasonings.

  3. Crispier Finish: If you’re trying to make crispy tofu, pressing out the moisture will help achieve that golden, crunchy exterior!

What kind of tofu should you use?

I always choose organic firm or extra firm tofu. You wouldn’t want to use silken tofu or medium tofu as they are softer (higher water content) than firm/extra firm tofu which is sturdier and holds its shape better (due to lower water content).

FYI -  If you’re making tofu scramble, for example, you don’t need to press your tofu as it’s being crumbled up and the desired texture is soft and egg-like. Hope this helps!

If you’re a DIY tofu presser like me, what sort of household objects are you using?? Let me know in the comments below. 

To get crispy tofu like this, you definitely want to press your tofu.