Two Ways to Cook Tofu
Tofu is a very versatile ingredient to use as plant-based protein. We cook with tofu a few times a week, in varying forms. Andrew eats it raw and cubed in his salads at this point!
Our two favorite ways to cook tofu are baked or battered and fried, which you can find in written recipes below. We’ve also provided a simple video tutorial at the bottom that will show you how to press, bake or fry (non-battered) tofu.
Recipe 1: Battered and Fried Tofu
Ingredients
1 package of tofu (extra firm or firm)
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup of olive oil (or oil of choice)
Instructions
Press water out of the tofu for 15-30 minutes by either using a tofu press, or by wrapping the tofu in a towel and placing a pan or other heavy object on top to drain the water out (see video down below for a tutorial using a pan).
After the tofu is pressed, cut the tofu into 1/2 inch slices (see video at the end for a tutorial of cutting the tofu).
Put 1/2 to 1 cup of corn starch into a shallow bowl and coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch until it’s covered, and then set each coated piece of tofu onto a plate. Less cornstarch will result in a lighter coating and is a bit faster to fry, while more cornstarch will extend the cooking time.
Once all of the tofu is coated, put 1/4 cup of olive oil into a pan and heat on medium. Once hot, place as many pieces of tofu into the pan that will fit in a single layer. Cook the tofu until it turns a golden color on the bottom, then flip to cook the other side until golden. Then, remove and place on a plate (you can put a paper towel or towel down on the plate if you want to drain some of the oil).
Check that the tofu is cooked to your preference, and then continue until all of the tofu has been cooked.
Eat on a salad, or serve over rice with veggies and a sauce over the top. Many ways to use tofu!
Recipe 2: Baked Tofu
Ingredients
1 package of tofu (extra firm or firm)
Optional: salt, pepper or other spices like nutritional yeast, garlic, etc
Instructions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees
Press water out of the tofu for 15-30 minutes by either using a tofu press, or by wrapping the tofu in a towel and placing a pan or other heavy object on top to drain the water out (see video down below for a tutorial using a pan).
Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch slices or cubes (see video down below for a tutorial of cutting the tofu).
Optional: toss the tofu in spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic, nutritional yeast, etc.
Place a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat onto a baking sheet and place the tofu, with spaces between, onto the baking sheet.
Bake the tofu for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Eat on a salad, or serve over rice with veggies and a sauce over the top. Many ways to use tofu!