How to Cook Extra Firm Tofu

3 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories

Co-authored by Bekah Rife

Last Updated: November 29, 2023

Tofu is delicious, good for you, and easy to cook. You could eat tofu your whole life!

Ingredients

Firm tofu
BBQ sauce or ketchup
Oil
Shiitake mushrooms
Green onions
Soy sauce
Salt
Sugar

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Thickly sliced

If you're only using a bit, put the rest back in the container and fill it with tap water to prevent the tofu from drying out in the fridge.

Advertisement
Cut the tofu into thick slices^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Bekah Rife
Certified Plant-Based Chef

Expert Interview}.
^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Bekah Rife
Certified Plant-Based Chef

Expert Interview}
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Thinly Sliced

Place sliced tofu in a hot wok with ample oil and fry them with shiitake mushrooms, green onion, soy sauce, salt, and a dash of sugar.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I make a tofu extra firm?

Bekah Rife
Certified Plant-Based Chef
Bekah Rife is a Certified Plant-Based Chef based in Los Angeles, California. Bekah has over eight years of professional experience and studied plant-based cooking in culinary school. Currently, she specializes in diet consulting and recipe development. She also offers cooking lessons and catering services.

Bekah Rife

Certified Plant-Based Chef

Expert Answer

Press tofu by placing firm tofu in a colander set over an upside-down bowl in the sink. Add a small plate to the tofu, followed by a heavy object like a water-filled pot or kettle. Press the tofu for about five minutes on one side, allowing the water to drain. Flip the tofu, remove any remaining water, and press for another five minutes. This process reduces water content, cutting down on cooking time.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Are there any other ways to cook extra firm tofu?

Bekah Rife
Certified Plant-Based Chef
Bekah Rife is a Certified Plant-Based Chef based in Los Angeles, California. Bekah has over eight years of professional experience and studied plant-based cooking in culinary school. Currently, she specializes in diet consulting and recipe development. She also offers cooking lessons and catering services.

Bekah Rife

Certified Plant-Based Chef

Expert Answer

Experiment with tofu by slow-roasting it in the oven for a chewy texture or thinly slicing it for a crispy result. Alternatively, dehydrate tofu in a dehydrator after marinating it in flavors like sesame seed, sesame oil, and liquid smoke. After three to five hours, you'll have a deliciously chewy and meaty snack. Cubes of dehydrated tofu can be incorporated into dishes like a Chinese chicken salad, providing a tasty and satisfying alternative to meat. This method allows you to enjoy the versatility of tofu without missing the meat in various applications.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I use a different sauce instead of soy sauce?

Community Answer

You can use any sauce that aligns with your taste preferences. However, be aware that this will alter the recipe's intended flavor.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0