Tofu is an amazingly versatile food, but it can be difficult to press out the liquid that comes with it. The secret to getting tofu just right lies in pressing it properly, depending on what kind of dish you’re making. Here’s how to press tofu the right way for different dishes, whether you’re creating an Asian-style stir fry or want to make a tofu cake from scratch.

How to Press Tofu for Keto Recipes

The ketogenic diet is a popular low-carb, high-fat eating plan that’s been known to be effective for weight loss. So, if you’re on this diet and are craving some tofu, here’s how you can make it work.

How To Press Tofu for Thai Food

Start by cutting the block of tofu into slices so that it’s easier to handle. Place a sheet of paper towel over your cutting board and place each slice of tofu on top. Lay another sheet of paper towel over top, then lay a heavy object, such as a large book, down on top. Leave for about 15 minutes. The longer you let it sit the firmer it will be when you cook with it.

The Best Way to Press Tofu for Curry Dishes

Here is how to press tofu for Curry dishes. If you’re cooking a curry dish, you’ll want to press the tofu and then cut it into thin strips before adding it in. The goal is not just to get rid of excess water, but also to break down its cellular structure so that it cooks faster and better. To do this, place your block of pressed tofu between two plates with something heavy on top like a can or jar filled with water.

Tips For Cutting Tofu

1. Cut the block of tofu in half width-wise and then slice each block into slices that are 1⁄4 inch thick.
2. Place a dish towel on a plate or cutting board, lay one layer of tofu down and then place another dish towel on top of it with another plate or cutting board on top of that to weigh it down. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before cooking so that excess water is pressed out.
3. The pressing time will depend on how much water is being extracted from the tofu.
4. After pressing, your tofu should be dense and chewy with a firmer texture than usual.
5. If you plan on using it as an ingredient (e.g., stir fry), use it immediately