How To Cook Tofu - Six Easy Ways (2024)

Tofu – when cooked the right way can be really addictive, or it will be super unappetizing even for the most ardent tofu lovers. Here I have a detailed guide on How to cook tofu in six easy ways that actually tastes really GOOD.

Tofu, originated in Asia, gained quite a popularity in the West. Thanks to the local Chinese takeouts that offer Hot and Sour soup with tiny shreds of firm tofu with most meals. But I am not a big fan of the wiggly tofu that really doesn’t have a bite. After I started making my own tofu and cooking it in several ways, I have started loving this notorious vegan protein more than ever. Reason: cooking the tofu the right way and making it perfectly crispy. (Well, that’s how I like it)

But crispy tofu doesn’t really have to be the fried version. Here I have the six different ways to how to cook tofu recipes.

How to Cook Tofu in Microwave?

Type – Firm or Extra Firm, Time – 5-6 minutes, Drain– Not required

Often, we cook tofu in the oven or in a pan; however, the microwave version is super easy and yields some really chewy (kind of chicken-like) tofu that works best in stir fry and curries.

• Cut tofu length-wise, and into small but thick strips(around 1-2 inches).
• Layer tofu strips on a microwave-safe bowl.
• Add vegan Chicken broth powder and oil spray or just salt, pepper or soy + sriracha marinade. Give a good stir carefully so that each tofu piece is well coated.
• Layer the tofu again in the bowl.
• Cook in microwave for 5 to 6 minutes until tofu looks dehydrated and chewy.
• Make sure to turn the tofu strips upside down after three minutes for an even cooking.

NOTE:

• As the tofu cooks in the microwave, they tend to stick to each other. A non-stick oil spray really helps here.
• Also, the tofu strips layered around the edge of the bowl cook faster than the ones the middle. Make sure to keep a constant check and remove the cooked tofu strips to avoid super-chewy or hard tofu.
• If your tofu strips become hard due to overcooking, don’t worry. Add them to a broth or in curries, and they will beautifully soak the sauce and swell up without losing that nice bite.

How to Cook Tofu in Oven/How to Bake Tofu?

Type – Firm or Extra Firm, Temp – 350 F Time – 45 minutes, Draining –Required

Baked tofu is super easy to make, and the best part is you can prepare a huge batch and store it for a long time in the refrigerator. These tiny little pieces can be used in the stir fry, salads, curries, and even fried rice or lettuce wraps. The texture of these tofu bites are crispy to chewy, which makes them very versatile as a meat replacement in many recipes.

• To make these, start with preheating your oven to 350F.
• Marinate drained tofu with spices or sauces of your choice. I prefer – curry powder, salt, garlic powder or soy + sriracha sauce.
• Keep the tofu marinated for half hour or more.
• Now transfer the tofu pieces to a lined baking tray and bake for 45 minutes.
• Don’t forget to turn the tofu bites halfway through cooking.
• Allow the tofu bites to cool down completely before storing.

NOTE: Spray with some oil and use cornstarch for a crispier texture.

How to Cook Tofu in a pan?

Type – Firm or Extra Firm, Time – Sauté – 15-20 minutes, Fry – 9-12 minutes and Scramble – 20-25 minutes, Draining – Required

When you cook tofu in a pan, you have three options. You can sauté tofu in low-medium heat for 10-20 minutes until the edges are crispy, or fry them until golden brown. If not, you can always break the tofu and add spices, seasoning, and sauce to make scrambled tofu.

Sauté:

• Heat a cast iron or a nonstick pan.
• If using cast iron, grease the pan with few drops of oil before heating it.
• Now add marinated pieces of tofu and cook in low to medium heat.
• Ensure to turn each tofu pieces gently after a few minutes so that each side cooks perfectly.
• It may take up to 15-20 minutes for each batch of tofu to cook perfectly crispy.

Fry:

• Add 4-5 tablespoon of oil in a flat bottom pan – preferably cast iron.
• Add marinated pieces to the hot oil and fry till each side turns golden brown.
• Cook in medium temperature so that tofu pieces don’t burn in the pan.
• Allow each side to cook for 4-5 minutes in the hot oil.

NOTE: Slice the tofu medium-thin for the best results.

Scramble:

• This the BEST tofu dish that I love.
• If you want to scramble tofu, start with drained extra-firm or firm tofu.
• Add a few drops of oil to the pan and allow the pan to heat uniformly.
• Now add tofu, break it with your spatula and allow it to cook properly before seasoning.
• You can also add pre-cooked veggies, spring onions and herbs to the scrambled tofu.
• If making Indian style, add some curry powder and turmeric for a nice yellowish hue and a mellow curry flavor.
• Cook until the tofu crumbles and feels dry and crumbles are brown.

How to Cook Tofu in an Air Fryer?

Type – Firm or Extra Firm, Time – 15-20 minutes, Draining – Required

• Use a mixture of soy and sriracha and 1 tablespoon of corn starch to coat tofu pieces evenly.
• Add marinated tofu in the preheated air fryer and cook it at 370F for 15-20 minutes until the edges are crispy.
• Don’t forget to turn the tofu cubes after 10 minutes so that each side gets cooked.

How to Press Tofu?

It is very important to prep tofu to cook it in any of the above-mentioned ways. I highly recommend draining tofu a night before for the best results. Or, you can use any of these methods to press tofu.

Microwave Method:

• This is the easiest way to drain tofu.
• Cut the tofu in length-wise into two blocks and place it on a microwave safe bowl.
• Heat in high for two minutes and then turn and heat for another minute.
• You will see drained water at the bottom of the bowl.
• Drain the excess water, press gently to drain more liquid, and proceed with your tofu recipe.

Traditional Method:

• Use a tofu press to drain the tofu. Drain the excess water in the tofu package and cut it into halves.
• Place it inside the tofu press and allow it to drain until the tofu is dry.
• Or, place the tofu blocks on paper towels and on a baking sheet or a cutting board and place another paper towel with another baking sheet on it.
• Put some weights (books, a gallon of water or juice bottle) on it and drain the tofu thoroughly. (4-5 hours)
• Every half-hour, check the paper towels and replace with fresh ones if necessary. Most of the time, the paper towel will soak the pressed water from the tofu.

Nutrition Info:

Since, each method is different and uses a variety of marinade and spices, the nutrition info for each tofu is different. Here is a breakdown of nutrition info for each type.

Fried Tofu - 77 calories/ 1 oz, Baked Tofu - 76 calories/3.5 oz, Air-fried - 76 calories/3.5 oz, Scramble - 150 calories/ 1 cup, Microwave Tofu - 76 calories/ 3.5 oz

📖 Recipe

How is Tofu Good For You?

Tofu is an excellent source of protein, calcium and iron. Since, tofu is low in cholesterol and fat, it is one of the best low-fat plant-based protein choice for vegan, vegetarians and plant-based eaters.

How do You Prepare Tofu?

Drain the excess liquid by pressing the tofu or heating it in the microwave. Cut it into desired shapes, and choose any of the methods mentioned in this article for making crispy or spiced tofu.

How to Cook Tofu Like Chicken? (Microwave Method)

• Cut tofu length-wise, and into small but thick strips(around 1-2 inches). Layer tofu strips on a microwave-safe bowl.
• Add vegan Chicken broth powder and oil spray or just salt, pepper or soy + sriracha marinade. Give a good stir carefully so that each tofu piece is well coated.
• Layer the tofu again in the bowl.
• Cook in the microwave for 5 to 6 minutes until tofu looks dehydrated and chewy.
• Make sure to turn the tofu strips upside down after three minutes for an even cooking.

How To Cook Tofu Curry?

• Cook tofu until crispy.
• Choose any of the methods - Microwave, baking, pan-fry or air-fry.
• Add curry paste to the pan, add water and curry powder. Bring the sauce to a boil.
• Now add the crispy tofu and simmer the curry to a desired consistency.
• Adjust salt and pepper.
• Your tofu curry is ready.

And some more tofu recipes from the blog that you will love:

• How to make tofu from store-bought soy milk?
• Tofu Dosa/Crepe with Curried Cauliflower
• Vegan Tofu Gyro
• Vegan Paneer Masala with Tofu
• And Tandoori Tofu with Curry Marinade