How to Press Tofu with Easy Tips for Perfect Texture

5 from 3 votes
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Do you press tofu before cooking? It’s a simple step that makes a big difference! Learn how to press tofu properly and why it’s essential for the best flavor and texture.

Looking for simple tofu recipes? Try my Teriyaki Tofu RecipeVegan Tofu Nuggets, or Tofu Miso Soup!

Tofu with cutting board.

I’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

This Recipe is For You If:

  • You are looking for how to drain excess water from tofu
  • You want to know how long it takes to press tofu
  • You wonder why it’s necessary to press tofu

How Pressing Tofu Improves Texture and Flavor

Do You Always Have to Press Tofu?

Not always—it depends on the recipe. For soups, pressing tofu isn’t necessary. But for dishes like teriyaki tofu, pressing makes a big difference. Pressing tofu for an hour or overnight creates a firmer texture, while 10 minutes of pressing gives it a soft, fluffy feel. This step is essential for controlling the taste and texture of your tofu, so if your recipe calls for it, it’s worth the extra effort.

Reasons to Press Tofu

  • To Prevent Watery Dishes
    Tofu is about 90% water. If you don’t press it, the water will release as the tofu cooks, making your dish watery or mushy. Pressing removes excess moisture for better results.
  • To Keep Its Shape
    Tofu is delicate and can easily fall apart. For recipes like tofu salad, pressing creates a firmer texture that holds its shape. For mixed dishes like tofu hambagu, pressing isn’t as important since the tofu gets combined with other ingredients.
  • To Absorb More Flavor
    Tofu’s mild taste comes from its high water content. Pressing removes water, making space for marinades and seasonings to soak in. This step ensures your tofu is flavorful and delicious in every bite.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe: tofu and basic kitchen equipment.

tofu

Equipment

  • Paper towel (kitchen paper)
  • A large plate to hold the tofu
  • A cutting board or other item with a flat surface
  • Heavy vegetables or heavy cans such as canned food
  • A casserole dish (optional)

How To Press Tofu: STEP BY STEP 

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

How to press tofu.

Step 1

Wrap the tofu up with paper towels, and place it on a plate.

How to press tofu.

Step 2

Place heavy objects on tofu and Leave it for 30-60 minutes.

tofu after pressing

The picture above is after pressing for 30 minutes. You can see how much water has come out.

Recipe Tips

  • By using a cutting board, the weight remains stable, and the tofu can be pressed evenly without tilting.
  • You can use various items such as canned food, heavy books, a frying pan, vegetables (onions, potatoes, etc.), bottles, or a bowl of water.
  • Discard the excess liquid, and go ahead and start cooking it.
  • You should press it for at least 30 minutes. If you are not in a hurry, you can do it overnight.

Before and After

The left is before, and on the right is the pressed tofu.

tofu, before and after pressing

Another Way to Drain The Water Out

These are quick and easy methods. If you don’t need a firm texture, try the following methods.

  • Wrap up with a paper towel
    Wrap it up with paper towels and leave it for 10 minutes. If you enjoy eating tofu raw, like hiyayakko (chilled tofu), it’s ok to just drain it lightly this way.
  • Microwave
    Wrap it up with paper towels and microwave it for 3 minutes. If you are in a hurry, this is the quickest and easiest way. It won’t create a firm texture like pressing will, but it’s good enough to cook dishes like mapo tofu and stir fry. Also, since the tofu has been heated, it’s more suitable for some recipes that require cooking tofu (not for salad).

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Tofu katsu served on a plate.

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how to press tofu

How to Press Tofu with Easy Tips for Perfect Texture

5 from 3 votes
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Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 300 g
Author: Juri Austin
Do you press tofu before cooking? It’s a simple step that makes a big difference! Learn how to press tofu properly and why it’s essential for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients

  • 1 block Tofu, 300g
Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Wrap with paper towels: Wrap tofu up with paper towels, and place it on a plate.
  • Place a cutting board: Place a cutting board on top of the tofu.
  • Place heavy objects: Put them in a casserole dish and place them on the top.
  • Leave: Leave it for 30 to 60 minutes.

Video

Notes

  • You can use a flat plate instead of a cutting board.
  • I use a casserole dish to keep the balance, but you can skip it and directly place heavy objects on the cutting board.
  • You can use various items such as canned food, heavy books, a frying pan, vegetables (onions, potatoes, etc.), bottles, or a bowl of water. Just about any heavy object is ok.

Nutrition

Serving: 299g | Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 27g
Course: How to
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: how to press tofu
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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    On smartphone need to rotate the screen to be able to award 5 stars I noticed…
    I didn’t know it was so important to press the tofu, thanks.