How to Cook Marinated Tofu A Beginners Guide

Before cooking tofu you need to prepare it for marinating to ensure it absorbs the flavors well and has the desired texture.

Here is a general guide:

Use The Right Tofu

Choose the right type of tofu based on your recipe and preference. 

There are different varieties like silken, soft, firm, and extra-firm tofu. 

For marinating and cooking, firm and extra firm tofu works best as it holds its shape well.

Decide On Texture

After selecting your tofu, you might like to consider the desired texture you want to achieve in your dish. 

Firm tofu offers versatility in texture, as it can be pressed to different extents, to give varying consistencies. 

Pressing allows for the making of textures ranging from extra-firm and meaty, which is achieved by removing more moisture, to softer and more tender, where less moisture is removed.

Another technique to enhance the meaty texture of firm tofu is to freeze and thaw it before pressing.

Freezing firm tofu transforms its texture by forming larger ice crystals inside, which expand within the tofu. 

Thawing and pressing the frozen tofu results in a firmer, denser texture similar to meat, making it a great technique for dishes where you what to mimic the texture of chicken or prefer chewier tofu, such as when making a tofu feta substitute.

To Freeze Firm Tofu

Drain any excess water, wrap the tofu in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed freezer bag, and freeze it overnight or until solid. 

Once frozen, allow the tofu to thaw in the refrigerator before pressing it to remove excess moisture.

After thawing, you can proceed with pressing the tofu.

Pressing Tofu

To prepare the tofu for marinating, start by draining it to remove excess water.

Remove the tofu from its packaging and gently press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture.

Next, place the tofu block on a clean kitchen towel. Cover it with another towel and add weight on top, such as a cutting board with cans, to press out the remaining moisture. 

Alternatively, if you have one, you can use a tofu press for this step.

For more detailed instructions check out our blog post on how to press tofu.

By draining the tofu properly, you will ensure it is ready to absorb the flavors of your tofu marinade and achieve the desired texture when cooked.

Next, it is time to consider how you will cut the tofu to suit the dish you are making. 

Cutting The Tofu

Once drained, carefully slice the tofu into shapes and sizes that complement your recipe. 

Whether you choose cubes, slices, strips, or thick steak-like pieces, each cut gives a good foundation for soaking up marinade flavors.

Marinating Tofu

First, mix your marinade ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, citrus juice, garlic, ginger, or spices in a bowl. 

Adjust the flavors to your liking and what goes well with your dish.

Then, place the cut tofu in a dish or bag and pour the marinade over it. 

Make sure all the tofu pieces get coated with the marinade.

Cover the dish, seal the bag tightly, and put it in the fridge. Let the tofu soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes to several hours. 

For even more flavor, you can leave it overnight. The longer you marinate, the stronger the taste will be. 

Adjust the time based on how much flavor you want and how much time you have. Read our blog post "Marinating Tofu" to learn more.

Cooking Marinated Tofu

Once marinated, you can cook the tofu according to your recipe. This might involve grilling, baking, stir-frying, or pan-searing the tofu until it is golden brown and cooked through. 

How To Fry Tofu In A Pan (Cast Iron Skillet)

• Use enough oil - Heat a generous amount of oil in a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the tofu to ensure it gets crispy.
• Cook until golden brown - Carefully add the tofu to the hot pan in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes or until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip the tofu pieces and cook the other side until golden brown.
• Don't overcrowd the pan - Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can prevent the tofu from browning evenly. Cook the tofu in batches if necessary.
• Add sauce or glaze: Once the tofu is cooked and crispy, you can toss it in your favorite sauce or glaze for extra flavor. Let the sauce cook with the tofu for a minute or two until it thickens slightly and coats the tofu evenly.
• Serve immediately - Remove the pan-fried tofu from the heat and serve it immediately while it is hot and crispy. 

Pan Fried Tofu Recipes

How To Bake Marinated Tofu

• Preheat the oven - Always preheat your oven to the temperature stated in the recipe you are using. This ensures that the tofu cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior.
• Use parchment paper or a silpat - Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
• Drain the tofu - Before baking, it is important to remove the tofu pieces from the marinade. You can do this by lifting them out of the marinade with a fork or tongs. But don't discard the marinade, it can be used as a sauce.
• Space out the tofu - Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate the tofu, helping it to cook evenly and crisp up.
• Flip halfway through - To ensure that both sides of the tofu cook evenly, flip the pieces halfway through the baking time. Use a spatula to carefully turn each piece over.
• Adjust baking time - The baking time for tofu can vary depending on the size of the pieces and your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on the tofu as it bakes, and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Broil for extra crispiness - If you want your tofu to be extra crispy, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on the tofu to prevent it from burning.
• Serve hot - Remove the tofu from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. 

Baked Tofu Recipes

How To Cook Marinated Tofu In An Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer - Preheat your air fryer before adding the marinated tofu. This ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature and helps the tofu cook evenly.
• Arrange the tofu evenly - Spread out the marinated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the tofu pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking and achieving a crispy texture.
• Reserve excess marinade - If your tofu was marinated in a liquid-based marinade, such as soy sauce or citrus juice, consider saving some of the excess marinade. You can brush or drizzle it over the tofu halfway through the cooking process to add extra flavor and moisture.
• Monitor cooking time - Keep an eye on the tofu as it cooks in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tofu pieces, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Check the tofu periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Flip or shake the basket - To ensure that the tofu cooks evenly on all sides and achieves a crispy exterior, flip the tofu pieces or shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps promote even browning and prevents any sticking to the basket.
• Serve immediately - Once the tofu is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it immediately while it is hot and crispy. Enjoy the air fryer tofu as a snack, in salads, wraps, or as a protein component in various dishes.

Air Fried Tofu Recipes