Pressing tofu is a very simple way to make any tofu dish taste better and improve the texture. Although not all tofu recipes specify the use of pressed tofu, it can be applied to any recipe. Some people buy tofu presses that are box-shaped and designed specifically for pressing tofu. However, there is no particular advantage to this, as the same results can be seen with a paper towel and a heavy object.
The main advantage of pressing tofu is that it enhances the flavor. The liquid that the tofu is packed in is not as flavorful as the marinade or the flavor of the dish you are cooking. So by removing this bland liquid, the tofu is able to absorb more of the flavors you’re cooking with. For this very reason, many restaurants make most of their dishes out of tofu.
When cooking tofu, some people complain about the smell of the liquid it is packed in, and therefore it is a “turn off” for cooking and eating tofu. If this is the case for you, pressing the tofu will remove this liquid and although you will still be able to smell it, you will have the peace of mind that you are not eating this smelly liquid.
If you haven’t pressed tofu before, you should definitely give it a try. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t cook tofu the way restaurants do, then pressing tofu is probably why. Of course, keep in mind that pressing tofu is mainly for marinating or dishes with a large amount of liquid.