Learning how to prepare tofu can really up your game in the kitchen. I have already covered all the ways you can cook tofu, but it is also important to understand the many ways you can prep it. Part of knowing how to cook tofu is learning how to prepare
Even if you are new to tofu or an avid tofu lover, you will come across newer ways to prep it. From cubes to triangles, from grating to crumbling, you will see how each way is unique in its own way.
Tofu is incredibly versatile as a plant-based ingredient. I have shared many of my favorite tofu recipes over the years, and continue to add to that list.
Tofu marinades along with how to cook and prep it have helped so many of my friends and family learn how to love it!
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What is tofu?
Tofu is a soy-based food made by curdling soy milk into a solid block. It’s a good source of plant-based protein and can be used in many ways.
Try it, even if you’re not a vegetarian. In my recipes, I use it as a unique and delicious ingredient.
There are many different types of tofu, namely firm, extra-firm, and silken tofu. The way you prepare and especially cut the tofu affects how the texture will turn out when you are done cooking.
I used to stick to cutting it in cubes, but there are so many others ways. I will share all of those with you in this article.
After you’re through with this list, you will know which one is the best for baked tofu, marinated tofu, or pan-fried tofu.
Is tofu healthy?
Yes, tofu is a healthy option for those who follow a plant-based diet. It is a protein-rich food that also provides a good amount of minerals such as calcium and iron. It is low in calories, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight.
Moreover, tofu is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. This makes it an excellent protein source for vegans and vegetarians.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, tofu also has potential health benefits due to its isoflavone content. Isoflavones are a type of plant compound that can act like estrogen in the body.
Recent research published in February 2023 has shown that they may help reduce the risk of heart disease and breast and prostate cancers.
How to Prepare Tofu – Best Methods
While most people cut tofu into cubes (I mean, it is the most classic way!), there are so many other ways to prepare it before cooking.
Before you start cutting it, make sure to learn how to press tofu. That is where I have covered the 4 methods of pressing tofu.
After that, you are ready to pick which way you want to prepare it. Let us look at the best options:
1. Tofu cubes (classic)
Best for: Most tofu recipes, including tofu curries, noodle stir-fry, and even pasta.
Tofu cubes are the most popular way of cutting tofu because they are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes including in dishes like tofu korma, noodle stir-fry, orange tofu, or even pesto tofu pasta.
Cubes are also a convenient size. They have a firm texture that holds up well in cooking and adds a nice contrast to softer vegetables or noodles in a dish.
How to cube tofu
If you have a standard tofu block of 12 oz, here is how to cut them into cubes:
STEP 1
Use a sharp knife to cut the block in half horizontally, creating two thinner blocks.
STEP 2
Cut each of the thinner blocks into four equal-sized pieces.
STEP 3
Turn each of the four pieces on its side and cut them into cubes, making sure they are all roughly the same size.
2. Tofu triangles
Best for: Recipes that call for crispy edges or to add a creative touch.
Cutting tofu into triangles is a slight variation from tofu cubes and can be a creative way to add variety to your dishes. It also looks great!
The best part is that it exposes more edges and surfaces, which allows for better browning and crisping during the baking process.
It is the cut I use when making harissa tofu, which is a family-favorite.
How to cut tofu into triangles
If you have a standard tofu block of 12 oz, here is how to cut them into triangles:
STEP 1
Use a sharp knife to cut the block in half horizontally, creating two thinner blocks.
STEP 2
Cut both thinner blocks vertically in the middle to create four equal-sized slices.
STEP 3
Finally, make diagonal cuts through each piece to form triangles.
3. Torn tofu
Best for: Recipes where you want a crispy natural edge, e.g. baked tofu bites.
Tearing tofu creates uneven edges and surfaces on the tofu. This helps the flavors and marinades absorb better and the irregular shapes and torn edges give it a more natural, rustic, and homemade style.
This way, you also get crispy tofu, since there are evn more surfaces and edges than with our previous triangle cut.
It is a great option especially for anyone who does not like uniformly cut cubes.
How to tear tofu
Preparing torn tofu is actually quite simple. Here is how to do it:
STEP 1
Use your fingers and tear the tofu slowly and gently.
STEP 2
First, tear it in half, then tear off larger pieces.
STEP 3
Finally, create bite-size tofu pieces. Not too small, though.
4. Thin slices
Best for: Marinating it in your favorite tofu marinades.
This is a method that Pei Wei restaurant loves to use when preparing their popular teriyaki tofu. It is, by far, one of the best ways to marinate tofu.
Thin slices can thoroughly soak up the teriyaki marinade, leaving no raw parts. Also, any moisture remaining after the tofu is pressed will evaporate quickly during pan-frying.
This means, you will end up with flavor-packed tofu that has the best texture.
How to cut tofu into thin slices
While slicing tofu real thin sounds tricky, it really isn’t. Here is how to prepare tofu this way:
STEP 1
Cut the tofu horizontally in half.
STEP 2
Make thin slices that are around 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.
5. Tofu sticks
Best for: Making any type of rolls, especially tofu sushi spring rolls and summer rolls.
Cutting tofu into sticks is a great option for making sushi spring rolls or summer rolls.
The long and thin shape of tofu sticks blends well with other ingredients. Plus, this shape also makes it easier to roll without tearing the rice paper wrapper.
How to cut tofu into sticks
STEP 1
Carefully slice the tofu lengthwise into slabs that are approximately 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to achieve clean and even cuts.
STEP 2
Take each tofu slab and slice them vertically into 1-inch wide strips.
6. Ground tofu (tofu mince)
Best for: Making any type of burgers and meatballs or using it place of ground meat in recipes.
Tofu mince (ground tofu) is ideal as a plant-based ground beef alternative. Making tofu meatballs and tofu burgers is so easy and convenient.
Personally, I believe it is the best meat substitute, especially for ground chicken. It is especially great for anyone who is wary of TVP recipes and wants another a more common plant-based ingredient.
How to make ground tofu
STEP 1
Use frozen tofu that has been stored in your freezer for at least 24 hours. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
STEP 2
Use your palms to press the tofu. Aim for a sponge-like texture as you press, effectively removing as much excess moisture as possible.
STEP 3
Grab a food processor to chop the tofu into small crumble-like pieces finely. These will have a chewy and bouncy consistency reminiscent of minced chicken.
Note: While testing, I found that pressing tofu between the palms is more effective for removing excess moisture for this method than pressing it.
7. Scrambled tofu
Best for: Plant-based alternative for scrambled eggs, e.g. tofu scramble. Can also be used to make vegan breakfast burritos and vegan breakfast enchiladas.
Tofu scramble needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular vegan scrambled egg alternatives.
It is quite versatile and can be used in breakfast burritos, breakfast enchiladas, or any recipe that calls for vegan scrambled eggs.
How to scramble tofu
STEP 1
Scramble the tofu into large pieces using your fingers. Similar to how you prepare torn tofu.
STEP 2
Leave smaller and larger pieces as well. It looks better if the texture is uneven.
8. Shredded tofu
Best for: As a topping or add-in in any of your favorite recipes.
Shredded tofu has a wide variety of ways to use after pan-frying it in a skillet or baking it in the oven until crispy.
It is so easy to marinate tofu this way since the small bits can really be soaked with a tofu marinade completely.
Think of salads, stir-fries, sandwiches, wraps, soups, tacos, or burritos. It is a perfect ingredient to make vegan taco meat!
I have even used it in place of shredded duck as a filling when making crispy rice paper spring rolls
How to shred tofu
STEP 1
Since tofu is still delicate, use a large-hole cheese grater (as opposed to the grater blades of a food processor) and grate the whole tofu.
9. Shaved tofu
Best for: As a topping or in sandwiches.
Shaved tofu reminds me of the shaved meat in popular sandwiches like shawarma. It is so thin that is soaks up tofu marinades beautifully.
It can also be used to make vegan scrambled eggs and vegan cheesesteaks.
How to shave tofu
STEP 1
Use a mandolin to get thin (¼-inch) slices.
10. Tofu steak
Best for: Using as a meat alternative in steak recipes.
Tofu steak is basically a firm or extra-firm tofu cut in half horizontally to create a thick slice. It is then marinated or at least seasoned with a flavorful combination of spices and herbs to enhance its taste.
Common marinades include soy sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any spice blend used for classic steak.
It is then grilled or pan-fried in a cast-iron skillet to give them a crispy outer crust.
How to prepare tofu steak
If you have a standard tofu block of 12 oz, here is how to cut it into a steak:
STEP 1
Cut the tofu block in half horizontally to get a thick slice.
More information on tofu
There’s a lot to know and just as many dishes to try, so get reading! If you need some recipes, check out these 35 flavorful tofu recipes.
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