The Simple No-Fail Way to Make Delicious Tofu Every Time

Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold is the Executive Editor of Cubby, and one of Apartment Therapy Media’s first full-time editors from way back when. She was The Kitchn's founding Design and Lifestyle Editor as well as Managing Editor of Re-Nest, Apartment Therapy’s late '00s green living site. She now thinks a lot about design, kids, and designy kids' things. She lives with her two daughters and their father in St. Paul, MN.
updated May 2, 2019
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Let’s clear something up at the start, shall we? Tofu does not have to be bland. There are many kinds to buy and multiple ways to prepare it. But let’s skip all that for a second: if you’re looking for simplicity, then there’s really only one cooking method you need to know to make tofu that’s delicious, versatile, and perfect for weeknight meals. Learn this simple, no-fail way to cook tofu, you’ll never be disappointed.

That secret, according to Michael Natkin of Herbivoracious, is pan-fried tofu. Do it right and it’ll make a crispy brown crust that’s a delicious in a variety of dishes. Here’s how to do it.

1. Buy good tofu.
2. Cut your tofu into slabs that are 3/8″ thick.
3. Soak your tofu in hot, salted water for 15 minutes (optional).
4. Pat your tofu dry with a clean dish or paper towel.
5. Pan fry it in a big cast-iron skillet. Don’t skip on the oil, don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook on one side until it’s deeply brown before flipping.

That’s it!

Read the Full Tutorial: How to Make Tofu Really Freaking Delicious at Herbivoracious

What’s your favorite way to cook tofu?

Related: Ingredient Spotlight: Tofu

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