How to Season Tofu: 5 Ways to Season Tofu

Also known as bean curd, tofu is coagulated soy milk, a liquid made from soybeans, pressed into curds and formed into a block. Tofu comes in a few different firmness levels, such as soft, firm, and extra-firm, but they’re all considered silken tofu. The amount of moisture left in the tofu block determines the firmness level, with soft tofu having more moisture than extra-firm tofu. While you can find tofu at grocery stores, specialty food stores and Asian grocery stores typically have a greater variety available.

Tofu is low in saturated fat and carbohydrates and has about 8 grams of protein per 100 grams. A nutrient-dense food, tofu contains all nine essential amino acids and is also a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and potassium.

Tofu itself doesn’t have a lot of flavor, but it does take on the taste of the seasonings you use. Here are a few seasoning options for all types of tofu:

1. 1. BBQ sauce: For a vegetarian take on barbecue chicken, marinate tofu in BBQ sauce. For even more flavor, brush the tofu pieces with the BBQ sauce as they cook to mimic the caramelized and slightly charred effect of classic BBQ chicken. Serve the tofu entrée with potato salad, grilled corn, or other summer side dishes.
2. 2. Taco seasoning: Taco seasoning is a blend of many spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. For crispier tofu, add cornstarch to the seasoning blend.
3. 3. Teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce incorporates soy sauce, garlic, ginger, mirin (a Japanese rice wine), and brown sugar or maple syrup. Marinate tofu cubes in teriyaki sauce, and then add more sauce while the tofu cooks so it concentrates in flavor. For extra crispy tofu, toss the cubes in cornstarch before cooking marinated tofu, which takes on excess moisture.
4. 4. Seafood seasoning: If you’re trying to imitate the flavor of crab cake, opt for seafood seasoning. Most seafood seasonings include celery seed, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Add lime juice to the tofu marinade to bring forward more of that classic seafood flavor.
5. 5. Soy sauce: Marinating tofu in soy sauce helps the tofu absorb flavor quickly. You can mix soy sauce with sesame oil and rice vinegar for a punchier marinade. If you want a similar taste but cannot eat soy sauce because of dietary restrictions, try using tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos. Serve this tofu with fried rice and veggies and top with sesame seeds for more of a stir-fry feel.

Regardless of the tofu recipe you choose, you should start by pressing the tofu to get out as much extra liquid as possible. Wrap the block of tofu between paper towels or in a kitchen towel. Then place a baking sheet weighed down with a heavy object (like a couple of plates) and let press for about fifteen minutes.

Here are a few methods for cooking tofu:

1. 1. Air fryer: An air fryer helps get tofu crispy without oil. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lay the seasoned tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
2. 2. Bake: Regardless of how you season your tofu, toss in some olive oil and cornstarch before placing in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook until golden brown and crispy, about twenty minutes, flipping each piece of tofu halfway through.
3. 3. Deep-fry: For deep-fried tofu, fill a Dutch oven halfway with a neutral oil and heat to between 325 degrees and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the tofu cubes until they are golden brown and crispy, then set to drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle the tofu with salt while it is still hot.
4. 4. Sauté: In a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat to sauté the tofu. Place the tofu cubes or slices in the pan and sauté until each side is golden brown and crispy. Add a little more oil for a pan-fried tofu that lands somewhere between sautéed tofu and deep-fried tofu.

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