Introduction: How to Change the Texture of Tofu
Many people don't find the texture of tofu appealing, complaining of its watered down texture, slimy texture, mushy texture, but you can change the texture of tofu and dramatically change your eating experience of it, and create really delicious stir fries like this one, after you've changed the texture.
Step 1: Draining the Excess Water From Tofu
First cut your FIRM or EXTRA FIRM tofu (not medium firm or silken tofu) into 1 inch cubes. Line a plate with TWO paper towels and allow excess water from tofu to drain into the paper towel. This step is very important, eliminating as much water as possible. Allow tofu to drain for 10 to 15 minutes. Your paper towels will be saturated.
Step 2: Preparing to Fry Tofu
Heat a wok over high heat and add vegetable oil.
Step 3: Add Tofu to Oil
Add drained tofu carefully, being careful as the oil can splatter.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Fry, turning occasionally until tofu begins to turn golden brown. You have now changed the texture of your tofu. Enjoy this new texture in stir fries or just as it is.
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10 Discussions
7 years ago on Introduction
Thank you so much for sharing this!
8 years ago on Introduction
I've never found that frying changes the texture too much. I LOVE how my local Chinese restaurant make tofu - it is more sponge-y and absorbs more of the sauce but have never figured out how they do it.
8 years ago on Introduction
Wonderful photos. :) I always cook my tofu in the oven, but I might try this out today!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I've never tried tofu in the oven - how do you cook it?!
8 years ago on Introduction
I follow this with adding a sauce (bbq, sweet chili, teriyaki etc) and then water to cover. Simmer to reduce and the sauce all sticks to the tofu and even those that are tofu-phobic will enjoy it!!!
8 years ago on Introduction
So I made this for lunch today and served it on a bed of rice with diced green onions topped with sesame seeds & orange sauce. YUMMMM! Thanks for sharing this Instructable on tofu
8 years ago on Step 2
Can I use a pan if I don't have a Wok? And about how much vegetable oil is used. This looks really delish, and I want to make it. I've only had good tofu at Vegetarian resturants and once when I ordered a vegetarian dish at PF Changs. I really want to try and make this at home
Reply 8 years ago on Step 2
definitely use a pan if you don't have a wok. You basically want to put enough oil so that oil covers the bottom surface of the pan. The size of your pan will change the amount of oil that you need.
This recipe is actually a smaller part of a larger tofu recipe that I have made...the link to that one is here.
http://weekofmenus.blogspot.com/2012/02/honey-soy-tofu-stir-fry-when-your.html
8 years ago on Introduction
This is great. I do the same thing this also helps the tofu absorb flavors if you are going to marinade it or cook it in a sauce. Freezing tofu also changes the texture it gives it more of a meaty consistency.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Add some crushed garlic to the oil till brown before putting in the tofu. It reduces the typical smell of the tofu which some people don't like.