Introduction: Simple, Inexpensive Tofu Press!!!
I love tofu, but I hate the time and mess of pressing the water out. Like many of my instructibles, I have seen many tofu presses, but didn't think they were worth the price. Commercially made, tofu presses start at $20 on the low end and $50 at the high end. I made this one for $10. Here's what I used:
2 cheap cutting boards ($2 each at Dollar General)
2 wing nuts (1\4 inch)
4 washers
2 long bolts (1\4 inch)
*Note about materials. If you buy stainless steel, the press is dishwasher safe. I bought my hardware for $6 at Lowes.
Step 1: Making the Press
Drill a hole at each end of the press (not pictured, the light in my basement isn't very good). Put a washer on the end of the bolts and slide through both cutting boards.
Step 2:
Screw the wing nuts on the bolts.
Step 3: Press Tofu
With the press horizontal, place the brick of tofu between boards and adjust tension so it doesn't slide out.
Step 4:
Place the press and tofu on a plate. Adjust the wing nuts evenly a bit more to press more water out. I was amazed at how much and how quickly my tofu was ready to cook! About 15 min and it was perfectly drained and pressed! If you want to press it even faster, adjust the wing nuts every few minutes. Now, these are the instructions for firm tofu, I didn't test a soft variety but I imagine as long as you leave the press horizontal, that it will work just fine. Enjoy this instructible and enjoy healthy cooking!
