How to Press Tofu Without a Press

Learn how to press tofu without a press! It's quick and easy to do using items you already have at home.

Tofu is quickly becoming one of my favorite vegetarian protein options.

If tofu is a new food to you, it can be intimidating at first. What is it? What do you do with it?

If it's totally new to you, consider signing up to receive my 4 secrets to tofu success where I'll share all my top tips for gaining confidence with this meatless option.

I want to share some tips with you so cooking tofu can be easier. I like to choose extra firm tofu for general cooking, but be sure to check whatever recipe you're using to ensure you choose the right kind of tofu.

Can you eat raw tofu?

Tofu is essentially soy bean curd. It is generally considered safe to eat tofu out of the package without cooking it because the soy has been cooked and processed, however I definitely enjoy it more cooked!

How do you dry out tofu?

Tofu comes packed in water. It is a good idea to drain off some of this water either using a tofu press (<-- affiliate link) or the method outlined below.

two slabs of tofu on a cutting board with a knife

How to press tofu without a press

To remove the excess water from your tofu, simply slice it in half like a book. Place a few folded paper towel sheets underneath one of the tofu slabs and a few on top.

Place the other piece of tofu directly over the top of the first one, making sure the edges line up. Place a few more paper towels on top of the second piece, then place a heavy skillet on top.

Fill the skillet with something heavy such as a jar of sugar, a bag of flour, a few cans, books, etc.

How long do you need to press tofu?

Allow the tofu to press a minimum of ten minutes, but 30-60 minutes will result in firmer, drier tofu.

After the tofu has been pressed, remove the skillet and its contents and discard the paper towels. Cut the tofu into whatever size is desired and proceed with your recipe.