This past weekend, I took a leap of faith and tried something I had never tried before…Tofu! Not only did I set my sights on trying it for the first time, I also decided to make it for myself too!
Thinking back on that, it might not have been the best decision to try to make something I didn’t really know how it was supposed to taste, but I powered on like a brave little solider!
Jackson was skeptical, but he supported me as usual.
I picked up this little packet of Organic Tofu for my maiden voyage into Tofu Town.
Doesn’t look so scary, does it?
I wanted to try out tofu mainly because I am not the biggest meat eater anymore. I haven’t had a taste for meat these days and don’t really like preparing meat dishes so I am always looking for other vegetarian options.
Disclaimer – I am not saying I am a vegetarian, I am just saying that lately I haven’t been eating much meat and I haven’t prepared meat for myself in a while. We will see where this goes.
Anywho, I have been meaning to try out Tofu because I have been seeing lots of great recipes for it on various blogs that look tasty. I also know how nutritious it can be – great source of protein, low in fat, high in calcium! All that sounds good to me!
My inspiration for trying out Tofu for the first time (and making it for myself) was that I was recently sent a TofuXpress to review on the blog. I didn’t feel right about posting about it using something other than tofu, so I went head first into trying out tofu for myself!
The TofuXpress improves tofu:
Removes water easily!
It fries better!
Bakes better!
Grills better!
Add flavor by marinating!
Pretty nifty little device we got here, right?
This little cube of Tofu was ready to be Xpressed!
Into the container we go.
The container was a perfect height for this block of tofu which worked out quite nicely.
I put the lid on top and gave the top a little twist to begin the process to get the moisture out.
Once the lid was in place and tightly secured on top of the tofu, I put the entire TofuXpress into the fridge and let it press out the water for about 20-30 minutes.
I had some time to spare when making my dish so leaving it to press out any additional water worked for me. But I was able to see that just after sitting for a few minutes, I believed the majority of the moisture was pushed out!
While I waited for my tofu to get ready I read a little instruction booklet about the product, which also included some vegetarian recipes as well.
I love when products include fun recipes to try!
I spent a lot of time tweeting for tofu recipe suggestions but I decided to go with a classic favorite – Gliding Calm’s Tofu
Gliding Calm’s Tofu recipe includes:
ginger powder, brown sugar/honey (or another sweetening agent!), sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, chili sauce and onion or garlic powder may also be added
I used a little bit of each of the ingredients above and seasoned the marinade to taste.
After I crafted my seasoning, it was time to check on my tofu and drain the water that had collected at the bottom after its press.
This bad boy got lots of water out of the tofu!
After the water was drained I decided to chop up my tofu cube.
I didn’t really know what was the ‘right’ way to cut the tofu. I just cut it into little cubes and thought these looked right.
Any suggestions on how to cut tofu correctly? Is there one specific way to cut it that’s better than others?
Then I dropped the cut up cubes into the marinade and gave it a little bath in the both.
I made sure to cover all the sides of the tofu!
Then it was time to go into the oven! I pre-heated the oven to around 400 – 425 degrees (somewhere in the middle) and I baked the tofu for 30-40 minutes, or until sides are brown & crispy!
Side Note – I need a new baking pan! If you are one of my friends reading this and are thinking about getting me something off my bridal registry I need a new baking pan! These pictures are so embarrassing to post on the blog! Ahh!
After a while in the oven, it was time to take out my first batch of tofu. Seriously, I need a new pan! – Mom!? Take pity on your only daughter! 🙂
Onto a pretty plate my first batch of tofu went!
Then I took that pretty plate and put it on top of a prettier placemat, because if you don’t have pretty pictures on the blog, you don’t have much to show for yourself now do ya?
It turned out to be quite a lovely first tofu experience. The marinade was amazing and the tofu had a nice taste.
I burned a few pieces, but I enjoy the burn! It turned out to be a great dish. I am glad I tried it – it wasn’t something that was on my 2010 resolutions, (like brussel sprouts were), but it has always been on my must-try list, and I am glad I finally made it!
The wonderful people at TofuXpress sent a second package for one lucky And Her Little Dog Too reader!
Want to win one for yourself?
Leave a comment with your favorite tofu recipe or let me know what else you would use the TofuXpress for, since it can be used to press vegetables and cheeses too!
Also, follow @TofuXpress on twitter or like them on Facebook!
To enter to win you must also vote for And Her Little Dog Too for the MyPHL Best of Philly Best Local Blogger! I would love your vote and your support!

59 Comments
I would love a tofu press! I went into a gourmet kitchen store in my city and apparently a tofu press is practically the only item this store doesn't carry! I was so sad 🙁
i love baked tofu especially since marinades are so versatile! having a tofuxpress would clear out the ridiculous stacking of various pots and plates that i currently use to press out water from tofu!
maybe since i am not the biggest tofu fan i should try this out? i think getting more water out would make me like it more.
I too am inexperienced with tofu. I have had a few times out, but never made it at home. I like it in the Buddha's Feast at PF Changs and once I had it shredded with some kind of noodle at this Asian place in Boston. I'd love a tofu press so I could try making tofu at home!
I have been DYING to get one of these!! I would definitely use it to try and make Pad Thai!
I have also voted for you!!!
I would love to win a tofu press. I've seen them on other blogs and it seems like such a good idea. My favorite way to make tofu is in a green coconut curry.
I usually marinate tofu in bbq sauce and then bake it in the oven and eat it on a sandwich!
A tofu press would be a huge improvement from the pizza stone-cookbook pile I stick my tofu under now! I love baked tofu, but I also love the classic recipe from Emily.
http://www.thefrontburnerblog.com/2010/01/how-to-a-tofu-tutorial.html
She's got the cutting down to a science, too!
I would love a tofu press!! My favorite recipe is a tofu lo mein that I make, it's so good!
My favorite is eggplant and tofu curry wit coconut milk! Serve it over brown rice and it is so delicious. Just as good as restaurant curry, believe it or not!
I just had tofu last night. I made a goan tofu curry. It was amazing. The tofu was the perfect balance to the heat. I cheated and used a dry mix by arora and then added almond milk and lemon juice. So good. I will definitely be making it again.
very simple soy sauce, minced garlic and sesame oil…that's it. yummm!
Tofu smoothies!
The tofu looked like it turned out well. We usually slice it really thin so it has more of a crunchy texture. You can also freeze it and defrost to give it a more dense texture as well.
Oh my gosh I've never seen a tofu press what a great idea- this is so much better than setting my cook books on top of the tofu haha….I checked out the website and it looks like you can use it to drain frozen veggies like spanish too- so it sounds VERY useful…I cute my tofu in triangles not that i think this helps with the cooking process but just makes me feel specail when they are in triangels haha!
I would LOVE the tofu press! I love preparing terriyaki tofu and using it as a salad topper!
I voted for you!!
I found this recipe on yumsugar and it is one of my favorites!
http://www.yumsugar.com/Sweet-Chili-Lime-Tofu-Recipe-9095932
I'm from the Philly area and voted for you as well! Good luck!
My absolute favorite tofu recipe is Tofu Scramble- especially the recipe from the cookbook Vegan With a Vengeance! But you can find a ton of tofu scramble variations online.
my fave recipe is to deep fry the tofu and then soak it in some soy sauce/vinegar/garlic combo….that was actually the first way ive ever eaten tofu…
my favorite tofu recipe is so eaasy its scary
block of tofu tablespoon of vanilla 1/2 cup splenda
blender and share with friends as pudding
And I voted (and am tweeting it too – hope you win!)
I had to get in my vote early:) I am so impressed at you, I am nervous to make Tofu at home and it seems that cute little press might help me get over my fear of trying to cook at home. Tofu-bulous!
Fried tofu is pretty awesome, as well as ma po tofu, but that might not work in a tofu press.
Awesome giveaway. *fingers crossed* 🙂
I've never tried making tofu myself and I'm dying to! You totally gave me the inspiration to try it! Maybe in some Thai food. Yum!
I love tofu scrambles. Just saute some veggies then add spices, crumble in the tofu, cook for about 15 mins, add some nutritional yeast and your done. I serve in a tortilla with guacamole!
The Gliding Calm tofu recipe is so good! I also love marinating my tofu in a sweet chili glaze or scrambling with eggs =)
I don't have a favorite yet, but the recipe you tried sounds great! Can't wait to try it! The tofuXpress looks so easy – I hate pressing the tofu, it's so messy and annoying!
i'm always so scared to make my own tofu that i havent ever made it myself! i love to order it at restaurants though, especially in stir fries. i'd love to win this so that I can finally feel safer experimenting with tofu!
OK, Mom will spring and get you some new cookie sheets! Are they on the Crate and Barrel or Macy's bridal registry? The tofu did look good, I need to try it too for the protein! That tofu express looked like a nifty little gadget!
Hi! I just saw your blog on the Chicago Marathon FB page 🙂
I would love to use a tofu press to drain it! We made tofu this weekend and are still doing it the old-fashioned way. 🙂 I don't think there is a specific way to cut it – you did it great!
that tofu thing is super awesome. however, tufo scares the crap out of me. i just don't find it good. i admire people who eat it on a regular basis. i will never be one of those people. ho hum.
i'm happy the experience went well for you, though!
I'm dying to try that gizmo! I'm going to simple but creative. I want to press RICOTTA CHEESE and then baked it with a honey crust/shell and serve it warm w/ crackers. YUM!
I'm dying to try that gizmo! I'm going to simple but creative. I want to press RICOTTA CHEESE and then baked it with a honey crust/shell and serve it warm w/ crackers. YUM!
My favorite recipes with tofu are usually stir frys. Marinate some tofu in a teriyaki sauce and saute some veggies and you have a delicious meal.
I voted for your blog too!
My favorite way to fix tofu is to fry it — just shake it in a bag with a mix of breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, Italian spices, and Soymage parmesan, and then brown in olive oil on both sides. Yum yum yum. The whole process would be easier if I had one of these presses though! =)
My self made tofu press using a Tupperware lid and 3 textbooks just doesn't work that well! My fav – buffalo tofu!
Pick me! Pick me!
I'm a sucker for good ole Buffalo Tofu! Just marinade in buffalo sauce and bake until crispy. It's especially good with blue cheese in a salad. 🙂
I would love to try out a tofu press! My favorite way to make tofu is with a BBQ sauce marinade – delicious!
I liked tofuexpress on facebook too.
I've voted for you several times.
Crystal
gator1301@bellsouth.net
I love panseared tofu tossed with veggie stirfry in a peanut sauce.
Crystal
gator1301@bellsouth.net
My favorite way to make tofu is Kung Pao tofu, like you, I am not a vegetarian but am eating less meat these days! Here is a great recipe…(Although, it would taste much better if I had a tofu express)
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/kung_pao_tofu.html
I just friended Tofu Express on Facebook and voted for you! Best of luck!!!!
I have never had much luck baking tofu (only tried twice). Maybe it is because I don't get enough water out. My favorite tofu recipes are usually making a smoothie with it or a tofu pudding.
Forgot to mention that I also voted for you. Good luck!
I SOOOO WANT THIS!! It looks so awesome and I love tofu! My favotire recipe (not sure it is a "real" recipe) is to chop tofu up into squares and then cook on the stove top in a pan with teryaki sauce. It's amazing.
I saute and bake my tofu, LOVE it! My favorite marinade is bbq sauce or honey and soy sauce, simple and tasty!
I've only made myself tofu once, and it didn't turn out good. Probably because I didn't press it. I would love to try it again, and do it right this time!
The TofuXpress would be great to have. I like to make egg salad, "eggless salad" with tofu. It is great and you cannot tell the difference.
I voted for you for the Philly Best Local blogger. Good Luck!!
My favorite way to use tofu is for burritos! Love to cook up with some Mexican seasoning and use it for all of our burritos and tacs.
As someone who is about to embark on attempting a vegan diet, this would be a perfect addition to my kitchen for all of the recipes I am reading about!
I would love a TofuXpress! My favorite way to eat tofu is either scrambled or in a yellow curry, but I also love it baked. I love experimenting with marinades. Fun giveaway! Just found your blog through this 🙂
I would love this and it would help make home-made motzerella cheese and of course use it for Tiny Spicy Tofu!! YUMMMM!!!
I follow you on twitter!
I voted for you girl!!!