How to Make Tofu Taste Terrific
Tofu and quinoa dish by Stefan Schauberger on Unsplash
If you’ve ever tried tofu and thought it tasted bland or boring, you’re not alone. Many people write off tofu after a disappointing first experience, unaware that this versatile ingredient just needs a little love to shine. With the right techniques, tofu can transform into a flavour-packed, protein-rich star of any meal. Here’s how to make tofu taste terrific.
1. Choose the right type of tofu
Not all tofu is created equal. For savoury dishes, firm or extra-firm tofu is your best friend. Silken tofu works beautifully in smoothies, desserts, or creamy sauces, but it won’t hold its shape well in stir-fries or grilling. Check the label before you buy to ensure you're using the right type for your dish.
2. Press out the water
One of the most common mistakes people make is cooking tofu straight from the pack. Tofu holds a lot of moisture, which prevents it from absorbing marinades and achieving a crispy texture. Pressing your tofu is key.
Here’s a simple method:
Wrap the tofu block in a clean tea towel or paper towels.
Place a heavy object (like a frying pan or a couple of cookbooks) on top.
Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
Alternatively, invest in a tofu press if you use tofu regularly. Pressing removes excess water, allowing flavours to soak in and improving the texture.
3. Marinate for maximum flavour
Tofu is like a sponge—it soaks up whatever flavours you give it. Once pressed, cut your tofu into cubes or slices and marinate it. Go bold with your marinades: soy sauce, tamari, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, sriracha, maple syrup, or any combination of your favourite flavours.
Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight for deeper flavour). Keep in mind that tofu doesn’t need to swim in marinade—just enough to coat it thoroughly.
4. Cook it the right way
Bland, soggy tofu is usually the result of undercooking or the wrong technique. Try one of these methods to bring out the best in your tofu:
Pan-frying: Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan and fry the tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides. This is great for stir-fries, salads, or bowls.
Baking: Toss marinated tofu cubes in a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking creates a chewier, more robust texture.
Air-frying: For a low-oil or no-oil option, air-fry tofu at 200°C for 12–15 minutes until crisp.
Grilling: Thread tofu onto skewers and grill, basting with extra marinade as you go. Perfect for summer barbecues!
5. Pair it with bold sauces and seasonings
Even well-cooked tofu can benefit from a flavour boost at the end. Toss crispy tofu in your favourite sauce—teriyaki, peanut, hoisin, chilli or garlic—or sprinkle with seasoning blends or nutritional yeast. The sauce and seasonings acts as a final flavour punch that ties the dish together.
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
6. Use it in flavourful dishes
Tofu shines when paired with bold ingredients. Try it in curries, spicy noodle bowls, burritos, tacos, or wraps. Layering flavours through herbs, spices, aromatics, and sauces will help tofu feel right at home in your dish.
Final thoughts
Tofu doesn’t have to be bland—it just needs the right treatment. By pressing, marinating, cooking with care, and pairing it with bold flavours, you’ll turn tofu into a delicious, crave-worthy protein source. Next time you’re cooking, give these tips a try and see just how terrific tofu can taste!