Unitaskers — these kitchen instruments or home equipment that serve a single operate — get a number of shit. To be trustworthy, although, I don’t perceive the hate. They slot in with my normal kitchen philosophy: that I’ll be happier if I take advantage of the precisely proper utensil or bowl, even for only one teaspoon-sized step, and even when it leaves me with a sink filled with dishes. That’s why I like my 1.5-cup measuring cup, my lemon squeezer, and my three sizes of sieves.
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It’s true that not all single-use devices are actually well worth the area they take up or the plastic they’re manufactured from (or the ethical calculation we undertake earlier than having Jeff Bezos ship them our approach). And I’m not advocating for strawberry hullers or banana slicers, essentially. However there’s an argument to be made for the tofu press.
For the uninitiated, the machine is pretty easy. The one I’ve, made by an organization referred to as Tofu Bud, consists of a plastic field that neatly matches an ordinary block of tofu, two perforated planks that sit inside, and a big metallic spring hooked up to a knob. The tofu goes between the 2 planks and the knob-spring contraption is fitted in via a gap within the lid of the field, making use of strain to the tofu (there are two ranges at which you’ll be able to screw the knob — the less-tense choice is for less-firm tofu). Nestled inside, the tofu is gently squeezed. After 15 or 20 minutes of compression — that is the thrilling half — you empty the surplus water from a spout on the high of the field.
Urgent tofu is a key step in cooking tofu. Pressed tofu absorbs marinades and crisps up extra simply. In its denser, dehydrated type, it additionally holds its form higher throughout cooking, slightly than crumbling into unhappy, soggy items.
I don’t know if I ever actually drained my tofu appropriately earlier than I had a tofu press. Often, I’d put some paper towels or a tea towel across the tofu block and place it underneath a plate weighted with a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Then, I’d squeeze the tofu some extra with my fingers, often requiring one other set of towels. I’d be left with a soggy pile of paper towels or a humid dish rag, a miserable sight for somebody with out an in-unit washer-dryer. These strategies felt nearly, however not fairly proper, advert hoc options for an ingredient that deserved higher. — Emma Alpern
The 5 Finest Tofu Presses
It appears as if the tofu press business is experiencing a increase. Whereas the Tofu Bud continues to be our high decide, we examined all the most important gamers to seek out the 5 greatest tofu presses which can be well worth the squeeze. — Noella Williams
How we picked
I personally examined all 5 of those tofu presses, score them by how a lot water remained within the block after half-hour. I then used the drained tofu in a wide range of recipes and judged by how properly and evenly it cooked. I additionally rated them on ease of use, total strain, measurement for storage, and worth.
Finest Total: Unsurprisingly, the Tofu Bud
TofuBud affords a seamless, even press in lower than 20 minutes, and there are two strain ranges for added management. When you’re prepared to chop and prepare dinner your tofu, don’t fear in regards to the drainage. Due to the detachable drainer, you’ll be able to cope with the surplus water later and take away your tofu with out having to resubmerge it — which was not the case with another presses I attempted. Plus, it’s dishwasher protected and is pretty straightforward to retailer in my pantry.
Finest for Newbies: ToFuture Tofu Press
Please put down the stack of books and your forged iron down — the times of utilizing a heavy merchandise and a dish towel as a DIY tofu press are over. The ToFuture Tofu Press has a easy design that’s formed like a kids’s set of constructing blocks, nevertheless it’s very efficient. There are three strain ranges to select from (when you’re utilizing silken tofu, I don’t suggest utilizing something past the primary degree or your tofu will crumble). Whether or not you’re urgent it for 20 minutes or storing it in a single day, the mess-free outcomes are spectacular. Whereas the ToFuture Tofu Press is match for anybody, it’s greatest for newcomers for its straightforward storage and simple-to-use silicone bands.
Finest for Fast Prep: EZ Tofu Press
The EZ Tofu Press was the primary tofu press I ever owned, given to me as a present early on in my vegan journey, and I nonetheless suggest it for many who are new to tofu or don’t prepare dinner it usually. It’s so simple as it will get, and quicker than different fashions — the 2 trays and 4 tightening screws will squeeze the water out of a block of tofu in lower than quarter-hour. Its one fault is its lack of a separate storage container for the drained liquid. I’m not a fan of utilizing paper towels or dish towels to gather the surplus water, so I tilted the press on its aspect inside a bowl to catch any runoff. Nonetheless, this press earns factors for pace and measurement.
Finest for Marinating: NOYA Adjustable Tofu Press
I’m an enormous fan of multi-functional merchandise, so the NOYA Adjustable Tofu Press instantly gained me over. Along with its giant measurement for any block of extra-firm tofu, it has 4 unbelievable options which can be handy for a radical recipe.
First off, measurements can be found in inches and centimeters to trace the tofu’s compression for a constant squeeze. Due to the built-in spout, you don’t even need to open the tofu press to pour out the water. A marinating lid comes with each buy, in case you don’t plan to prepare dinner the tofu instantly; since I regularly marinate my tofu in gochujang and coconut aminos for my go-to stir fry, it’s a reduction to not need to soiled an extra dish. However by far, my favourite factor about this tofu press is the particular tray on which the tofu sits inside the press, which has handles on each side for straightforward elimination and doubles as a chopping board.
Finest for Sustainability: Bamboo Tofu Press
Since a majority of tofu presses are plastic, the Bamboo Tofu Press is mechanically probably the most eco-friendly choice of the bunch we examined. As well as bamboo having pure antibacterial properties, its smooth wood look means leaving it on the counter isn’t an eyesore.
Much like the opposite tofu presses, the Bamboo Tofu Press has a built-in drainage tray that captures the entire water for a hassle-free squeeze. In the event you’re a fan of spring-based presses, be suggested that its design resembles the EZ Tofu Press, with screws that regulate the strain.
Total, the Bamboo Tofu Press appears to squeeze an equal quantity of water to the opposite presses, so its essential benefit is its eco-friendly design and the free cheesecloth that comes with to assist with squeezing. However when you’re attempting to keep away from including extra plastics to your life, this tofu press is for you.