Oct 196 min read

Your Guide to Tofu: Types, Textures, and How to Cook Tofu

Tofu is a versatile, nutritious powerhouse in plant-based cooking. It’s made from soybeans and has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. But did you know that there are different types of tofu, each suited for different recipes? 🤔

Welcome to Tofu 101: How to Choose, Cook & Enjoy Every Type of Tofu

In this guide, we'll explore all 8 types of tofu, their unique textures, cooking tips, and recipe ideas. By the end, you’ll be a tofu pro, ready to create delicious plant-based meals with confidence! 🌿✨

What is Tofu? A Quick Overview

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made from curdled soy milk that’s been pressed into blocks. It's rich in protein, calcium, and iron, making it a popular meat alternative for vegans and vegetarians. But what makes tofu truly shine is its chameleon-like ability to soak up flavors and adapt to any dish. 🎨

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Now, let’s break down the different types of tofu!

Types of Tofu: Textures Explained

Tofu comes in a range of textures, from firm and dense to creamy and custardy. Each type has its own cooking methods and ideal uses. Here’s the scoop:

1. Super Firm Tofu 🏋️‍♀️

Texture: The densest and most protein-packed tofu. It’s dry and doesn’t require pressing.
Best For:
- Crispy Tofu: Coat with cornstarch and pan-fry or bake for the crispiest bites!
- Grilled Kebabs: Sturdy enough to hold up on skewers.
- Stir-Fries: Absorbs sauces while retaining shape.
Pro Tip: Super firm tofu is perfect for recipes where you need the tofu to be the “meat” of the dish. It’s often pre-pressed, so you can skip the draining process. ✅

2. Extra Firm Tofu 💪

Texture: Dense, but with a slight bit of water content, making it great for most savory dishes.
Best For:
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Slice into slabs for protein-packed layers.
- Nuggets: Bread and fry for a crunchy snack.
- Stir-Fries: Holds up to tossing and stirring in the pan.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, press the tofu for about 10-15 minutes before cooking.

3. Firm Tofu 🔲

Texture: Slightly softer than extra firm but still holds its shape well.
Best For:
- Scrambles: Crumble and sauté with veggies and spices for a breakfast treat.
- Soups, Curries, & Stews: Holds up well in brothy dishes.
- Tacos: Add some spice and seasonings for a plant-based taco filling.
Pro Tip: Firm tofu can be marinated easily, making it perfect for dishes that require bold flavors.

4. Medium Tofu 🌊

Texture: Softer than firm tofu but not as delicate as silken. It has a bit more water, making it a bit jiggly.
Best For:
- Soups & Stews: Adds a soft texture to brothy dishes.
- Braised Dishes: Soaks up sauces well but may break apart if stirred too much.
Pro Tip: Handle gently and use in dishes that don’t require a lot of stirring.

5. Soft Tofu 🍥

Texture: Very soft and delicate, with a high water content.
Best For:
- Miso Soup: Cubes of soft tofu add a silky texture.
- Creamy Dressings: Blend with seasonings for a creamy consistency.
- Egg Substitutes: Mix with seasonings for a soft, scrambled-egg alternative.
Pro Tip: Use a spoon to scoop this tofu out of the package to avoid crumbling.

6. Silken Tofu 🥣

Texture: Creamy, custard-like, and the softest of all tofu types. It’s not pressed, giving it a high water content.
Best For:
- Smoothies: Blend for a protein boost.
- Desserts & Puddings: Use as a base for vegan cheesecakes, chocolate mousse, or pudding.
- Creamy Sauces & Dips: Adds a velvety texture when blended.
Pro Tip: Silken tofu comes in soft, medium, and firm varieties, but all are super smooth and meant to be blended or gently cooked.

7. Yuba (Tofu Skin) 🌿

Texture: Chewy with a slightly layered texture, made from the skin formed when soy milk is boiled.
Best For:
- Stir-Fries: Adds a chewy texture that mimics meat.
- Wraps: Can be rehydrated and used as a wrap for rolls.
Pro Tip: Yuba is often sold dried, so soak it in warm water before using.

8. Sprouted Tofu 🌱

Texture: Similar to extra firm but made from sprouted soybeans, which makes it slightly nuttier in flavor and easier to digest.
Best For:
- All extra firm tofu recipes, plus it’s higher in nutrients!
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a nutrient boost, sprouted tofu is your best bet, with higher levels of protein, calcium, and iron.

How to Choose the Right Tofu for Your Recipe

Picking the right tofu depends on your dish. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

For crispiness: Go for super firm or extra firm tofu.
For creamy dishes: Use silken or soft tofu.
For hearty stews: Stick to firm or medium tofu.
For grilling: Choose super firm or extra firm to maintain shape.

Which Types of Tofu Are Most Common in Stores?

While there are many types of tofu, the most commonly available in grocery stores are:

Extra Firm Tofu 💪
Firm Tofu 🔲
Silken Tofu 🥣
Soft Tofu 🍥

These four types are your go-to options in most stores, and they’re also the most versatile for everyday cooking. I also found chickpea tofu at my local Whole Foods and I made a taste test video. Super firm and sprouted tofu are becoming more popular, but they might be found more often in natural foods stores or health food sections. Yuba and medium tofu are less common but can be found in specialty Asian markets.

How to Cook Tofu Like a Pro!

Now that you know all about the different types of tofu, it’s time to get cooking! Tofu is a plant-based superstar that adds texture, flavor, and protein to any meal. Experiment with the different varieties, and let your taste buds decide which tofu you love the most. Whether it’s crispy, chewy, or silky, you will become a tofu lover in no time! 💚

Cooking Tips: Mastering Tofu in the Kitchen 🥢

Whether you're new to tofu or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you bring out the best in every block:

1. Press Your Tofu for Better Texture 📏

For extra firm and firm tofu, pressing removes excess water, making it absorb marinades better and crisp up more easily.
How to do it: If you don't have a tofu press, wrap your tofu in a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and add a weight (like a heavy skillet) on top. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

2. Use Cornstarch for Crispy Tofu 🌽

Want perfectly crispy tofu? After pressing, coat extra firm or super firm tofu in cornstarch before frying, baking, or air frying.
This gives a delicious crispy crust that’s perfect for stir-fries, nuggets, or crispy tofu bowls.

3. Marinate for Flavor 🍋

Tofu is like a blank canvas—it soaks up the flavors you add to it! For firm, extra firm, or super firm tofu, marinate for at least 30 minutes in a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a bit of maple syrup for a savory-sweet kick.
Pro tip: For better absorption, slice the tofu into thinner pieces before marinating.

4. Blend Silken Tofu for Creaminess 🥣

Silken tofu is perfect for adding a creamy texture to smoothies, sauces, and desserts.
How to use it: Toss it in a blender with fruits, nut butter, or spices for a quick protein-rich smoothie or blend it with spices and herbs for a velvety salad dressing.

5. Scramble It Like Eggs 🍳

Firm or medium tofu works best for tofu scrambles. Crumble it into a pan, add a splash of soy sauce, turmeric (for that eggy color), and your favorite veggies for a delicious breakfast scramble. Here's my fav tofu scramble recipe.
Pro tip: For an “eggy” flavor, add a pinch of black salt (Kala Namak), which has a sulfurous taste similar to eggs.

6. Don’t Overstir Soft or Medium Tofu 🍲

When cooking with soft or medium tofu in soups or stews, stir gently to keep it from breaking apart.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer it into the soup to maintain its shape.

7. Bake for a Chewy Texture 🔥

Baking extra firm tofu gives it a chewier texture that’s perfect for salads, wraps, and bowls.
How to do it: Cube the tofu, toss it with olive oil, soy sauce, and spices, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. Use Yuba as a Meat Substitute 🌿

Rehydrate yuba (tofu skin) in warm water until soft, then slice it into strips for stir-fries or salads. It’s chewy, meaty, and perfect for adding variety to your plant-based meals.

What's Your Favorite Type of Tofu?

With these cooking tips in hand, you’ll be able to make the most of every type of tofu! Whether you’re crisping up super firm tofu, blending silken tofu into a creamy sauce, or making a classic tofu scramble, tofu can be the star of your plant-based meals. 🏆✨

Experiment with different types, flavors, and textures to find your favorite ways to cook with tofu. Let me know your favorite tofu type in the comments and how you like to season/marinate it! 🌿

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What's your go-to type of tofu?

Extra Firm Tofu
Firm Tofu
Soft Tofu
Silken Tofu

You can vote for more than one answer.