Product Review: Tofu Xpress, Plus: Simple Golden Tofu

Simple Golden Tofu

Ever since I first saw reviews of the Tofu Xpress popping up in my blog reader a year or so ago, I've been wondering whether this little contraption could possibly be worth it's price tag or the hype it gets.  A few weeks ago, I contacted the company to see if they would be willing to send me a press to review, and they were kind enough to oblige.  I got my tofu press in the mail a little over a week ago, and I've been happily pressing and chowing down on tofu ever since.

before pressing

The Tofu Xpress is simply designed, being basically a plastic box with a spring-loaded lid, but the device definitely removes more water from tofu than I've ever been able to remove using the high-tech heavy-cans-stacked-on-a-plate method.  Essentially, after a few hours in the Tofu Xpress, water-packed tofu is transformed into compact, dry bean curd.  My experience has been that the dry, pressed tofu is less crumbly and also browns faster than unpressed or plate-pressed tofu.  I've been baking and frying big batches of pressed tofu to toss with salads and stir-fries, and expect that the Tofu Xpress will continue to see heavy use in my kitchen.

after 3 hours of pressing

Here's my favorite simple way to pan-fry pressed tofu.  These golden tofu cubes are good for snacking on as-is, or for tossing in salads or stir-fries.  I enjoy them hot or cold.

1. Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil or margarine in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add cubed, pressed tofu.
3. Sprinkle with soy sauce, garlic powder, and a couple tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
4. Cook, tossing occasionally, for a few minutes, until the cubes are golden-brown. Enjoy hot or chill and save for later.