To make your tofu a little easier to work with, less moisture and less apt to fall apart, it is usual to press out as much moisture as possible, especially if you want a really firm texture such as in baking.

You can make your own press with a couple of plates and a heavy can, or invest a modest amount in a little tofu press, between $20 to $25. Although for years I used the plate method, I invested in a press and absolutely love it. It also does a better job of removing excess moisture, and you don’t need to use paper toweling.

To press between plates:

Place paper or cloth toweling on a plate, add the tofu, cover with more toweling and another plate, then weight it down with a big can of tomatoes or a heavy pan. Let the tofu drain for about a half hour, and you are ready to use.

To use the press:

For a press, simply follow the directions, and they are quite easy. Mine uses sturdy bands to secure the press in place one everything is stacked up and secured. The moisture drains into the bottom of the device and easily drained off.