If this is the first time you’re cooking tofu, you might not know how long to cook it for. This wonderfully flexible food can be a little tricky to use for beginners.
Some wonder why their tofu tastes like nothing, and that all comes down to how you make it. To ensure you get the tastiest possible tofu, we’re going to tell you how long tofu takes to cook.
How Long Does Tofu Take to Cook?
The duration of the cooking time depends on what you’re trying to make with it. If you’re using a recipe, simply follow the steps in the recipe – they should tell you how long you’re supposed to cook the tofu for.
You might not be making your tofu following a strict recipe, though. In that case, you’ll need to consider what effect you’re trying to achieve with your tofu.
Trying to mimic scrambled eggs, for example? Cook your tofu just long enough to where it yellows slightly and begins to resemble eggs.
You can see our guide to telling how your tofu is done here.
Related Article: How Long Does Tofu Last After Being Cooked?
How Long Does it Take to Cook Tofu in Soup?
However long you’ll cook tofu in a soup varies by the recipe and how firm your tofu is. The softer and silkier the tofu is, the more water there is inside it.
This makes it more fragile than firm types of tofu. You will not need to cook it as long, and should add it shortly before the soup is actually done to prevent it from breaking down.
In comparison, firm tofu can cook far longer in your soup. You can cook it for anywhere from ten to twenty minutes.
Read Also: How to Store Opened Tofu (3 Easy Steps)
How Long Does Tofu Take to Cook in Curry?
The cooking time for tofu in a curry depends entirely on the recipe. No two curry recipes are exactly alike – some will want your tofu to be less cooked, and others will want your tofu nice and crispy.
That being said, cooking time for tofu in curries can vary anywhere from several minutes to twenty. Make sure to pay careful attention to the steps in the recipe for guidance.
If you’re winging it and cooking tofu curry without a recipe, try sampling the tofu as you cook it to determine when you feel it’s ready.
Recommended Article: Is Tofu a Processed Food?
How Long Does Tofu Take to Cook on the Stove?
The length of time you’ll cook tofu on the stovetop varies based on what kind of texture you’re looking for. If you want it to be light and fluffy, you’ll simply cook it until it starts to get just a bit golden brown.
Looking for something darker and crispier? You can cook it similarly, but rather than removing it as soon as it gets golden brown, you’ll wait a little longer. Watch for it to get darker, then you’ll know it’s ready.
Further Reading: Is Tofu Raw?
Can You Overcook Tofu?
Everyone knows that other foods can be overcooked, and what can happen in those cases. If you overcook pasta, for example, it just gets mushy and shapeless.
The same exact thing can happen to tofu. Should you cook it for too long, it will become too soft, losing any texture it has.
Wrap Up
If you want the best possible tofu experience, you’ll want to make sure you cook it for the right amount of time. While you can technically eat tofu without cooking it, most people prefer to cook it because it gives the tofu a pleasant crispy texture.
We generally recommend the same. If you’re cooking tofu, though, just make sure to keep an eye on it so you don’t either under or overcook it!
Related Article: Is Tofu Supposed to Taste Like Nothing?
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
