Improving Tofu's Texture

• Take your crispy tofu to the next level by freezing it before cooking. Freezing tofu gives it a firmer, denser, meatier texture that complements its crispy exterior, making it a tastier treat for everyone -- even professed tofu haters. When tofu freezes, the water inside of it expands, creating larger air pockets that improve its texture and make it even better at absorbing flavor. Drain and wrap the tofu in plastic wrap or a resealable bag before you put it in the freezer. Although you can keep it in the freezer until you're ready to use it, you should freeze it at minimum for eight hours or overnight. Once you remove it from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator before squeezing or pressing the water out of it.

Preparing the Tofu

• Soaking tofu in salted hot water helps make the outside of the tofu firmer while making it drain more effectively and lightly seasoning the bland block. After soaking and draining the tofu, cut it into slices, cubes or chunks and place them on a baking sheet lined with a towel or paper towels. Place another towel on top of the tofu and then put another baking sheet or plate on top. Put some canned food or something else heavy on top of the second baking sheet to weigh it down and press the tofu. This helps drain and firm the tofu, which makes it easier to get a super crunchy exterior.

To Bread, Or Not to Bread

• Although you don't need to add breading to your tofu to achieve a crunchy exterior, dredging the tofu in egg and then coating it in panko, breadcrumbs or sesame seeds can make the tofu extra crunchy, adding even more texture. You can still get a crunchy exterior without breading, though. If you're going to serve it right away, toss the tofu with cornstarch to help make the outside even crispier. Bake your tofu in a single layer, with a little space between each piece. It will typically take between 20 and 30 minutes to bake tofu in an oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Shake the pan or flip the tofu halfway through the cooking time.

Tips

• Although marinating tofu infuses it with tons of flavor, the additional moisture can keep the tofu's exterior from getting as crispy as possible. Instead, toss the baked tofu with your favorite seasonings or sauces right before you serve it. This will give the tofu a lot of flavor without compromising the crispiness that you've worked so hard to achieve. Additionally, choosing super-firm or extra-firm tofu minimizes the amount of pressing and draining that you'll need to do since it doesn't contain as much moisture as other types.