The Right Stuff

• Starting with a high-quality block of tofu is crucial to creating delicious tofu dishes. There are many brands of extra-firm, which is also sometimes called super-firm, tofu available in most markets. Whenever you can, buy organic, non-GMO tofu, which is a more flavorful option, according to Andrea Nguyen, author of the book "Asian Tofu." You may need to experiment with the different brands available in your area to find the one that tastes best to you. Avoid buying firm or silken tofu by mistake, since these have more moisture and typically are too delicate to use in the slow cooker.

Banishing the Moisture

• Even though extra-firm tofu contains minimal moisture, you need to drain it before adding it to the slow cooker. Otherwise, its liquid seep outs during the cooking process, affecting the flavor and consistency of your dish. Prepare your tofu according to your recipe's instructions by slicing it into slabs, slices or cubes. Place it on a baking sheet that's been lined with paper towels or a dish towel. Place towels on top of the tofu, along with another baking sheet. Add something heavy, such as cans of food, on top of the baking sheet. Let the tofu sit for about one hour.

The Minimalist Approach

• By keeping wet ingredients to a minimum, you can help your tofu develop a tantalizingly caramelized exterior, since the heat of the slow cooker dries the tofu while it cooks. Tofu is similar to a blank canvas, since it has no real flavor on its own. The flavor of your dish depends on the ingredients that you pair with it. Add a drizzle of cooking oil such as olive oil or sesame oil, along with seasonings such as garlic and herbs or soy sauce and sesame seeds. Add the tofu and gently flip the slices to coat them thoroughly. Put the cover on the slow cooker, set it to high and let the tofu cook for roughly two to three hours.

Getting Saucy

• Experimenting with your favorite flavors is the key to making delicious slow-cooked tofu dishes. Some examples include zesty barbecued tofu, which combines tofu with barbecue sauce, and tofu tacos, which involves tossing the tofu in a mild or spicy Southwestern-inspired sauce. You can make a light tofu and vegetable stew by combining extra-firm tofu with vegetables, such as onions, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms, along with some type of cooking liquid, such as vegetable broth or wine. Once you've added your sauce or liquid, gently stir to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the tofu. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for roughly four hours.