This Trick Works Every Time For Crispy Tofu

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Jun 08, 2023

No matter how you drain or press it, tofu can be a fickle thing to cook. It's especially challenging when you want it to have a crunchy, crispy exterior and a flavor-packed interior. Deep frying tofu will do the trick, but it's not always the easiest (or safest)method for at-home cooking, and a lot of us are admittedly *not* up to the deep-fried commitment. While sticking to healthy dinner habits, we know you don't want to deal with bland dishes and plant-based proteins, which is why we're sharing this iconic game-changing tofu hack that's backed by plant-based enthusiasts. Read on for the best tofu of your life!

The Best Frozen Tofu Trick

Freezing an extra-firm block of tofu removes unnecessary moisture, giving it a much more desired and complex texture.

"When you freeze a liquid, that liquid expands," says Catherine Perez, a Registered Dietician, plant-based enthusiast, and Founder + Creator of Plant Based RD. "This is what happens internally with tofu when you place it in the freezer. The liquid inside the tofu freezes, and more importantly, expands, creating pockets inside the tofu. As a result, you end up with a chewier, meatier texture."

Freezing the tofu also makes it better for marinating, and it does *wonders* for frying each cube to a golden crisp.

"The resulting pockets also make tofu act more like a sponge," Perez says. "So after you thaw and press the excess water out, you can pour your marinade and the tofu will better absorb it, which will help improve the flavor of the tofu."

You don’t even have to remove the tofu from its original packaging — simply slice a small hole into the package you bought, drain the excess water, place the package into a sealable plastic bag, and pop it into the freezer for 4-8 hours before use.

How To Unfreeze Tofu – Thaw Or Boil

To unfreeze your frozen tofu, you can either let it thaw completely by setting it out on a counter at room temperature, or briefly boil it.

To thaw:

Take your tofu out of the freezer and set it out at room temperature.
Wait 8 hours – or leave it overnight to make it easy – to let the tofu thaw out completely.
Once thawed, using your hands or a tofu press, carefully press out any remaining moisture.

To boil:

After freezing the tofu, start boiling some water in a saucepan big enough to accomodate your tofu.
Once the water is boiling, submerge the tofu and let the water return to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, and let the tofu cook for about 15 minutes. The frozen tofu might have a yellowish hue to it, but this is totally normal. Once you boil it, it will fade back to a healthy shade of white.
Carefully remove the tofu from the simmering water and set it out on a plate lined with paper towels or napkins. Let it cool.
Once cooled, continue to pat with paper towels or press the tofu until it's dry. Now you're ready to cut and prepare it how you'd like!

No matter the method you use, pressing the tofu makes a big difference in texture and taste. Perez recommends investing in a tofu press since it's a *much* more environmentally-friendly solution than pressing tofu with your hands into paper towels (and ultimately wasting them) would be.

If you find yourself crunched for kitchen time – or just don't want to do the heavy-lifting – Perez offers her greatest hack:

"Truly, my secret weapon when I'm feeling lazy is using a pre-pressed tofu like Nasoya's Super Firm Tofu. Firmer tofus like this tend to come in vacuum-sealed packages and require no additional pressing. Just remove from the package, pat dry, and you are ready to go."

Cooking The Tofu

You'll want to pan-fry the tofu for a quick, easy way to achieve crispness.

First, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and add your choice of a high-heat cooking oil. You want the oil to be quite hot before adding the tofu, but *not* to the point where it’s smoking.

Cut your tofu into cubes and allow them to cook in the oil for about 5 minutes, checking on the browning process periodically. When the cubes are golden brown, gently flip them, and continue to brown each side. This should only take about 10 minutes tops! Once all of the sides are golden and crisp, remove them from the pan.

From there, you're prepped to toss them into salads, stir-fries, noodle dishes – or just eat them on their own. Seriously, they’re that good. But if you're looking for a *bit* more flavor, we've got the tips for that, too!

Flavoring Tofu

Tofu is a blank slate, so it *begs* for flavor, no matter how well you initially crisp it.

Marinating the tofu in different sauce mixtures is the ultimate way to bring some flavor action to your protein. Simply add your marinade to a sealable bag or bowl with prepped chopped or torn tofu and let it sit for as long as overnight. From there, you can pan-fry it using the guide above.

"I often remind people that preparing tofu is not too dissimilar to how we approach preparing meat dishes," Perez says. "Make sure to use sauces you love and be generous with the spices so you can really add in flavor. If you don't have time to marinate, I recommend crumbling or shredding your tofu and cooking it up with a sauce."

When you bring your tofu to the pan, get creative with adding soy sauce, hot sauce, or ginger. If you add garlic, add it near the end of the cooking time, as garlic burns quickly – and burnt garlic is what misery is made of. You can also toss the tofu into a dressing right after it’s been cooked, or serve it with a dunk-able dipping sauce.

You don't have to opt for stovetop cooking, though – "you can freeze it, bake it, pan fry it, shred it, crumble it, saute it, or turn it into deli slices to name a few," Perez says. "I always encourage those that have not tried (it or have had a bad experience with it) to go back to it and try it a different way!"

Do you have any awesome tofu hacks we should know about? Tweet us @BritandCo!

Photography by Dana Sandonato / Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Quotes have been edited for clarity.

15 Tasty Mediterranean Diet Ingredients You Should Always Have For Quick, Healthy Meals

The Mediterranean diet is perfect for those seeking fresh, healthy meals, all in the name of feeling better and living longer. Stocking your kitchen with Mediterranean staples is the easiest way to guarantee you always something to grub or snack on – support your goals with these 15 Mediterranean must-haves you can use for the best Mediterranean recipes!

Scroll on for 15 Mediterranean diet ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen to craft delicious dishes.

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1. Olive oil

The heart of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its versatile flavor makes it perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over veggies.

Rauf Allahverdiyev / PEXELS

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Fresh, roasted, or in sauces, they’re a staple ingredient in countless Mediterranean dishes!

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3. Spinach

This nutrient-dense leafy green is loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach is perfect for salads, sautés, or as a nutrient boost in soups and pasta!

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4. Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management. Its meaty texture makes it a favorite in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush.

Ellie Burgin / PEXELS

5. Zucchini

This versatile squash is rich in vitamins A and C and works well in everything from grilled veggie platters to savory breads. It’s a light, hydrating ingredient that complements hearty Mediterranean flavors.

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6. Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K. They’re a must-have for salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce!

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7. Bell pepper

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to dishes. They’re perfect for roasting, stuffing, or slicing fresh into salads. They're even tasty when eaten by themselves.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

8. Dates

Dates – AKA the tastiest natural "candies" – are natural energy boosters, rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. They’re a sweet addition to desserts or snacks and pair beautifully with nuts and cheese!

Hilal Bülbül / PEXELS

9. Whole wheat bread

A source of complex carbs and fiber, whole wheat bread keeps you full and provides steady energy. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic or serving alongside some hearty Mediterranean soups.

Ruken Kobatan / PEXELS

10. Chickpeas

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpeas are pretty much a Mediterranean diet superstar. Use them in hummus, stews, or salads for a satisfying, healthy boost.

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11. Lentils

Lentils are protein-packed legumes that are also high in iron and fiber. They’re ideal for soups, salads, and as a hearty meat alternative in Mediterranean cooking.

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12. Farro

Rice, who?! This ancient grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for salads or side dishes!

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13. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster packed with flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing everything from sauces to roasted veggies.

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14. Olives

Olives are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They add a salty, tangy punch to salads, tapenades, or as a simple snack! We could eat a whole jar, TBH.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

15. Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey is widely used in Mediterranean desserts and dressings. Its floral flavor and health benefits make it a pantry essential, plus it goes great with hot teas and coffee!

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Watch Jenna Ortega In The First Glimpse At 'Wednesday' Season 2.

Netflix has some amazing new TV shows coming in 2025, including Stranger Things 5, Squid Game season 3, and Wednesday season 2. Finally! We've already seen a first look at Jenna Ortega's return as the gothic, moody teen, but in Netflix's new 2025 preview, we get a brief clip from a new episode that features an unexpected standoff.

Keep reading to see Jenna Ortega in the first glimpse at Wednesday season 2.

Here's everything coming to Netflix in 2025.

Netflix's "Next On Netflix 2025" preview is one of my favorite commercials they've ever released. It features a young woman who tunes out of her meeting to watch Stranger Things instead (relatable) and ends up getting sucked into all her favorite shows, starting with The Upside Down totally taking over the conference room.

After evading the guards from Squid Game and ditching a potential match from Love is Blind, our leading lady finds herself at Nevermore Academy. When Thing knocks a book into her hands, she receives a vision of Willowhill Psychiatric Hospital, where we see Jenna Ortega's Wednesday, who stands opposite Hunter Doohan's Tyler Galpin, who's chained to the wall.

We also get a reimagining of Emily in Paris season 5 and Cobra Kai season 6, just to name a few. Talk about a crazy lineup!

And what Jenna Ortega say to expect from 'Wednesday' season 2.

We don't have a Wednesday season 2 release date yet, aside from knowing it's coming in 2025, but Jenna Ortega has teased what to expect — leading with more horror.

“We’re definitely leaning into a little bit more horror,” she told E! Newslast January. "There’s really, really good one-liners and I think everything’s bigger. It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”

"A show like this, you know, with vampires and werewolves and superpowers, [you don't] want to take yourself too seriously," she said in her Actors on Actors interview with Elle Fanning. "So I think that we're ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday which is really great, and then also we have such incredible female leads in the show."

We know that the Wednesday season 2 cast will include Jenna Ortega, Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan.

What are you most excited to see in Wednesday season 2? Let us know what you think is happening in this first glimpse on Facebook! Check out The Best New TV Shows Coming To Netflix In February for more.

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15 Easy Superfood Recipes To Keep You Healthy In 2025

Eating healthy does not have to be boring. Nowadays, there are plenty of options to help you stay on track – and these 15 superfood recipes are our absolute faves! Incorporating superfoods into your diet means you’ll get more antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, healthy fats, and protein on a daily basis, which ultimately can support a balanced, healthy lifestyle. A lot of superfoods are even known to improve your immunity, heart health, andgut health – score!

Scroll on for 15 superfood recipes that are nourishing, easy to make, and super satisfying.

What are superfoods?

Jane Trang Doan / PEXELS

According to Cleveland Clinic, superfoods are a type of “super-charged, super-healthy foods,” especially ones that are typically nutrient-dense while boasting a low calorie count.

Generally, superfoods support heart health, a strong immune system, reduced inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and can even help with cancer prevention.

Avocado, berries, beets, dark leafy greens, garlic, ginger, legumes, lentils, salmon, and yogurt are just a few of the most common superfoods.

What is the healthiest superfood?

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

The “healthiest” superfood might depend on what you consider healthy. For someone that prioritizes protein, salmon might be the healthiest superfood for them. Meanwhile, someone that’s aiming to eat more fiber might think dark leafy greens are the healthiest option for them.

How can I eat more superfoods?

Людмила Самсонова / PEXELS

You can eat more superfoods by incorporating them into easy superfood recipes like the ones we’ve listed below! Superfood recipes don’t have to be obviously healthy, and these delicious dishes prove it.

The Best Superfood Recipes For Healthy Eating In 2025

Half Baked Harvest

Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potatoes & Crispy Chickpeas

Dark, leafy greens like kale are a great superfood for getting in lotsa vitamins and fiber. Try out this bulked-up Caesar salad prepped with lemony parmesan tahini dressing. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vikalinka

Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash

This orzo-based dish makes a perfect comfort meal that's still very healthy for you. Spinach and sweet potato add some great nutrients, plus you could make the dish more filling by adding a protein source of your choice! (via Vikalinka)

The Real Food Dietitians

Sheet Pan Veggie Shawarma with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Veggies on veggies! This sheet pan meal is loaded with a zesty Mediterranean flavor that'll keep you coming back for more. And more. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Girl on Bloor

Easy BBQ Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Salmon is a known superfood that delivers beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Since it can be less than appealing on its own, spice it up with some of this delish homemade avocado salsa! (via The Girl on Bloor)

The First Mess

Spiced Chickpeas & Rice with Roasted Crispy Cabbage and Sweet Mustard Dressing

Legumes like chickpeas are another nutritious superfood to keep stocked in your kitchen. This "pilaf-like" recipe will encourage your love for chickpeas even more. (via The First Mess)

Earthly Provisions

Vegan Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

Just a single skillet and 15 minutes are all you need to craft this creamy vegan dinner recipe. The garlic, spinach, and hummus make it totally superfood-worthy, though you wouldn't initially guess it was packed with healthy stuff. (via Earthly Provisions)

Crowded Kitchen

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate & Candied Pecans

Fruit and veg together can be really yummy. The proof is in this ahh-mazing shaved Brussels sprouts salad! (via Crowded Kitchen)

No Eggs or Ham

Lemongrass Cauli-Rice Bowl with Sweet Ginger Mushrooms

Dense in nutrients, mushrooms are a superfood must-have. Combine 'em with anti-inflammatory ginger, and your body's gonna feel so nourished! (via No Eggs or Ham)

The Original Dish

Roasted Broccolini with Calabrian Chile Vinaigrette

A good rule of thumb for healthy eating is getting lots of greens in. Start with this addictive AF broccolini-based side dish that's delicious dressed with a spicy vinaigrette. (via The Original Dish)

Gastroplant

Easy Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili

Healthy, legume-loaded chili? We're here for it. (via Gastroplant)

Veggie Society

Korean Glass Noodle Stir Fry

This healthy stir fry beats takeout any day of the week, plus, it's not at all labor-intensive to make. (via Veggie Society)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

This dip's made with 2 bags of fresh spinach to give you all that great, green goodness. This recipe is perfect for snacky. meal preppers or if you have a potluck party to attend. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vanilla and Bean

Avocado Toast with Roasted Asparagus

Avocados are a superfood known to be heart-healthy, gut-healthy, and rich in healthy fats. Sounds like an everyday avo toast is in store! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Completely Delicious

Asian-Glazed Sheet-Pan Salmon & Broccoli

Chef up some salmon in any way you like, but this Asian-inspired recipe is absolutely the best route to go. (via Completely Delicious)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Instant Pot Butter Chickpeas

You need to check out these chickpeas. Packed with Indian spices, yogurt, garlic, and ginger, you're gonna fall in love with this Instant Pot beauty. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

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Uh Oh, Starbucks Is Cutting 30% Of Their Menu

The great Starbucks vibe switch appears to be in full swing as the coffee chain plans to eliminate a “significant number” of drinks and food items from their menu. Citing an “overly complex” menu, CEO Brian Niccol called for a “roughly 30% reduction” to Starbucks’ offerings on a January 29 earnings call.

Starbucks has already cut a good amount of items they once claimed would be on their permanent menu, like the Iced Energy drinks and Oleato olive oil beverages.

Could your go-to Starbucks order be nixed? Read on for more details.

Starbucks

The menu cuts will occur in the coming months, per Niccol. Though he noted that both of Starbucks’ beverage and food offerings would be impacted, he did not name specific items.

Starbucks

This bold move is just another bullet point on the list of changes Starbucks has made over the last months in lieu of their Back to Starbucks initiative.

Just earlier this week, the chain announced a new policy on free refills and brought back the beloved condiment bars so customers can add their own creamer and sugar. Plus, baristas will start writing on cups again, just like the good old days.

Starbucks

Additionally, their latest menu drop that hit stores on January 3 introduced a never-before-seen drink, the cortado, and completely transformed the process for ordering and preparing matcha beverages.

These changes are likely in motion due to Starbucks’ track record of declining sales over the past year.

Starbucks

Starbucks customers and employees are equally relieved yet up in arms about the coming menu cuts. Some sounded off in this Reddit thread detailing the changes:

“I for one am so pleased,” one person commented. “The menu right now is just chaos.”

“Good! As a 9 year partner, the less the better!” another person said. “I remember when people would just order their drinks without all these complications. Those were the days.”

“Finally, they're going to try and prioritize in-store customers over the mobile orders that aren't even there,” one more person wrote. “That should've been built-in since day one!”

Starbucks

While plenty of people were elated about the news, many more were concerned about their menu faves being gone forever.

“Just don’t cut my overpriced egg bites,” someone pleaded.

“This is probably the end of my Spinach Feta Wrap and I just can’t handle the thought of losing it,” another said.

“If they discontinue the lemon loaf I will riot,” one more person noted.

Starbucks

We'll keep you posted about the exact Starbucks menu cuts as soon as we know. Until then, we'll be manifesting that the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso isn't affected. 👀

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41 Cozy Finds to Celebrate Snuggle Season

Winter may mean short days and frosty weather, but it's also snuggle season, so embrace the cozy vibes with these 41 must-have finds. From soft blankets to drape across you to warm slippers that feel like a hug for your feet and heated essentials to offer an instant boost of warmth, these treasures will make your home feel like the ultimate spot to hibernate.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Sick Of Your Bed? Try The Human Dog Bed

Amazon

Are you jealous of the luxuriousness of your pup's bed? Now, you can experience the same level of comfort with the Oval Human Dog Bed. This amazing bed is the perfect size for humans and is filled with thick, high-density foam for ultimate comfort. Plus, the removable plush faux fur cover is machine washable for easy cleaning. Get ready for the most comfortable night's sleep of your life.

This Trick Works *Every Time* For Crispy Tofu

The Best Frozen Tofu Trick

How To Unfreeze Tofu – Thaw *Or* Boil

Cooking The Tofu

Flavoring Tofu

Scroll on for 15 Mediterranean diet ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen to craft delicious dishes.

1. Olive oil

2. Tomatoes

3. Spinach

4. Eggplant

5. Zucchini

6. Cucumber

7. Bell pepper

8. Dates

9. Whole wheat bread

10. Chickpeas

11. Lentils

12. Farro

13. Garlic

14. Olives

15. Honey

Keep reading to see Jenna Ortega in the first glimpse at Wednesday season 2.

Here's everything coming to Netflix in 2025.

And what Jenna Ortega say to expect from 'Wednesday' season 2.

Scroll on for 15 superfood recipes that are nourishing, easy to make, and super satisfying.

What are superfoods?

What is the healthiest superfood?

How can I eat more superfoods?

The Best Superfood Recipes For Healthy Eating In 2025

Could your go-to Starbucks order be nixed? Read on for more details.

Sick Of Your Bed? Try The Human Dog Bed

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Enjoy Deeper Sleep With This Bluetooth Eyemask

This Trick Works Every Time For Crispy Tofu

How To Unfreeze Tofu – Thaw Or Boil