Why You Should Boil Your Tofu
Why You Should Boil Your Tofu is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 70 calories per serving. Recipe by Wendy the Food Scientist on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 18 min
Cost: $2.05 total, $0.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 14 oz Firm Tofu (pressed block, cut into 1‑inch cubes or slabs)
- 4 cups Water (for boiling; can use filtered water)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (prefer sea salt or kosher salt for even dissolution)
Instructions
Cut the tofu
Remove the tofu from its package, drain, and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 1‑inch cubes or slabs depending on intended use.
Time: PT2M
Boil salted water
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt completely.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Simmer tofu
Gently lower the tofu pieces into the boiling salted water using a slotted spoon. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until the tofu feels firmer to the touch.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 100°C
Cool and marinate
Using the slotted spoon, transfer the tofu to a clean bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes to cool slightly, then add your favorite marinade (soy‑ginger, sesame, etc.) and toss gently. The tofu will absorb the flavors within minutes.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 70
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free soy sauce for marinating)
Allergens: Soy
Last updated: April 6, 2026






