Can You Microwave Tofu? (A Guide)

Tofu is a Chinese-originated meal that comes in the form of solid white blocks which are made from pressing condensed soy milk. Because it’s a good source of plant-based protein, vegetarian includes it in their vegan diets occasionally as a substitute for meat, while non-vegans also eat this Chinese delicacy.

While many believe that microwaving tofu can compromise its taste and texture, however, it is also thought that cooking tofu in a microwave is one of the fastest and easiest ways to make this delicacy. Are you still contemplating whether tofu can be microwaved?

Yes, tofu can be reheated and can also be cooked using the microwave, to get a better result when you do want to reheat tofu, sprinkle some water onto the tofu to increase its moisture then microwave for about thirty seconds.

Furthermore, this writer shall discuss how to cook tofu with a microwave and reheat tofu with a microwave, to learn a quick way to reheat this dish.

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Cooking Tofu With A Microwave

Can You Microwave Tofu?
Image: Can you microwave this?

Tofu can be cooked using a microwave, as it cooks well, easily, and faster. The following simple procedure is by cutting it into smaller pieces, coating it with any desirable seasoning, and then microwaving for three (3) minutes.

Below are a few steps on how to properly cook tofu with a microwave: 

1. Dice The Tofu Into Smaller Pieces

Cut your tofu into smaller cubes of any shape of your preference. Doing this makes it easy for the heat from the microwave to get to each piece independently, it also helps the tofu fit into the microwave while giving it the perfect size for a meal.

2. Put The Tofu in A Microwavable Bowl

Coat a microwaveable container with oil to help the tofu stay separate rather than sticking together. So, ensure that each piece of tofu is oil coated. Put the Tofu in a bowl preferably a plastic container or any other microwaveable container.

Put a reasonable quantity in the bowl so it can cook evenly without taking time and this also helps you get the exact texture you desire.

3. Add Flavoring And Seasoning

If done early with coating your tofu with oil, you can add a desirable seasoning. 

Microwave
Image: Envato Elements

4. Microwave

Put the bowl into the microwave and allow it to heat for five (5) minutes.

5. Turnover The Tofu

To get an evenly heated tofu, after the first five (5) minutes of heating, take out the tofu and turn it over to reveal the side resting on the bowl. Then you microwave again.

Reheating Tofu With A Microwave

You can reheat tofu in a microwave, but given the nature of this delicacy, it can easily overcook. Hence, a need for proper monitoring when carrying out this procedure. It is advisable that when you want to reheat your tofu, sprinkle some water on it and let it cook for a short period. Below is the step-to-step guide to reheating tofu:

  • Place your tofu in a microwaveable bowl, make sure the amount you put in the bowl is minor and there are spaces in between each piece. 
  • Sprinkle some water on each piece of the tofu, to prevent it from drying up during the heating process as the moisture content of the tofu is already reduced from the first cooking. Then place the bowl in the microwave.
  • Be in control of your microwave heating by setting the heating to a low heat intensity, to help prevent overcooking. You don’t want overcooked tofu!
  • Heat for one (1) minute.
  • Wait for it to cool off a bit. Then your tofu should be ready!

Tip: The arrangement matters as you must arrange them in a way that prevents them from being in contact because you want your tofu heated evenly. 

Can I microwave tofu?

Yes, tofu can be reheated and cooked using the microwave, to get a better result when you do want to reheat tofu, sprinkle some water onto the tofu to increase its moisture then microwave for about thirty seconds.

Can I use a microwave to reheat my tofu? 

Yes, you can reheat tofu in a microwave, but there is a need for proper monitoring because of the nature of tofu it can easily overcook.

Can I use a microwave to cook my tofu?

Yes, cut your tofu into smaller pieces, coat it in flavoring, then microwave for about 3 minutes. Flip the pieces over and then microwave again for another 3 minutes.

Conclusion

Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, preferred by both vegan and non-vegans because of its high nutrient concentration. But many people question if tofu can be microwaved.

However, tofu can be reheated and cooked using the microwave and still retain its nutrient, but only when done right. When reheating, you want to leave spaces in between the pieces, then sprinkle some water on it and let it cook within a short period, 30 seconds advisably.

When cooking, cut it into smaller pieces, coat it with any desirable seasoning, microwave for three (3) minutes, then flip the tofu, and microwave again to get a desirable evenly heated tofu.

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