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A block of fresh tofu rests on a woven bamboo tray, surrounded by various small dishes and utensils on a wooden table.

Easy Homemade Tofu

by Namiko Hirasawa Chen
If you've never enjoyed freshly made Japanese tofu before, you're in for a treat. Learn How to Make Tofu at Home for smooth, delicious, and easy homemade tofu from scratch. With just three all-natural ingredients, it's better than store bought!
Prep: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Day 1: Soak beans (8–20 hrs); Day 2: Press tofu (30 mins), Soak (30 mins), Set (4 hrs): 1 day 5 hours
Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 1 block

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups soybeans (dried)
  • 8 cups water (for soaking; use 4–5 times the volume of the dried beans)
  • 6½ cups water (for blending; use 2.3 times the weight of the rehydrated beans)
  • 2 tsp liquid nigari (bittern) (10 ml; use 1% of the soy milk amount; I used Vancouver Island Sea Salt Nigari)
  • 2 tsp lukewarm water (for the nigari)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

DAY 1

  • Gather the ingredients. Remove any discolored or damaged soybeans.
    A bottle of Nigari tofu coagulant sits next to a bowl filled with dried soybeans on a light wooden surface.
  • Rinse 2 cups soybeans several times until the water runs clear and drain well. Soak in 8 cups water (4–5 times their volume of water) in a large bowl or stock pot. The beans will swell to about three times their original size. Soak times: 8–9 hours in summer (68–77ºF, 20–25ºC); 15 hours in spring/fall (50–59ºF, 10–15ºC); or 20 hours in winter (32–41ºF, 0–5ºC).
    Nami's Tip: Give them plenty of soaking time so they blend smoothly and release more milk.
    Side-by-side images showing a metal pot with popcorn kernels; on the left, the dry kernels sit on the bottom, and on the right, the kernels are submerged in water.

DAY 2

    To Measure

    • Check if the beans are ready. When they're soft enough to crush between your fingers and split in half, they're done soaking. Drain well. Then weigh your beans. Mine weighed 672 g.
      Multiply the weight by 2.3 to calculate the amount of blending water. In my case, 672 x 2.3 = 1546, so I'll use 1546 ml (6½ cups) of blending water.
      *Why 2.3? See my Recipe Notes.
      Two images side by side: on the left, dried white beans soaking in water in a large metal pot; on the right, the same soaked beans are drained and weighed on a digital kitchen scale, showing 672 grams.

    To Disinfect the Bag and Cloth

    • Bring a pot of water to a boil, then boil the straining bag and finishing cloth for 5 minutes to disinfect. You can also disinfect the strainer.
      Three-panel image showing hands boiling pieces of white cloth in a pot of water, using chopsticks to move and lift the cloth, demonstrating a process of cleaning or preparing fabric.
    • Line a strainer with the sanitized straining bag. Then, place the strainer over a deep bowl (I use a 5-qt KitchenAid glass bowl).
      A cheesecloth is being placed over a metal strainer on the left, and on the right, the cheesecloth is fully lining the strainer, both set on a wooden surface.

    To Blend

    • Next, you will blend the beans and the measured blending water. Depending on your blender's size, you need to run in batches. Since you cannot introduce additional water, it's crucial to divide the water carefully.
      Also, it's a smart idea to reserve about 1 cup of blending water to clean the blender after the final batch.
    • Add half of the beans and half the water to a high-performance blender (or one-third of each if using a standard blender).
      Nami's Tip: The mixture will foam up, so fill the carafe no more than two-thirds full.
      A person pours pine nuts and then water from a measuring cup into a blender, preparing ingredients for a recipe.
    • Purée until smooth, about 1½ minutes on a medium setting (or 2 minutes for the standard blender).
      Nami's Tip: The smoother you blend, the more soy milk you'll get—and the silkier your tofu will be.
      Three-panel image of a blender: first with soaked soybeans, second with soybeans and water blending, and third with a smooth, milky liquid, showing the process of making soy milk.
    • Transfer it to a large pot (6 quarts or larger). Then, blend the other half of the beans and water (or continue with 2 more batches for the standard blender).
      Two images showing a thick, creamy liquid being poured from a blender into a large metal pot, with chopped ingredients and a measuring cup visible in the background.
    • After the final batch, use the reserved 1 cup of blending water to rinse out the purée from the blender and add it to the pot. Be sure to use all the measured blending water.
      Nami's Tip: This blended raw mixture is called namago in Japanese. The namago will foam up as it cooks, so use a pot with plenty of room.
      A split image: on the left, a blender with frothy white liquid inside; on the right, a pot with a foamy, creamy liquid on the surface. Both images appear to show steps in a cooking process.

    To Cook the Namago

    • Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring gently with a wooden spatula and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Bring it to a gentle boil (about 200ºF or 93ºC), then turn off the heat. Otherwise, it will quickly overflow.
      Three images show milk being heated in a pot: a wooden spoon stirs foamy milk, a hand stirs the milk, and a thermometer measures the milks temperature at 120°F.
    • Let the foam settle for 1–2 minutes. Then, turn the stove back on to low and cook gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring the bottom of the pot constantly to prevent burning. Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove.
      Two images side by side show hands stirring milk in a stainless steel pot on a stove with a wooden spatula. The milk is frothy and steaming as it heats.

    To Strain

    • Pour the cooked mixture into the strainer lined with the sanitized bag.
      A person pours a creamy liquid from a ladle through a cloth-lined strainer over a large pot, preparing to filter the mixture.
    • To speed up straining, press gently with a ladle or spatula while still hot.
      Nami's Tip: We strain the soy pulp while it’s still hot because it makes the process smoother and safer. When hot, more flavor and protein are released, so you get better soy milk. It also prevents bacteria from growing, which can happen if the mixture cools down too much. Plus, the hot pulp is softer, so the liquid separates more easily and gives you a silky, smooth soy milk.
      A metal spoon stirs a creamy liquid in a cloth-lined bowl, and a close-up shows the cloth straining the liquid over a glass bowl on a wooden surface.
    • Once you finish draining the mixture with the ladle or spatula, gather the cloth bag.
      A collage shows soy milk being strained through cloth into a bowl, with close-up hands squeezing the cloth to separate soy pulp from liquid.
    • Wash and cool your hands, then squeeze out the remaining soy milk by hand. For a standard tofu size (wooden box), you will need a minimum of 4⅛ cups (1000 ml) of soy milk.
      Two side-by-side images show hands squeezing a cheesecloth bundle of tofu over a strainer, pressing and draining liquid into a glass bowl below.
    • If any foam remains in the soy milk, skim it off or strain it again for a smoother tofu texture.
      A close up of a spoon in a glass bowl.
    • You now have soy milk and soy pulp, okara. Store the leftover okara in the refrigerator or freezer for other recipes like my Okara (Unohana) – Simmered Soy Pulp & Vegetables.
      A split image: on the left, a metal tray with about 640 grams of okara (soybean pulp) on a digital scale; on the right, chopsticks holding a bite of cooked okara with vegetables above a bowl.

    To Warm the Soy Milk

    • Measure exactly 4⅛ cups (1000 ml) of soy milk. Heat it in a medium pot over low heat until it reaches 170ºF (75ºC). I use an instant-read thermometer. Keep it at that temperature for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
      Nami's Tip: If the soy milk is too cool, the tofu won't set; if it's too hot, it will become too firm.
      Side-by-side images: milk being poured into a saucepan on the left, and a person using a red digital thermometer to check milk temperature in a saucepan on the right.

    To Add the Nigari

    • Mix 2 tsp liquid nigari (bittern) with 2 tsp lukewarm water in a small bowl. Pour half of the prepared nigari slowly over the soy milk, guiding it with a wooden spatula.
      A collage shows: a glass beaker with 108g water on a digital scale, then the beaker pouring its contents into a pot of milk on the stove, and finally the beaker fully emptied into the milk.
    • Gently stir two figure-8 motions with the wide side of the spatula. Cover and let it sit for 3 minutes.
      Nami's Tip: Do not overmix, or the tofu will become too firm. After adding nigari, cover the pot to keep the mixture warm, let it set quietly, and prevent the surface from drying out.
      Three side-by-side images show milk being stirred in a saucepan with a wooden spatula, then the milk after stirring, and finally the saucepan covered with a stainless steel lid.
    • Pour in the other half of the nigari the same way. Gently stir four figure-8 motions. Cover with the lid and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, start preparing the tofu box.
      Nami's Tip: While waiting, make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below 158ºF (70ºC). If it’s too low, the tofu won’t set; if it’s too high, it will turn out firm. If the temperature has dropped, bring it back to 170ºF (75ºC).
      Three images show: pouring a liquid into a pot with cream, stirring the mixture with a spatula, and the pot covered with a lid, all steps in a cooking process.

    To Prepare the Tofu Box

    • Soak the tofu mold in water to moisten thoroughly. Line the inside of the tofu mold with the sanitized finishing cloth, smoothing it tightly. Place a flat tray (I use my favorite prep tray) underneath to catch the draining liquid.
      Three-panel image showing steps for preparing a wooden tofu press: placing the press in a tray, lining it with cloth, and brushing water over the cloth.

    To Check Coagulation

    • Check that the mixture has separated into soft curds and a clear puddle of liquid. If you do not see any clear liquid, then it has not fully separated. If this happens, draw one more gentle figure-8, let it rest another 5–10 minutes, and check again.
      If nothing changes, first check the temperature. If the temperature is fine, add a little more nigari.
      A sequence of three images shows milk heating in a pot. The first image shows the milk starting to form a film. The second and third images focus on the film, with a finger touching it in the third image.

    To Press the Tofu

    • Scoop the coagulated curds carefully into the lined tofu box.
      A three-panel image showing a ladle scooping cheese curds from a pot and pouring them into a cheesecloth-lined mold to make homemade cheese.
    • Fold the cloth over the top and place the pressing lid on top.
      Three panels show tofu being made: spreading curds in a cloth-lined mold, folding the cloth over the tofu, and pressing with a wooden lid. Hands are visible working in each step.
    • Place a weight (425 g or a bit less than 1 lb) on the lid. Press for about 30 minutes for medium-firm tofu.
      Nami's Tip: If the weight is too heavy, the tofu will be overly firm.
      A metal can is placed on top of a wooden tofu press, which sits in a shallow metal tray containing liquid, on a wooden surface.

    To Soak and Chill the Tofu

    • Submerge the entire tofu box in a large bowl of cold water (add ice if it's hot). Carefully remove the mold, keeping the tofu wrapped in the cloth. Soak the wrapped tofu for about 30 minutes, changing water a few times.
      Nami's Tip: Soaking removes the nigari's bitterness and firms up the tofu. If it's still soft after 30 minutes, add more ice and soak another 10 minutes.
      Three photos show tofu being removed from a wooden mold over a bowl of water, then placed in ice water to cool. Hands are holding the mold and tofu in the first two images.
    • Carefully unwrap the tofu.
      Two images show hands gently lifting a block of tofu out of water using a piece of parchment or cheesecloth, demonstrating the process of handling tofu carefully to avoid breaking it.
    • Remove it from the water. I transfer it to an airtight container.
      Two images side by side show hands submerging a block of tofu in water. On the left, the tofu is being wrapped with a cloth, and on the right, it is being pressed with a glass container.
    • Fill it with water. Your homemade tofu is best enjoyed about 4 hours after it's made.
      Nami's Tip: The tofu needs time to set fully and release excess moisture. Right after pressing, the tofu may still be warm and slightly unstable in texture. As it rests, it cools, firms up, and the flavors settle, giving you that delicate yet cohesive tofu texture. It's best consumed the same day.
      A rectangular glass container filled with tofu on a wooden surface; the second image shows hands placing a plastic lid on the container.

    To Serve

    • Discard the water and it's ready to use!
      Two-panel image: On the left, a glass container holds a block of tofu on a wooden surface. On the right, a person’s hand lifts the tofu block out of the container over a metal tray.

    To Store

    • Because it has no preservatives, homemade tofu should be enjoyed the same day for the best quality. However, if you'd like to store it, transfer the tofu to a container and cover with fresh water. You can refrigerate it for up to 1–2 days, but be sure to change the water every day.
      You can store the soy pulp (okara) in the fridge for 2–3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

    Notes

    Hinoki Tofu Mold Care Guide
    Before Using:
    Soak the mold in a bowl of water with about 3 tablespoons of vinegar for 1–2 hours. Rinse lightly with water, then dry completely in the sun. This helps remove its natural astringency. 
    Care:
    • Avoid soaking the mold in water for long periods, as it can damage the wood.
    • After each use, wash quickly with water and dry well in the shade.
    • If mold or dark stains appear, soak the mold overnight in rice-washing water, then scrub clean with a tawashi brush.
    • Do not use synthetic detergents.
    • Store the mold in a cool, dry place. Do not keep it inside a plastic bag.
     
    *Why multiplying by 2.3?
    We all live in different parts of the world, and everyone has access to different types of soybeans. Since soybeans absorb water differently depending on the variety, the most accurate way to calculate the blending water is by measuring the weight of the soybeans after soaking.
    The goal is to make about 1000 ml of good-quality soy milk, just enough to fill a tofu mold. We tested different amounts of blending water.
    At 2 times the weight of the soaked soybeans, we didn't get enough soy milk. At 2.5 times, the soy milk was too watery. At 2.3 times, the soy milk turned out just right—tasty, balanced, and the perfect amount to fill the tofu maker. 
    If this is your first time making tofu, or if you're working with a new variety of soybeans, consider the first batch a test run. The type and quality of dried soybeans can vary and affect the results. If you prefer a strong flavor, Hokkaido-grown soybeans are known for their rich taste and higher protein content for a deeper, more complex flavor. If you're curious, we used Nijiya's organic soybeans for this recipe.
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