Most tofu comes packed in water, so the number one thing you always need to do is drain the block as much as possible. A water-logged block of tofu won’t absorb am marinade or get crispy in a frying pan. To drain it, slice the block and place the slices in a single layer on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Top tofu with more paper towels and then a heavy object (a cast-iron skillet, cookbooks). Let sit at least one hour, preferably two. (Tip: If you know you want tofu for dinner, let it drain in the fridge during the day.) Once drained, you can marinate the tofu or start cooking it.