Open the tofu and drain off the liquid. Place between two clean folded kitchen towels and put a heavy bowl or plate on top. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. This helps remove liquid from the tofu to make it have nice texture when cooked in the pan.
Place the tofu on a cutting board. Cut into 1-inch strips by cutting the block into 4 slices. You can cut each slice in half if desired.
Place a cast iron or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the oil and warm for 30 seconds.
Place tofu into the pan, spreading out so it has room to cook. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with optional spice, if using. Carefully turn over and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes.
Remove from pan and let cool just a little before serving.
Notes
Serve cooked tofu with a dip like pizza sauce, marinara sauce, guacamole, or salsa.
Add pan-fried tofu to a simmer sauce like Tikka Masala sauce, marinara sauce, or even chicken broth and serve with pasta or a favorite grain.
Drain tofu and let sit between two kitchen towels, weighted by a heavy bowl or plate, to remove extra moisture before baking or pan-frying.
Add silken tofu to smoothies, baby food purees, or in puree soups.
To serve tofu in the baby-led weaning style, offer it in finger-size pieces.
To serve tofu as a finger food, cut it into small pieces for baby to pick up.