Coagulation occurs when you use heat, enzymes, mechanical manipulation, or acids to change a liquid protein’s structure to thicken or completely solidify it. In terms of making tofu, a coagulant agent is added to thicken the soy milk into curds. You can then press it into a solid block.

What can I use to coagulate tofu?

The two most commonly used salt coagulants are 1) calcium sulfate (gypsum) and 2) magnesium chloride combined with calcium chloride (nigari salts). Calcium sulfate is the most traditional and widely used coagulant for tofu.

How do you curdle tofu?

The first step is soaking dried soybeans overnight and mixing the beans with water to produce your own soy milk. Next, you add salt, enzymes or acid to curdle the soybean liquid. Then you press the liquid to remove the liquid whey, and you’re left with curds.