PREPING TOFU:

Most recipes call for tofu to be as dry as possible to improve
its ability to absorb spices/flavors and/or browning.

Several methods:

Encase in cheese cloth, press block with heavy book or fry pan with brick.
or
Slice, place on paper towels, cover, press with book or fry pan with brick.
or
Slice, place in strainer, pour salted boiling water over tofu slices.

When coating tofu, cornstarch does work best.