Can You Freeze Tofu?

Can You Freeze Tofu?

Quick Answer : Can You Freeze Tofu?

You can freeze tofu and extend its lifespan considerably. Tofu is unique because of its chewy and spongy texture. It can soak up the flavorful liquids like a sponge and enhance the recipe’s taste. Usually, freezing such a product could have been challenging. But tofu freezes beautifully. Secondly, its texture becomes spongier and denser. Surprisingly, its taste enhances after freezing. So, freezing tofu should not be a problem. Let us discuss how to freeze tofu.

Before we see how to freeze tofu, let us know what is so good about frozen tofu.

How Does Freezing Tofu Improve Its Taste?

Tofu contains a lot of water that expands on freezing to destroy its original structure. As the ice crystals defrost, they seep out of the tofu blocks and leave gaping holes in the structure. The best aspect is that this change in its consistency makes the tofu spongier, stronger, and firmer. As a result, it holds its shape in soups, hot pots, and stir-fries. As the tofu loses water, it becomes denser and develops a meat-like consistency.

The tofu soaks up the sauces and broths and absorbs different flavors. While the unopened tofu lasts for a couple of weeks in the fridge, freezing it extends its lifespan considerably. So, here is how you freeze the tofu.

How Do You Freeze Tofu?

Despite the inconsistencies, it is easy to freeze tofu. You can freeze tofu by freezing the entire block or chopping it into small pieces.

Freezing Entire Tofu Blocks

Store-bought tofu comes in blocks. You can freeze the tofu block in its original wrapping. Alternatively, you can open and wrap it separately in cling film or plastic wrap. Ideally, you place the wrapped tofu inside freezer-safe bags inside the freezer.

Freezing Tofu Into Small Pieces

The drawback of freezing entire tofu blocks is that you must defrost them in bulk. So, there are chances of wastage, mainly because you do not refreeze tofu. The best solution is to chop the tofu block into small pieces.

  1. Wrap each piece in cling film or plastic wrap and place them inside an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
  2. Squeeze the air out of these bags and note the freezing date.
  3. Place the bags inside the freezer, allowing the tofu to freeze.

Alternatively, you can place the wrapped tofu pieces on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them in the freezer for four to six hours. Then, remove the frozen solid tofu pieces and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag inside the freezer.

How Long Does Tofu Remain Fresh In The Freezer?

Tofu can remain frozen for up to a year if frozen properly. Its texture changes, but it becomes better, as discussed earlier. In addition, the overall taste improves and becomes more delicious.

How Do You Defrost Frozen Tofu?

While you can use the tofu directly from the freezer in the recipes, you can defrost the frozen tofu in two ways.

  1. The ideal defrosting method is transferring the frozen tofu pieces from the freezer to the fridge overnight. The tofu takes time to defrost, but it becomes ready for consumption the following morning.
  2. The refrigerator method consumes time. So, if you are short of time, you can run the tofu pieces under water for some time to defrost them.

Generally, there is no need to defrost the frozen tofu. Instead, you can transfer the tofu directly to the recipes and enhance its taste.

Can You Refreeze The Tofu?

We do not advise refreezing the tofu because it cannot handle multiple freezing. In addition, the texture can change irreversibly and become a mess.

Can You Freeze Tofu In Soup?

Yes. It is possible to freeze the tofu in the soup. The best aspect of tofu is that it becomes better after freezing.

Can You Freeze Tofu Scramble?

You can freeze the tofu scramble by wrapping it tightly in plastic or cling film. Then, place the wrapped tofu scramble in freezer bags inside the freezer, allowing it to freeze well.

Can You Freeze Tofu After Opening It?

Yes. It is possible to freeze tofu after opening the package. Under such circumstances, wrap the tofu tightly in cling film and place it inside freezer bags to freeze.

Can You Freeze Tofu In Sauce?

It is possible to freeze tofu in sauce. The tofu absorbs the liquids and still freezes well to taste much better than before freezing.

Can You Freeze Tofu Stir-Fry?

Yes. You can freeze tofu stir-fry. Place the stir-fry ingredients in a resealable freezer bag. Add the container with the sauce and seal it airtight. You can freeze the tofu stir-fry in the freezer and maintain its freshness before cooking.

Can You Freeze Tofu Puffs?

You can refrigerate the tofu puffs up to the expiration date if unopened. They can remain fresh for three days on opening the package. However, you can extend its lifespan to three months without changing its texture.

Can You Freeze Tofu In The Marinade?

Yes. You can freeze the marinated tofu and maintain it fresh for eight months.

Can You Freeze Tofu In Its Package?

Yes. It is safe to freeze the tofu in its package. However, you must contend with condensation inside and outside the packet. As a result, the tofu can become softer than it earlier was.

Can You Freeze Tofu After Pressing?

You can freeze tofu after pressing it. The pressing gives the tofu a yellowish hue and makes it chewier. Pressed tofu can remain frozen for five months.

Can You Freeze Tofu In Water?

Generally, you do not freeze tofu in water. But you can freeze the block tofu that comes in a plastic tray filled with water. We do not recommend freezing the silken tofu that comes in aseptic packaging.

Can You Freeze Uncooked Tofu?

Yes. You can freeze all types of tofu. It does not matter if it is silken or firm. You can cut the uncooked tofu into cubes and flash-freeze them till they become solid. Subsequently, you can transfer the solidified tofu cubes into freezer bags and freeze them.

Final Words

Tofu has gained a reputation for being vegetarian meat. The soft and chewy texture it attains after freezing makes it a delicious addition to various recipes. So, freezing tofu is easy. We have discussed how freezing tofu makes it more delicious.

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