Can You Freeze Tofu

If you have ever wondered about questions like these "Can you freeze tofu?", "What does freezing do to tofu?", "Why did my tofu turn brown when frozen?".

Keep reading because in this post will learn the answer to these questions and more.

Can you freeze tofu? 

Yes, you can freeze tofu!

Freezing tofu can extend its shelf life. Fresh tofu usually has a shelf life of about three to five days in the fridge but will last up to five months in the freezer. 

Freezing also changes the texture of tofu to a sponge-like texture and because of this, it can soak up more of the sauces and marinades it is in to become more flavorful.

Which tofu can be frozen?

Medium, firm, and extra firm tofu freeze very well, but silken and soft tofu doesn't hold well to freezing and thawing because of their delicate texture.

Can you freeze tofu in its package?

Yes, you can freeze tofu in its original packaging as long as it is sealed well and the package is not damaged.

If they come in vacuum-sealed bags with very little water, they can be frozen as is.   

If it comes in containers filled with water, drain off the water before freezing.

If you buy blocks of tofu that are not pre-packaged (like you would buy at some Asian grocery stores), place them in a zip-lock bag or freezer-safe container to protect them from freezer burn.

What does freezing do to tofu?

Freezing tofu gives it a firmer texture and helps it to absorb sauces and marinades to make it taste better.

Freezing tofu also gives the tofu a more meaty texture than just pressing it.

Do you need to press the tofu before freezing?

No, you don't need to press the tofu before freezing.

However, if you are meal-prepping tofu for a marinade that you want to freeze for later, it would be best to press the tofu before marinating and freezing.

Why does tofu change texture when frozen?

The reason for the change in the texture of tofu is that the water inside it expands to create little pockets. 

These little pockets of ice crystals break down the structure to make it more porous and sponge-like, which can help the tofu soak up more marinade or flavored liquids from soups, stews, and curries.

After thawing, the tofu will need to be patted dry or pressed (depending on the recipe you are making) before you use it. 

Why did my tofu turn brown when frozen?

Tofu does change color when frozen due to the formation of ice crystals. 

When water freezes, it expands and causes the tofu to become damaged or discolored, and this is normal and does not affect the safety or quality of the tofu.

How do you defrost frozen tofu?

There are several ways you can defrost frozen tofu:

1. Thaw the tofu in the refrigerator overnight or for several days.
2. Allow it to thaw for two to three hours (or until defrosted) at room temperature.
3. Place the frozen tofu in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the tofu has thawed.
4. Defrost the tofu in the microwave using the defrost setting.

Do you press tofu after defrosting?

Yes, you should press tofu after thawing because it is like a soaked sponge dripping with water.

The idea of freezing tofu is to remove more moisture from the block than just pressing a fresh block of tofu.

As you can see in the image below, pressing has squeezed out a considerable amount of moisture in this thawed block of tofu.

You can squeeze as much as ½ cup of liquid from a 425 gram (14 ounce) block of firm tofu that has been frozen, thawed, and pressed.

What are some dishes that work well with frozen tofu?

Use frozen tofu in dishes like stir-fries, soups, and stews. It can also be used as a meat substitute in dishes such as tacos, burritos, and sandwiches. 

Can frozen tofu be used in the same way as fresh tofu?

Frozen tofu can be used in the same way as fresh tofu, although it does have a slightly different texture. 

Frozen tofu has a spongier and more porous texture than fresh tofu, making it more absorbent and ideal for soaking up flavors or marinades. 

It can be used in any recipe that calls for fresh tofu.

However, not everyone likes the spongey texture of frozen tofu, so you might want to consider this when cooking for others.

How long does frozen tofu last in the freezer?

Frozen tofu can last for about three to five months in the freezer if stored properly.

When freezing tofu, label it with the date it was frozen, to help you to keep a track of how long it has been in the freezer.

How long is defrosted tofu good for?

Defrosted tofu should be used within a few days of thawing. Once thawed store it in a sealed airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

Can you freeze tofu that has already been cooked?

Yes, you can freeze tofu after cooking it. It can be frozen in dishes like stews or soups or just plain.