Can you freeze tofu? Yes, and it gets chewier
Yes. Tofu keeps about 5 months frozen and turns firmer and chewier, which many cooks prefer. How to freeze, thaw and press it, and how long it keeps.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by Kamala Bright on Unsplash
Yes, you can freeze tofu, and it keeps about 5 months in the freezer, according to the USDA FoodKeeper. Freezing changes it: the water inside turns to ice and leaves small holes, so thawed tofu is firmer, chewier and more sponge-like. It soaks up marinade and sauce better and holds together in a stir-fry, which is why many cooks freeze tofu on purpose.
How long does tofu last?
- Unopened in the fridge: about 1 week from purchase, and no later than the date on the pack.
- Opened in the fridge: keep it covered with cold water in a sealed container, change the water daily, and use it within a few days.
- In the freezer: about 5 months for best quality.
- Cooked tofu dishes: 3 to 4 days in the fridge, like other cooked leftovers.
Which tofu freezes best?
Firm and extra-firm tofu. Silken tofu turns crumbly and watery, so keep it for smoothies, sauces and dressings after thawing.
How do you freeze tofu?
- Drain the block. You can freeze it whole in its sealed pack, or press it and cut it into cubes or slices.
- Freeze cubes on a tray first, then bag them with the air pressed out so they do not stick together.
- Label with the date.
Tofu turns slightly yellow in the freezer; it goes back to white when it thaws.
How do you thaw and use frozen tofu?
Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or in a sealed bag in cold water. Then press it: the thawed block releases much more water than fresh tofu, so it presses in a few minutes by hand. Cubes can go straight into a soup or curry from frozen. More in how to thaw meal prep safely.
Can you freeze cooked tofu dishes?
Tofu in a sauce, such as a curry, freezes for 1 to 2 months, the USDA time for cooked leftovers without meat. Crispy fried or baked tofu softens when frozen and reheated, so it is better made fresh for the week: it keeps 4 days in the fridge in a crispy tofu stir-fry. The full method for tofu that stays firm is in how to meal prep tofu.
How much protein does tofu add?
Firm tofu is one of the cheaper plant proteins; see vegan protein sources for meal prep and high-protein vegetarian meal prep.
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