Tofu, which is made by coagulating soy milk in a cheese-like process, is an excellent and adaptable source of plant-based protein. Whether you’re a vegan/vegetarian or just want to add more meatless protein to your meals, having tofu readily available is a fantastic ingredient choice.
If you are curious about the shelf life of tofu and whether it can be frozen to extend its freshness, you may be seeking answers.
Freezing tofu is possible for up to 90 days without affecting its flavor or consistency. To freeze it, take it out of the packaging and drain it before placing it in a resealable bag in the freezer. You can either freeze the whole block or cut it into smaller pieces. Defrost your tofu in the refrigerator and consume it before it spoils.
Freezing tofu not only extends its shelf life but also enhances its versatility in various dishes since it is a relatively bland protein that can absorb flavors from sauces, spices, and marinades.
What happens to tofu when it is frozen that alters its characteristics, making it simpler to prepare and resulting in a more delectable outcome?
Continue reading as I will provide you with an explanation of everything, including the most effective techniques for freezing and defrosting tofu.
Does Tofu Change in Taste and Texture After Freezing It?
It is common knowledge that freezing food is an effective method to prevent spoilage, however, not all types of food are suitable for freezing and some may experience a decline in taste after being frozen.
Freezing tofu will alter its texture, but this change is not a cause for concern; rather, it is a beneficial one. Given that the flavor of tofu is already quite subtle and contingent on the marinade used, freezing does not significantly impact taste.
Freezing tofu can enhance its flavor by making it chewier and airier, which in turn allows it to absorb marinades and sauces more effectively.
Freezing tofu not only makes it firmer and less prone to crumbling, but also results in a crispier texture when fried.
As you may know from cooking with it before, tofu contains a lot of water, and achieving a crispy texture requires pressing the tofu to remove the excess water.
If you lack the proper equipment, pressing tofu can be a tiresome task that adds approximately 30 minutes of waiting time to your cooking; however, freezing tofu can assist with this process.
Freezing tofu results in the formation of ice crystals due to the water content, leading to an increase in size and porosity. Upon thawing, the ice crystals disappear, leaving behind a spongy and less dense texture.
The texture of the tofu becomes more similar to meat and can absorb flavors better, making it ideal for frying.
If you intend to use the freezer method, it is advisable to opt for firm or extra firm tofu.
Freezing tofu can be advantageous for maintaining its spongy texture and preventing it from becoming crumbly, particularly in recipes that require fried tofu. However, this technique is not beneficial for soft or silken tofu.
Silken tofu is intended to have a smooth and velvety texture, and freezing it will cause it to become stringy, eliminating its potential for creaminess.
How Long Can Tofu Be Frozen?
Typically, refrigerated tofu has a shelf life of approximately 5 days after opening, after which its texture and aroma may deteriorate. If the tofu develops a slimy exterior layer, it is an indication that it is no longer suitable for consumption. On the other hand, frozen tofu can last for 4 to 6 months.
If you want to freeze tofu, take it out of the packaging, eliminate any excess water, and use a paper towel or cloth to wipe off the moisture from the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming on it.
If you want to freeze tofu, first cut it into slices or cubes and spread them out on a tray. Then, move the cut pieces of tofu into a container and store them in the freezer.
Pre-cutting the tofu can assist in preserving its form after thawing and enables you to take out only the required amount without defrosting the entire block.
Freezing tofu as a whole block is possible, but it is still necessary to follow the aforementioned instructions of taking it out of its initial packaging and transferring it to another container.
If you freeze the entire block of tofu, it will take more time to thaw. If the tofu came in excess water, do not freeze it in its original packaging.
Can You Freeze Fried Tofu?
It is possible to freeze both fresh and fried tofu.
There are individuals who recommend quickly frying the tofu before freezing it as the pre-cooked pieces will contain less moisture, but will still behave similarly to fresh tofu when exposed to cold temperatures, resulting in even less moisture.
If you purchase pre-fried tofu from a store, you can freeze it using the same method as regular firm tofu, which will provide identical benefits and result in a more absorbent final product.
If you have cooked dishes containing tofu, like stir fry or fried rice, you can freeze them as well, but the duration and quality of storage will vary based on the other components present in the dish.
How Long Is Tofu Good After Thawing?
Unopened tofu can remain fresh for up to three months beyond the recommended “use by” date on the package, making it advisable to store it in the refrigerator for an extended period if you do not plan to use it soon.
As previously stated, if you possess a partial block of tofu or one that is nearing its expiration date, it can be stored in the freezer for a maximum of six months.
Freezing tofu is a good way to extend its shelf life, but it’s important to note that once thawed, it should not be refrozen as its lifespan remains the same as fresh, opened tofu which is approximately 5 days.
Defrosting tofu is likely the simplest step in the entire procedure, as it eliminates the bothersome task of squeezing out excess water from it.
Thawing tofu can be done using various techniques.
One method to prepare tofu for freezing is by leaving it at room temperature on the countertop and using a kitchen cloth or towels to absorb any moisture that may drain.
By placing a thin baking sheet over the tofu, you can extract additional moisture, which may take up to 6 hours depending on the room temperature and how the tofu is sliced.
If you have frozen your tofu, you can defrost it in the refrigerator by placing it in the same container overnight. To prevent excess moisture, consider wrapping it in a kitchen cloth or adding a paper towel to the bottom of the container.
Transferring your tofu from the freezer to the fridge a day before you plan to use it is the most convenient method as it doesn’t require any effort and won’t create any mess on your counter, and since you’ll be storing it in the fridge after thawing, this method makes perfect sense.
If you want a quick and effective way to defrost frozen tofu, microwaving it is a good option. Simply place the tofu on a dish that is safe for use in the microwave and heat it for one minute. Since it may not defrost completely in one go, you can continue to microwave it in 30-second intervals.
It is crucial to avoid overheating tofu by not leaving it in the microwave for an extended period.
You can also check this video about “Can You Freeze Tofu?”
