I have been consuming tofu for so long as I can bear in mind. Once I was little, I might beg my dad and mom to purchase me a cup of syrup-soused, scorching tofu fa custard from road distributors in Flushing, New York; they’d oblige, because it saved me busy whereas they shopped the close by Asian market. My mother would usually take a field of Mori-Nu silken tofu and drape it in oyster sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil and serve it with rice as a fast protein-filled, nutrient-dense lunch. And my dad, who owned a Chinese language restaurant, nonetheless loves to make use of medium and agency tofu as an accent ingredient, chopping it up for hot-and-sour soup or deep-frying it earlier than tossing it in a thick black-bean-based sauce.
Causes to faucet this plant-based protein have solely grown as rumored ties between soy consumption and an excessive amount of estrogen manufacturing have been debunked. Registered dietitian Casey L. McCoy, M.P.H., RDN, CD, tells us, “Tofu is a good and cheap supply of protein—[it has] much more than a serving of meat.” Its advantages lengthen past that to micronutrients, too. “It comprises B nutritional vitamins, fiber, potassium and magnesium, and can be a wealthy supply of isoflavones, which have anti-inflammatory results and can also have protecting results in opposition to heart problems and a few cancers,” she explains.
Until you’re liable to kidney stones and are avoiding oxalates, McCoy says, “Typically, the advantages outweigh the dangers, and changing a few of your animal protein with tofu will finally have a internet optimistic impact in your well being and longevity.”
All of those are nice causes so as to add simple tofu recipes to your meal rotation, and why I proceed to take pleasure in it myself. However residing by myself and eating out regularly, I generally cannot get via an entire bundle quick sufficient. Or, I overstock my fridge when it goes on sale and have to lengthen its life. Different instances, I simply desire a denser, spongier tofu with larger chew. Which brings us right here: when, why and learn how to freeze tofu.
Does Tofu Freeze Effectively?
The reply will depend on what kind of tofu we’re speaking about. Tofu is usually out there in silken, tender, medium, agency and extra-firm varieties. Of those, all however silken may be frozen (if you need your silken tofu to final, search for shelf-stable choices). In reality, freezing tofu earlier than use may even improve it, Nasoya’s Plant-Primarily based Protein Class Supervisor Seulghi Wee reveals.
“Tofu is roughly 80% water, and freezing tofu helps to take away this water content material,” Wee explains. Because the water expands, it breaks up the molecules and leaves house, creating pockets throughout the tofu. This, she says, “makes tofu extra porous and spongier, creates a chewy, ‘meatier’ texture, and in addition helps the tofu soak up extra taste via seasoning or marinades.” Additionally, she provides, “Since freezing tofu expels water, it additionally helps to create a crispier exterior when tofu is fried.”
Then there’s the obvious cause you would possibly need to freeze tofu: to protect it for later use. “It might probably final a number of months within the freezer, however simply weeks or days within the fridge,” Wee confirms.
What is the Finest Technique to Freeze Tofu?
Freezing a water-packed block of tofu could be very simple. First, minimize a slit within the plastic prime that seals the container. Remember to minimize off to the facet to keep away from by accident puncturing the tofu or having the liquid spurt out.
Subsequent, drain the liquid from the container. Take away the tofu from its bundle and wrap the block in paper towels or, for an eco-friendlier resolution, a clear kitchen towel. Gently squeeze out any liquid which may stay within the tofu, making use of solely sufficient stress to push the surplus moisture out (how exhausting you’ll be able to squeeze will depend on how agency the tofu you are utilizing is).
Whereas some specialists suggest urgent it earlier than freezing, Wee says, “Since freezing tofu helps take away water, you do not truly have to press the tofu earlier than placing it within the freezer.” And when you can freeze it complete, she does counsel chopping the tofu into slices or cubes earlier than freezing it, for faster thawing and ease of use afterward.
Lastly, place the items of tofu in an hermetic container, giving each bit room round it in order that they do not freeze into each other. You can too freeze them on a baking sheet first earlier than placing them in that freezer bag or container.
The right way to Thaw Tofu
“Thawing tofu is simple!” Wee exclaims. “I usually place the frozen tofu in a bowl or on a plate within the fridge for just some hours.” This permits it to regularly thaw and retains it from drying out. (Remember to use a bowl or rimmed plate, as water will inevitably seep out of it.) Or should you’re pressed for time, you’ll be able to place it straight in a bowl of heat water, Wee says. “As soon as the tofu is thawed, simply press out any extra water earlier than cooking.”
The right way to Use Frozen Tofu
As a result of beforehand frozen tofu has a denser, chewier texture than its contemporary type, it lends itself to a whole lot of satisfying makes use of. Wee says, “Since thawed tofu can usually mimic meat, I like to make use of it in recipes the place you’d usually use hen, like [breaded] fried ‘hen’ [made of tofu instead] or a vegan Korean fried ‘hen’ sandwich.” Frozen tofu can be an important substitute for different meats, starring in a Cajun-spiced tostada, or as Tofu Parmigiana.
“You can too use thawed tofu in stir-fries, soups, scorching pot or scrambles,” she says. “For the reason that porous tofu soaks up sauces, it is nice to marinate the thawed tofu in flavorful sauces like vinegars, soy sauce and even barbecue sauce.”
For a lot of of those preparations, you do must thaw it out first. However the excellent news is, you could not at all times want to attend earlier than throwing your frozen tofu bites right into a recipe. Wee says, “In case you plan to braise your tofu or use it in a soup or stew, you should use it frozen or simply partly thaw it,” relying on if the recipe provides it sufficient time to cook dinner all over.
I personally like thick, shiny sauces for my frozen tofu like a wealthy Marsala sauce. Or strive grilled tandoori tofu for an Indian twist. You can too roast tofu bites with honey-balsamic or flip them into croutons for a vegan kale salad.
Continuously Requested Questions
Are any kinds of tofu not appropriate for freezing?
Comfortable tofu is not going to develop into as spongy as firmer tofus, however can nonetheless be frozen. Whereas silken tofu technically can be frozen, it is not really useful. As a substitute, if you need silken tofu that can final some time, go for shelf-stable silken tofu in aseptic packaging.
Ought to I press tofu earlier than freezing?
For tender tofu, no, as you could danger crushing it. For all different kinds of tofu, our knowledgeable at Nasoya says it is not essential to press tofu earlier than freezing, because the water shall be expelled throughout freezing anyway. Nevertheless, it does must be patted and gently squeezed dry, and the extra water that continues to be within the tofu earlier than freezing, the bigger the holes that shall be fashioned.
Backside Line
Tofu is a scrumptious and nutritious plant-based protein with a mess of recipe makes use of. Freezing tofu is a good way to make your tofu last more and provides it a meatier texture, because the freezing course of modifications the construction of the product. It is easy to take action with any kind of tofu apart from silken. Simply drain, dry, slice, freeze, after which thaw out when prepared to make use of!
