Can you freeze tofu after cooking? This is one of the most common questions that many people ask.
If you are one of them, then this post is for you. In this article, I will share with you some facts and tips about freezing tofu.
So, can you freeze tofu after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze tofu after cooking. Freezing cooked tofu is a great way to save leftovers or to have a convenient meat alternative for another time.
Freezing makes the tofu spongy and absorbent, perfect for use in vegan recipes.
How to freeze cooked tofu?
Tofu is a very popular ingredient used in Asian dishes. It has numerous health benefits, especially for women.
However, tofu starts to spoil quickly even after being cooked, so it should be stored carefully.
Freezing tofu is an excellent way to keep it fresh longer and postpone its expiration date.
First of all, you need to choose the right container.
Freezer bags are great for this purpose since their material won’t affect the taste of tofu.
It is also possible to freeze tofu in freezer bags, just keep in mind that it’s much more difficult to break and cut frozen food from a plastic bag.
Freezing already cut pieces of tofu in a freezer bag is a good way to store it for longer.
However, you can also use a silicone container.
Silicone is a temperature-resistant material that will not change the taste or texture of your tofu. It is also easy to clean and reuse.
Once you place the cooked tofu in the right container, place it in the freezer for later us.
How to freeze tofu?
There are several different ways to freeze tofu.
Freezing the tofu will depend on how you plan to use it later.
For example, if you want to use the tofu in a smoothie or shake, you can freeze it in cubes.
If you want to use tofu as a meat alternative for another dish, you can freeze it plain.
Freezing tofu is quite simple and takes very little time to do.
Can you freeze tofu cubes?
Yes, you can freeze tofu cubes.
To freeze tofu cubes, first cook the tofu however you like. You can fry it, bake it, or even steam it.
Make sure the tofu is completely cooked through.
Next, pat the tofu dry with paper towels or a clean dishcloth to remove excess moisture.
After patting the tofu dry, cut it into cubes and freeze.
How long cooked tofu last in the freezer?
This question is difficult to answer definitively because it depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of tofu that is cooked, how it is prepared, what it is cooked with, how it is stored after cooking, and the current freezer conditions.
Also, freezing tofu can cause it to lose some of its texture, which can cause it to be chewier and spongier.
Freezing tofu changes the taste by drawing out excess liquid.
Although the freezing process restrains harmful microorganisms to grow, it does decrease their overall flavor and quality.
Also, the freezing process can potentially change the protein in tofu.
Freezing cooked tofu can make it last longer in the freezer, but you won’t be able to freeze it indefinitely.
Tofu that is cooked fresh will usually last in the freezer for two to three months. Tofu that is frozen after being cooked will usually last in the freezer for four to six months.
If you want to freeze cooked tofu for longer than that, you can blanch it first.
Blanching tofu helps to make it last longer in the freezer.
Can you freeze unused tofu?
Yes, you can freeze unused tofu. Freezing tofu is a great way to keep the product fresh longer.
Freezing the tofu before it goes off extends its life by weeks, if not months.
The process is simple: first, cut the tofu into whatever size pieces you want. Then, put the tofu in a single layer on a plate and freeze for about an hour.
This may be all you need, but if not, this process can be repeated until the tofu is entirely frozen.
Freezing the tofu prevents it from going bad as quickly as it normally would.
Freezing tofu can help you save a lot of money if you buy it in bulk or if you like to cook with tofu often.
The main downside to freezing tofu is that it can potentially change the texture of the final dish.
In some cases, freezing tofu can make it chewy or slightly rubbery, depending on how you use it.
If you’re going to be using it in a dish with a sauce, you’ll want to thaw the tofu beforehand.
Can you freeze marinated tofu?
Yes, you can freeze marinated tofu. Freezing marinated tofu is a great way to save it for later.
When you freeze marinated tofu, make sure to place it in an airtight container or bag.
This will help to prevent freezer burn. Freezer burn can make the tofu taste bad.
It is best to freeze marinated tofu in its original marinade. This will help to keep the tofu tasting good.
If you are going to freeze marinated tofu, it is best to do so within two days of making it.
Freezing longer than two days may change the texture of the tofu, which will make it taste different.
Freezing marinated tofu for too long may also cause it to spoil.
When you are ready to eat the tofu, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, cook it as you normally would.
Can you freeze tofu scramble?
Freezing tofu scrambles is probably not the most common use of an already cooked dish, but yes, you can freeze tofu scramble.
Freezing tofu scramble makes sense if you want to make a bigger batch and plan on using it for several different dishes.
Be sure to use a nonstick surface when freezing because it will make the next step easier.
Freezing in batches can be helpful because you can thaw only what you need.
Simply place the frozen scramble in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is thawed and heated through.
Be sure to cool the scramble before freezing or you may end up with a funky texture.
If you’re in a hurry, put it in the fridge or freezer for a little bit to cool it down.
Final Thoughts
I hope that this article helps you decide what to do next with your cooked tofu.
As mentioned, you can freeze tofu after cooking so there is nothing to worry about the leftovers.
If you want to learn more about freezing foods, feel free to visit my guide here.
