Freezing Tofu

Freezing tofu is a very simple process that far too many people seem confused about. It changes the texture of the tofu and makes it absorb flavor much better. It also keeps practically forever which is good if you aren't cooking for too many people or if you don't use tofu very often. To aid the confused people, I made a quick photo tutorial for a lazy person to freeze tofu.


First cut your tofu into serving size chunks. I'm usually only cooking for one or two people so I can get 4-6 pieces per 14 oz container.







Next place each piece in a bag to freeze. You can use fancy ziploc bags but I use sandwich bags because they're cheaper and they work just as well.

Alternately, you could freeze the pieces on a piece of wax or parchment paper.



Tie a knot (or seal) the top of each bag. Since you didn't drain or press the tofu there will be some liquid in the bag, don't worry about it. Put the bags in the freezer.







When your tofu is hard and frozen, it's ready to be used. It naturally changes color when it freezes, the yellow tinge does not indicate spoilage. Rip or cut open the bag. You are now left with a choice between several methods to defrost your tofu.

My preferred method is to microwave the tofu in 1-2 minute increments until it is defrosted (around 3-4 minutes for my size pieces). Be careful, parts of the tofu may be freezing cold while others will be hot enough to burn you.


Other choices for defrosting include leaving your tofu in the refrigerator overnight to defrost or leaving it out on a counter. You can also boil it in water or broth.

After your tofu is defrosted, drain water and press out any excess with a paper towel between your hands. Then slice and cook your tofu as desired.

I've also frozen tofu in bite size pieces/slices but it's just more of a pain for me since I then have to spread them all out on a sheet to freeze so they don't stick.


As a heads up, no lunch on Monday. I have off from school for Columbus Day. I will probably be home doing homework and makeup work all day since I will be missing a week of school when I go to China in less than a month from now!

I'm already thinking about eating vegan in China. It's going to be tough since it's a school organized trip and all the meals are pre-planned and are all Chinese food. My teacher said that they have planned three meat and two vegetable dishes at every meal, but I know a lot of people consider chicken with broccoli to be a vegetable dish. I plan on bringing nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and peanut butter in my suitcase. The hotel we're staying at also supposedly has American and Chinese breakfast, which I'm hoping means that there will be cereal. I'm a fairly adventurous eater when I get the chance so I really will try anything if I think it's vegan.