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7 Things To Know About Frozen Tofu

Need at "meaty," vegan dish? You need to use frozen tofu! It's the #1 step to getting a chewier and flavorful tofu.

Large chunks of pan-fried firm tofu
by Aly Michell Dated: May 8, 2020 Last Modified: August 28, 2023 15 Comments
3016 shares
(This post may have affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.)
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Jump to:
  • 1 - Freezing Tofu Will Make It More Porous 
  • 2 - Freezing Tofu Makes It Easier To Press 
  • 3 - Freezing Tofu Can Keep For Longer 
  • 4 - Freezing Tofu Will Make It Firm And Stable 
  • 5 - Freezing Tofu Will Make Marinating Easier 
  • 6 - Freezing Tofu Slightly Changes The Flavor 
  • 7 - Freezing Tofu Creates A Crispier Exterior  
  • How To Freeze Tofu
  • How To Freeze Tofu
  • Frozen Tofu FAQ 

Frozen tofu is the perfect vessel for a "meaty," flavorful, versatile plant-based recipes.

A good block of tofu is nothing more than a blank canvas, or sponge, needing some extra help to get things going in the right direction. 

I remember the first time I tried tofu, I chucked the whole thing into the trashcan, I know, wasteful. But I started it all wrong - I didn’t even bother to tik-tap on my computer’s keyboard to figure out how to handle tofu.

Growing up in a Puerto Rican household where the word “tofu” wasn’t even in our vocabulary, I didn’t have the slightest clue on how to cook tofu. 

Long story shorty, I plopped a block of watery tofu onto a pan and expected it to turn into a delicious roast or something. I clearly didn’t know what I was doing. 

After several years of going “this crap is gross” to “this is the most delicious thing ever,” there are a few things I had to learn along the way.

Here are 7 Things To Know About Frozen Tofu - so you can hit the fast-forward button and skip the awkward what-the-hell-am-I-doing stages I went through. 

1 - Freezing Tofu Will Make It More Porous 

A closeup to the inside of a cooked, previously frozen tofu. Showing how sponge-like it becomes after being frozen and thawed.

Tofu is made of soft bean curds and water. When you freeze a block of tofu, the water becomes ice, which expands and helps creates sponge-like pores. 

This is a good thing - and we’ll get into why further into this list (see #5). 

2 - Freezing Tofu Makes It Easier To Press 

Pressing tofu can be a tedious process, especially if you don’t have a tofu press.

Fortunately, when tofu has been frozen and thawed, pressing will be a breeze - no special equipment needed. 

After the frozen tofu block has been thawed, place it between the back of two flat plates.

Simply press the plates together to release the excess liquid. Do this a few times until the block is dry enough to your liking. 

This takes just a few minutes to do. 

3 - Freezing Tofu Can Keep For Longer 

Everything has an expiration date - including tofu. Your average block of tofu keeps for about 2 months after the production date. However, it’s always a good idea to check the expiration date.

Freezing tofu can significantly expand its “shelf” life, as long as its properly stored and kept a constant 0°F temperature. 

If your tofu smells unusual - toss it out. A healthy block of tofu hardly has a smell and it should never cause your nose to wiggle in repulsion. 

4 - Freezing Tofu Will Make It Firm And Stable 

Up close look at tofu's structure after frozen, thawed, and then cooked

Sure, freezing a block of tofu can add an extra step, but it’s worth it. One of those “worth it” reasons is that this process creates a firmer and more stable block of tofu. 

This means that your flimsy tofu becomes “meatier” and chewier - bringing you into a whole new world of recipe options. 

If you were struggling with the mushy structure of most plant-based proteins (think lentils, beans, and peas), a previously frozen tofu block will be your next favorite thing. 

5 - Freezing Tofu Will Make Marinating Easier 

So in reason #1, we mentioned how freezing tofu will make it more porous. So what’s so great about that? 

Well, that greatness is called “flavor opportunities.” 

With the absence of the excess liquid and a porous foundation from the expanded ice during the freezing process, the sponge-like tofu block makes marinating and the introduction of sauces much more inviting. 

When you use tofu that has not been previously frozen, you’ll find that the marinades are hardly efficient at penetrating the interior of the tofu.

You’ll typically have a flavored exterior, with a bland interior - no matter how long you press and marinade. The fresh tofu just doesn’t have the benefit of expanded pores like frozen tofu does. 

6 - Freezing Tofu Slightly Changes The Flavor 

Marinades aside, fresh and frozen tofu has a mild flavor. However, there’s a slight smell and flavor distinction between the two. 

Personally, I find that fresh tofu smells almost clay-like. Others may describe the taste or smell as a mild bean or nutty flavor. 

When the frozen tofu has been thawed, I find the smell changes slightly to more of an umami flavor - but I haven't dug deeper into this and haven’t found any resources explaining it. 

Keep in mind, the smell of tofu should never be off-putting, strong, or have a “fishy” smell.  

7 - Freezing Tofu Creates A Crispier Exterior  

Crispy, golden tofu cubes or nuggets that have been cooked pan-fried from frozen.

The rule of thumb for pan-frying just about anything is that its exterior needs to be as dry as possible.

This is true for meat and it’s true for tofu - if you’re looking for a golden-brown, crispy outside. 

So what does this have to do with freezing? Well, as we mentioned in #1, thawed frozen tofu will release more moisture, making a crispier texture achievable. 

Tip: After thawing frozen tofu, release excess water by pressing, pan-fry on each side until golden, THEN add the marinade.   

How To Freeze Tofu

Block of frozen tofu
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

How To Freeze Tofu

Frozen tofu needs to get more attention! It's great for achieving a "meaty" texture, while helping marinades vein througout the tofu. Freeze that tofu block and make something delicious!
Freeze1 day d
Total Time1 day d
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Tofu
Servings: 4
Author: Aly Michell
Cost: $2

Equipment

  • 1 freezer

Ingredients

  • 1 Block Tofu

Instructions

  • Either keep the fresh tofu in the original packaging, or remove the tofu and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the tofu block for at least 24 hours. Tofu may be kept frozen for longer.
  • When the tofu is done freezing, it's time to thaw. Remove tofu block from the freezer and go for 1 out of are 3 ways to thaw or defrost frozen tofu.

Thaw Frozen Tofu On Countertop

  • You can thaw frozen tofu on the countertop at room temperature. It will take about 6 hours or so, depending on a few factors.

Thaw Frozen Tofu In The Refrigerator

  • Chuck your frozen tofu into the refrigerator to thaw overnight or during the day. This defrosting method will take about 8 hours or so.

Thaw Frozen Tofu In The Microwave

  • If you need your frozen tofu to thaw ASAP, you can zap it in the microwave. This method will take about 8-12 minutes. Check on it to see if has been completely thawed in the middle.
  • Once the frozen tofu has been thawed all the way through, allow cooling for a couple of minutes, as it will be too hot to handle.

Turn that block of frozen tofu into a juicy, crispy chunks of tofu nuggets.


Frozen Tofu FAQ 

How Do You Defrost or Thaw Frozen Tofu? 

There are three ways to defrost or thaw your frozen block of tofu. 

  1. In the refrigerator 
  2. Leave out on the counter 
  3. Microwave for a few minutes 

The fastest way to thaw frozen tofu is by opting to microwave for a few minutes. I find that it takes about 10-12 minutes to completely thaw a block of frozen tofu.

However, I suggest allowing the tofu to cool after microwaving, for safer handling and pressing. 

Thawing in the refrigerator may take a day or so. On the counter, it will take several hours. 

Do I Need To Remove Tofu Block From Packaging Before Freezing? 

There is no need to remove the tofu block from the packaging before freezing. Leave it as is and chuck it into the freezer. 

However, it’s also fine to remove the tofu block from its packaging and transfer to a freezer-safe container or reusable silicone bag. 

Will My Frozen Tofu Explode In the Freezer? 

Nope, it will not explode.

Although your frozen tofu will slightly increase in size when the water transforms into ice, it’ll expand. 

How Do I Press Frozen Tofu? 

The cool thing about frozen tofu is that you do not need any special equipment to press the water. All you need is the back of two plates and simply press them together. 

You may even use your hands and squeeze both sides. However, plates may be more efficient at providing balanced ad even pressure for releasing the excess liquid. 

How Long Is Frozen Tofu Good For? 

You can freeze a tofu block for a minimum of 8 hours to enjoy the benefits of frozen tofu. Additionally, tofu may be kept frozen for months 

According to the USDA, food properly stored at a constantly at 0°F will always be safe to consume, as this temperature “prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and foodborne illness.”

Is It Necessary To Freeze Tofu? 

Nope, not necessary - but it depends on your cooking goals. For example, if you simply want to make a breakfast tofu scramble, it’s better to use fresh tofu to get more of an “eggy” rather than “meaty” texture.

What Are Some Recipes Using Frozen Tofu? 

Tofu nuggets on a platter with a white dipping sauce placed in the middle
  • How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken
  • Avocado “Chicken” Salad 
  • Butter “Chicken”
  • Braised Chipotle Inspired Sofritas  
  • Tofu Nuggets

Is It Normal For Frozen Tofu To Turn Brown After Freezing? 

Yes, it is completely normal for frozen tofu to turn a light brown or beige color. 

What Type Of Tofu Should I Freeze? 

Regular, firm, and extra-firm tofu work really well when frozen. Silken may be used, but it will yield a softer texture, even when frozen. 

If you want to get started with eating plant-based on a budget, check out our frugal plant-forward guide!

3016 shares
Category: All, Plant-Based Food Guides

About Aly Michell

Previous Post:Collage with 3 plant-based quarantine snacks including homemade potato chips, chocolate muffins, and baked aloo tikki or "potato cakes"Healthy Plant-Based Quarantine Snacks
Next Post:6-Ingredient Sweet Potato Tofu ScrambleSweet potato tofu scramble with beans and tortilla on the side.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matteo

    April 02, 2025 at 9:02 am

    Froze my tofu for first time but have been eating it for 50 years, couldn’t believe the beautiful taste change it made. I’m disabled so I can’t cook every day, but when I finally got to my pressed and cubed tofu in my Mongolian marinade for a few days, I made the slurry and mixed it with the tofu. It was two days later before I could cook it, thought it would not be good, it was a great dish, I don’t recommend this way but even the leftovers were delicious. I know it’s very unconventional how I have to cook, but sometimes there is no choice.

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      April 05, 2025 at 6:38 am

      So glad you enjoyed it! Freezing tofu really does bring out a new flavor. I love how you made the recipe work for you—sometimes the unconventional way turns out just as delicious. Thanks for sharing your experience!

      Reply
  2. Pam licht

    September 15, 2023 at 5:06 am

    5 stars
    Good Morning from Central Florida. This article on freezing tofu was wonderful. I’m new at Vegan so I’m still hunting for advice 😍👍🏻. Last night I tried air frying tofu that had been frozen. I used herbs and spices and lightly dusted with cornstarch. The outside was ok but dry and rubbery inside. What do you suggest. I’m trying to use less oil in my recipes. Thank you so much ‼️

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      September 15, 2023 at 5:24 am

      Sorry to hear the tofu came out rubbery for you. It should be chewy, however, I understand the texture from frozen tofu is not everyone's favorite. How long was the tofu cooked for in the air fryer? The longer it cooks, the drier it becomes. You can also go for a marinated tofu to seal in more moisture, or use frozen tofu in stews and soups.

      Reply
  3. Aly Michell

    February 27, 2023 at 9:24 am

    Hi Sarah, I haven't tried boiling my tofu to thaw. Would that add more water to the block? I'd say try it out and see what it does for you!

    Reply
  4. Diane Putnam

    May 14, 2022 at 8:49 pm

    5 stars
    For me, tofu has just seemed like a "filler" in Asian dishes, or, I've added it to spaghetti sauce when I didn't have any meat. The bright white is a bit off-putting, though, so being able to marinate it after frying will be great. I can't wait to try this! I've just put firm tofu on my Fred Meyer shopping list. 😉

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      May 16, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      There's so much that can be done with tofu! I recommmend checking out our other tofu recipes: vegan "chicken" tofu noodle soup, tofu scramble, and vegan tofu "butter chicken." Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Lady Preston

    January 16, 2022 at 12:10 am

    5 stars
    Attempting to cook Tofu for the first time. Looking forward to trying the tips out, especially marinating after frying. Definitely didn't see that one coming.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      January 16, 2022 at 7:57 am

      Let us know how it comes out once you try it out! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Barb

    January 14, 2022 at 10:53 am

    Great article!
    Just want to add that frozen tofu is also awesome when it is grated and used like ground beef in chili and tacos and sloppy joes. Adds that mouth feel and chew that are often missing in plant based foods. One pound of tofu become 1/2 pound after freezing, thawing and grating.

    Reply
  7. Miss

    April 13, 2021 at 11:18 am

    I feel like I've been doing it all wrong. No wonder I'm not a tofu fan when I'm the chef. I can't wait to try this method. Marinate after frying, seems so werid!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      April 14, 2021 at 11:02 am

      Frying first definitely makes a difference! Let me know how it goes. Also, one of my favorite tofu recipes is my tofu nugget recipe - so good! Hope you try it out. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Donna Moore

    March 29, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Great teaching aid!!
    Love it!

    Reply
  9. Shanna

    March 17, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    Hi there! Going to try for the first time. I froze my tofu, then defrosted in the fridge. It’s been sitting there a couple of days. Do you know how long it is safe to still consume? The date is still fine, I just don’t know about the fridge to freezer to fridge move. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      March 17, 2021 at 9:04 pm

      It should be fine if it's still in its package and within the noted expiry date.

      Reply
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Hi, My name is Aly Michell! I create plant-based recipes that are easy, accessible, using everyday cookware.

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