Freezing foods is a storage must for people all over the world. It’s the easiest way to preserve some leftovers: just pop them in your freezer, and thaw them when you want them.
But freezing can have interesting effects on some foods. If you’re a tofu lover, it’s natural to wonder what happens to tofu if you freeze it.
Is tofu ruined by freezing? Can you store leftovers in the freezer, and if so, for how long? Those are questions we’ll answer for you here.
What Happens to Tofu if You Freeze It?
Freezing something as delicate as tofu – even the extra firm stuff – can seem a little strange. You might be worried that you’ll turn your tofu into a gelatinous mess by doing so.
Fortunately, that’s not at all what will happen. Freezing tofu can actually be great for its texture. Pressing tofu also works. We’ve listed best tofu press as well in case you’re new to pressing tofu and want to buy one.
Tofu that has been frozen will be even chewier. It will even be able to soak in the flavor of marinades better.
Of course, you also get the added benefit of increased shelf life when you freeze your tofu, too.
Read Also: Can You Press Tofu Overnight or in Advance?
Can You Freeze Tofu After Cooking It?
You know now that you can freeze tofu as-is to preserve it. But things change once the tofu is cooked; it takes on a brand-new texture and flavor. Is it still okay to freeze cooked tofu, or will the texture and flavor be tarnished?
The good news is, you can absolutely freeze cooked tofu. It will still retain its flavor and texture once it has been thawed.
From there, you can choose to warm it up again or simply eat it cold. It’s entirely dependent on your own personal preferences.
How Long Can You Freeze Tofu?
Freezing your tofu greatly extends its shelf life. Your tofu can last up to three months in the freezer.
This is perfect for you if you’re not able to finish an entire block at one time. Those extra few months will give you ample time to come up with other ways to use the leftovers.
You Might Also Like: What is the Best Type of Tofu for Grilling?
What Happens if Tofu Goes Bad?
So how do you do know once your frozen tofu has gone bad? There are, fortunately, a few ways to tell that your tofu is now a no-go.
The first is that it has been more than three months since the tofu went into your freezer. In the event too much time has passed, simply dispose of it to prevent any unnecessary risks.
Second, you can check the smell of the tofu once it has thawed sufficiently. Bad tofu has a very distinct sour odor, which we think kind of smells like feet.
In some cases, you may even see a bluish-green mold on the surface of the tofu. If you spot that mold, definitely toss it.
Read Also: What Kind of Tofu is Best for Soup?
Wrap Up
You’re not always able to eat all of your food at once, but scraping it into the garbage seems wasteful. Freezing is a wonderful way to get the most use out of your food, allowing you to preserve it for as long as possible.
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By freezing your tofu, you extend its shelf life by months, so you have more time to use it up. Best of all, freezing it will not ruin its texture and flavor.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
