Two years ago, I received the happiest news in my life; my pregnancy. Craving for something, especially food is part of pregnancy. During that period, I wanted to eat tofu almost every day. I don’t know why I desired for such when it was just plain, bland, and boring type of food. But who cares? I’m pregnant and I did things my way. But I remember one problem I had to satisfy my liking; and that is keeping tofu in the fridge for a longer time.
Why go to the supermarket every time you want to add tofu to your menu? Many households are scared that they might end up rotting their tofu if they’d place them in the fridge for a long time. However, that’s just a wrong idea that most people believe until now.
Freezing tofu might give you a new preference and it might suit your liking. It’s an easy process that you can also improve eventually. The consistency and taste change and for some, make a better addition to their family’s table.
Firstly, we have to know different ways on how to freeze tofu the right way. If you notice, tofu is always soaked in water when we buy them from the supermarket. It’s much better to remove the water thoroughly to refrain from having pockets of ice when freezing.
After draining, place tofu on layers of paper towels to make sure that it’s dry. Don’t forget to cover them with another layer of paper towels. This process will definitely remove even a small amount of liquid from it.
I know it sounds too much, but this simple way will stop tofu from making small holes. Those tiny holes aren’t bad at all. However, they can make the tofu unstable and soggy and might ruin the consistency that you’re looking for.
Putting heavy kitchen utensils on top of covered tofu can definitely drain it. Some people press them gently to remove the moisture. This process won’t take much of your time since it can only be done around 15-30 minutes.
If you don’t have enough time to dry out your tofu, don’t worry! You can freeze it right after purchasing it which means, throwing the whole package in the freezer. The effect of this manner is a much softer tofu but it won’t ruin its taste.
Whether you choose the first or the second way, one should know that the texture and color will definitely change; from its whitish color, to a yellowish one. When it comes to its texture, it’s chewier and can be compared with ground beef, which is perfect for vegetarians. Having said that, it’s much better if we don’t use it for dips, smoothies, and spreads because thawed tofu has a chunky consistency.
Tofu is known to replace meat for vegetarians. Freezing it is not just for later serving but it can actually make the tofu moisture-free. It’s perfect for stir-fried recipes, salad toppings, stew, and even as sandwich filling.
How to freeze tofu?
- From the package, cut the cover then drain it.
- When it’s completely drained, you can place it in the fridge right away. For other options, put them in layers of plastic wrap or you can use a freezer bag.
- Let it freeze for several hours depending on the freezer you use.
Preserving tofu
- Place tofu in a clean storage.
- Fill it with fresh water then cover it properly.
- Replace water ‘till you use them.
Tips and reminders:
- Keep in mind that frozen tofu can last up to 5 months.
- It’s safe to store tofu in an uncovered pack.
- Freezing a cheap brand of tofu won’t have a big difference from the expensive ones.
Tofu can either be enjoyed in breakfast or even dessert. Here are some recipes that you can try:
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Tofu?
Tofu is a versatile and healthy protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. But what do you do when you have extra tofu? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover tofu:
- Stir fry it – Tofu is a great addition to any stir fry. Just add it in with your favorite vegetables, and you’ll have a quick and easy meal in no time.
- Make a soup – Tofu can also be used to make a delicious and healthy soup. Just add it to your favorite soup recipe, and you’ll have a hearty meal in no time.
- Bake it – Tofu can be baked into a variety of dishes. Try baking it into casseroles, lasagna, or even pizza. Just get creative and see what you can come up with!
- Make a dip – Tofu can also be used to make a variety of dips. Just add it to your favorite dip recipe, and you’ll have a tasty snack that everyone will love.
- Use it as a meat replacement – Tofu can be used as a meat replacement in many dishes. Try using it in tacos, chili, or even spaghetti. Just get creative and see what you can come up with!
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover tofu. Next time you find yourself with extra tofu, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Spicy Sofritas Tofu Vegie Bowls
Think about the different kinds of spices, herbs, and sauces that you can pour over your tofu. This recipe is just like that. This tofu dish is very flavorful, slightly fried, then slowly simmered in spicy tomato sauce with spicy chipotle, and poblano.
Vegie bacon
Faking tofu to bacon is possible. By marinating thawed tofu and deep frying, it can have a close-to-bacon-consistency. Aside from deep frying, you can also opt to bake it in the oven or even in the microwave.
Tofu and vegetable curry with rice
Imagine the tofu soaked in coconut milk with red curry broth. This dish is both sweet and savory, which shows the versatility of tofu. This hearty Indian cuisine is far from being boring.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze tofu. This is perfect if you want to extend the shelf life of your tofu and store it for longer (for future use). It also comes in handy when you need to make a dish that requires crumbled or diced tofu. After storing them, be sure to thaw the required amount before cooking with it. Follow these simple steps on how to freeze tofu: make sure you drain it first (wrap its water inside many layers of paper towel), put them in an airtight container (or bag) and place back in the freezer.
Now that you know how to freeze your tofu, please share your experience with me in the comment section below.