Can You Freeze Tofu?

Tofu is a protein made from soybeans through a similar process to cheese making. But can you freeze tofu and how is it affected if you do?

What is tofu?

Tofu is made from soy beans that are soaked then pressed to create a 'milk' which is then curdled in a similar way to cheese. It's a super helpful ingredient because it's a blank canvas that absorbs any flavour you put it in. 

It's also a great source of protein, cooks quickly, and it's virtually fat-free! So tofu is an excellent ingredient to have to hand when you want to cook something quick and nutritious. 

It's important to note that there are a few different tofu types, so each kind freezes differently. Though overall, the freezing process is the same.

You can find out lots more about tofu and the different kinds here >>> Tofu: everything you need to know

Freezing Tofu FAQs

• Can you freeze tofu?
• How to prepare tofu for the freezer
• What is the best container to store frozen tofu?
• How long can you freeze tofu?
• How do you defrost frozen tofu? 
• What can I cook with frozen tofu?

Can you freeze tofu?

Yes! The types of tofu you can freeze are;

• Silken tofu
• Firm tofu
• Extra-firm tofu
• Smoked tofu
• Tofu puffs
• Some brands of marinated tofu pieces.

There are other kinds of tofu, like dried tofu knots or tofu sheets, but these types of tofu come in a dehydrated format, so you can keep them in the cupboard.

How to prepare tofu for the freezer

Check your tofu:

Before you freeze your tofu, you should check that it is within date and in good condition. You shouldn't freeze any tofu that has been sitting open in the fridge for days, as it won't be at its best.

Slice, steam or press?

Some people freeze their tofu in an entire block, while others freeze individual slices, and there are benefits to both. 

Storing slices of tofu makes it easier to remove individual portions. Whereas I find freezing a block saves space and gives tofu an even meatier texture because there is more water content to expand within the tofu. So the choice is yours!

Pressing your tofu before freezing it isn't necessary, as the freezing process helps draw water from the tofu anyway. But it won't hurt, so feel free to press your tofu before freezing if you want to help the process of water loss along.

Optional: When tofu freezes, the water inside expands and stretches out the sponge-like texture, making the tofu more porous. Some people choose to steam their tofu before freezing it to help set the tofu structure and, in theory, encourage the tofu to resist stretching a little more. 

Silken tofu:

It's best to freeze silken tofu in the whole block or as large pieces. Silken tofu has a delicate texture due to its high water content, so it's difficult to slice or handle it in smaller pieces. 

Firm tofu, extra-firm tofu and smoked tofu:

Firm tofu, extra-firm tofu and smoked tofu have similar textures and water content. They're more firm than silken tofu, so you can slice these kinds of tofu before freezing, or you can freeze them as an entire block.

Tofu puffs:

Tofu puffs are pre-cooked cubes of tofu that are usually sold frozen. So if you've bought frozen tofu puffs, you'll need to put them in the freezer as they come. If you've purchased refrigerated tofu puffs, you should check the packet information to see if you can freeze them.

Marinated tofu pieces:

Marinated tofu pieces are pre-cooked marinated tofu strips, though sometimes they come uncooked. Some brands advise that you shouldn't freeze their tofu pieces, so check your packet information.

What is the best container to store frozen tofu?

You can use an airtight container like a lunchbox or a sandwich bag to freeze any kind of tofu. However, if you're freezing silken tofu, it's best to use a lunchbox as it's too delicate for a sandwich bag.

If you're freezing your tofu in slices, it's a good idea to layer pieces of baking paper between your tofu slices to stop them from sticking together.

How long can you freeze tofu?

You can usually store tofu in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, this can depend on the brand and style of tofu, so it's always best practice to consult your package for the safest storage information.

How do you defrost frozen tofu? 

The best way to defrost frozen tofu is to place it on a covered plate and leave it in the fridge for 4-8 hours.

It's also a good idea to put a piece of kitchen paper underneath the tofu, as a lot of water will escape the tofu as it defrosts. 

Excess water will escape defrosting tofu because the water expands when it's frozen and stretches the tofu out. As a result of the stretching, the frozen tofu develops a spongier texture and bigger air pockets that don't cling to liquid as effectively as raw tofu.

What can I cook with frozen tofu?

As I said, frozen tofu becomes a little more spongy than raw tofu. So freezing tofu makes it meatier, making it ideal for many different recipes. 

• Frozen and defrosted tofu is perfect for curries because it's even better at absorbing the sauce's flavour without falling apart! So why not try my No-chicken, tofu-lickin' curry (great for kids)? 
• Or for the grown-ups, you could try my Thai green curry with yoghurt and tofu!
• With its meatier texture, frozen tofu is ideal for my Tofu fingers recipe for something like vegan chicken nuggets. 
• Or you could make the most of frozen tofu's more spongy texture and marinate it to pack in some extra flavour in these Creamy tofu and vegetable vegan mini pies.

Or for more detailed information on how to prepare tofu for cooking, see my tofu information page!