How To Defrost Frozen Tofu

by Penny Alba

Introduction

If youre draining fresh (not thawed) tofu, wrap the tofu in a dish towel. Then place a heavy object on top, such as a sheet pan, cast-iron skillet, heavy frying pan, or a combination of those to weigh down the tofu and press out the excess water.

Can you defrost tofu quickly?

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.

Can I defrost tofu in water?

If you need to quickly thaw frozen tofu, submerge it in hot water or defrost it in the microwave (as long as the package is microwave safe). Once the tofu is thawed, drain and press out the extra moisture before cooking in your favorite tofu dishes.

Can you cook tofu straight from frozen?

Once youve frozen the tofu and youre ready to cook it, simply remove it from the packaging. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, gently slip in the tofu to the pot and boil (reduce the heat to a simmer) for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can you use tofu that has been frozen?

Frozen, tofu will stay good for three months before it starts degrading in flavor and texture. You can thaw it in the fridge when youre ready to use it, drain it, and make crispy tofu every time. Was this page helpful?

Should I press water out of tofu before freezing?

The first step is to drain the tofu (also called pressing tofu). Removing water from the tofu before freezing helps prevent ice from forming both on the outside of the tofu and inside.

How do you defrost tofu in boiling water?

Bring a pot of water large enough to completely submerge the tofu to a boil (a medium/large saucepan works best). Gently slip the frozen tofu block into the water. Return the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering the tofu for 15 minutes, flipping once half way through.

Why is tofu Not suitable for freezing?

Freezing tofu causes the water trapped inside tofu to expand, which enlarges these pores. Once you thaw frozen tofu, you end up with a coarser tofu texture that contains bigger holes (its as if Cheddar transformed into Swiss cheese).

How long should I squeeze the water out of tofu?

Wrap the block of tofu in a clean tea towel then put it on a large plate with a lip. Put something heavy such as a frying pan on top, weight it down further with cans and jars, and leave for 30 mins. The tofu will be about two-thirds its original thickness, and up to 100ml water will have been removed.

Can you air fry tofu from frozen?

Place the tofu block on a towel and press out the remaining water using your hands or something heavy. This should only take 30 seconds since the tofu has been frozen. Air fry an additional 3 – 8 minutes until browned and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

Conclusion

The water still in the tofu expands as it freezes, creating holes. And the frozen tofu turns this deep yellow brown color. When you are ready to cook it, start by thawing it. The traditional way is to put it in a bowl, pour boiling water over it, and let it sit until the water cools and you can handle it.

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