How To Defrost Tofu Quickly

by Penny Alba

Introduction

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.

How long does tofu take to defrost?

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.

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 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.

Do you need to defrost frozen tofu?

Once frozen, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator. (If you froze a whole block and are anxious to use it, you can do as this Serious Eats recipe recommends, and simmer the frozen block in water for 15 minutes before cubing.

Is frozen tofu OK to eat?

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.

Can you boil tofu to defrost?

If youre in a rush to defrost tofu, you can run warm tap water over the container to defrost it faster. Once you can remove the tofu from the container, you can microwave or boil the tofu to speed up the defrosting.

Can I eat tofu raw?

While tofu comes in a variety of textures ” silken, firm, and extra firm ” technically any of them can be eaten raw. Before enjoying raw tofu, drain off any excess liquid from the packaging. Its also important to store tofu properly to prevent germs from growing on any unused portions.

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!

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.

Conclusion

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.

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