Can you freeze tofu?

Water inside tofu freezes into crystals that push the soy protein aside, and when it thaws the water drains out and leaves a network of holes. The result is chewier, firmer and far more absorbent than fresh tofu, which is why some cuisines freeze it deliberately. Press the thawed block to squeeze the water out and it takes marinade all the way through instead of only on the surface. Silken tofu does not benefit; it collapses.

How to do it properly

1. Drain the block, then freeze it whole in its packet or in a bag
2. Thaw in the fridge or in warm water
3. Press firmly between plates or in a towel to expel the water
4. Cube, marinate, and fry or bake — it will now brown properly

What goes wrong

• Silken and soft tofu disintegrate rather than turning spongy
• The colour turns slightly beige, which is normal

Other "can you freeze" questions

• Can you freeze cheese? It depends — Yes, and it stays safe indefinitely — but hard cheese comes out crumbly and soft cheese comes out wet.
• Can you freeze milk? Yes — Yes — leave headspace for expansion and shake it hard after thawing.
• Can you freeze eggs? It depends — Not in the shell. Beat them first, or freeze whites on their own.
• Can you freeze bread? Yes — Yes — freezing is the best way to store bread, far better than the fridge.
• Can you freeze bananas? Yes — Yes — peel and slice them first, because the peel turns black and welds itself on.
• Can you freeze cooked rice? Yes — Yes, and freezing quickly is the safest way to keep leftover rice.
• Can you freeze raw chicken twice? It depends — Only if it thawed in the fridge and never got above 4 °C (40 °F).
• Can you freeze breast milk? Yes — Yes — freeze it flat in bags, and use within six months for best quality.
• Can you freeze avocado? It depends — Yes, but only as a purée — frozen slices go grey and watery.
• Can you freeze soup? It depends — Yes for most soups; cream, milk and potato-based ones separate or go grainy.
• Can you freeze butter? Yes — Yes — butter freezes better than almost anything else in the fridge.
• Can you freeze cooked pasta? Yes — Yes — undercook it slightly and toss it in oil first, or it thaws into a solid block.