This simple process turns tofu from mushy depressing sponge to a chewy, meat-like flavorful protein source! Freezing the tofu changes the texture, making it less mushy. As a new vegetarian I simply did not like tofu until now.
Tip: I recommend preparing tofu like this in large batches (larger than I show here) and storing in the freezer until ready to use.
This recipe shows the basic steps, as well as additional steps for using the tofu in stir fry:
Ingredients:
300-400 g/14 oz. extra-firm tofu (or double or triple that amount if desired)
If using for Stir fry:
1-2 tbsp. Soy Sauce
1-2 Tbsp. Canola Oil
1/2 tsp. Salt
Directions:
Cut open the tofu pack and drain out water.
Cut the tofu block in half lengthwise (see pictures below). One at a time, press each half between two plates over a sink, draining as much water out as possible. Don't use so much force that you crush the tofu.
After draining, slice the tofu into 2 cm or 3/4 inch cubes. Place in a freezable container and freeze (8 hours, or up to 1 month)
When ready to use, thaw tofu on the countertop (about 2-3 hours) or in the microwave with the defrost setting (2-3 minutes).
Squeeze out as much of the excess water from each cube as you can. Be gentle so you don't break/crush the cubes.
Now you can use the tofu in your desired recipe!
If making stir fry: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl toss the tofu with about 1-2 tbsp. soy sauce (it should soak most of it up). Then toss with about 1-2 tbsp. oil. Finally, toss with about 1/2 tsp. salt.
Place tofu, spaced apart, on the baking tray and bake 20-25 minutes (any really small pieces will burn so take them out early.) Add to stir fry at the last minute so it maintains crispiness.
You got your block of tofu.
Cut it in half as so.
With one half at a time, squeeze between two plates to drain excess water out while holding it over a sink.
Then cut this half into cubes and repeat the process with the other half of the block.
Place your tofu in a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze.
After freezing. Now you need to thaw it out.
After thawing, squeeze excess water from each cube, gently.
After thawing and squeezing it should look like this! Now it's ready to use in your recipe!
To prepare tofu for stir fry:
Toss the processed tofu into soy sauce, oil, and salt.
Before baking.
And after baking! They might look s little burnt but that's just the soy sauce getting dark.
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