Why you should FREEZE your tofu! +3 Tasty Recipes

[@andreawalker7138]

"Why do meat eaters always season their food with plants?" Haha, I love it. Love your videos and recipes!

[@deancooling3480]

They started this in Japan traditionally. They'd bury it out in the snow. Bring it inside to thaw and then into the snow again, several times. They called it snow-dried tofu.

[@carlypastore]

I wish Derrick and Crystal could tour the US in a burrito and tofu food truck

[@Simnettnutrition]

That would be so fun!

[@kpstardust8974]

Yes!!

[@terrykepner3544]

You have my vote!!

[@sudden_skys]

@@SimnettnutritionI volunteer as taste dummy!

[@teresahudson8003]

Are you using firm or extra firm tofu? Sorry you may have mentioned it.

[@Golden3000997]

A friend of mine introduced me to this years ago. She froze it and squeezed it and then sauteed with spices like italian sausage. She put it on pizza and guests couldn't tell it wasn't actually Italian sausage on the pizza! :)

[@lisamarielindenschmidt649]

Love freezing tofu for an alternative texture. Another great way to use it is to crumble and use it as a "ground meat" kinda thing (i.e., for tacos, protein prep for lasagna or spaghetti, etc.). Adding a little nootch is also lovely in the marinade! (I would have added it in with the panko crumbs actually.) That last idea looks like it would have been amazing on a sandwich!

[@DougHall]

My dear fellow, another bangin' ep. On breadcrumbing - one hand stays dry, one hand does the wet. Bingo, no more breadcrumbs clagging your hands. Peace 🙏

[@helenlucka]

I never thought about pressing the tofu into the marinade! I always learn something new when I watch your videos! Thank you for sharing it with us

[@Simnettnutrition]

I am glad you learned something!

[@phillippinter7518]

BTW for anyone who would like to know this sponge texture thing also works with chickpea and lentil tofu I've done it several times, actually by accident because I often freeze food after batch prepping and I noticed it's firm and spongy when I unfreeze it

[@Simnettnutrition]

Good to know! thank you :)

[@mzzzol]

Wow Thanks for the Tip.

[@momloveshorses1084]

I've never seen lentil or chickpea tofu. Do you make your own?

[@phillippinter7518]

@MomLovesHorses yes. There are many (like 100s) tutorials for it online including on this channel.

[@calisongbird]

@@phillippinter7518 very cool! I’d never heard of those either.

[@ima7333]

I froze my tofu when i don’t have time to cook it. Then squeeze it, slice it & sous vide it with some soy sauce, gochujang & a wee bit of sugar/maple syrup for sweetness & shine for 30min. My son would eat 4 slices of it with a heap of sautéed veggies on a mountain of freshly steamed mixed grain rice. So so good.

[@ScottishLass1950]

Hi Derek, I've never even bought the plain tofu once I bought smoked tofu and it was lovely. BUT! I just made the breaded tofu in my air fryer and it was delicious. Thank you so much for teaching us all the different ways of cooking with plain tofu your way - I'll try the ginger one is next on my list. Thank you so so much for your wonderful recipes for all that you do for us.😉. x

[@linzertube]

I do freeze my tofu, sometimes, since I saw Mary’s Test Kitchen do it a couple of years back. It is kinda cool how it changes the texture and makes it super easy to drain the water from it, as you showed, but, I mostly eat it straight from the grocery. I just love tofu and I don’t get too fancy with it.

[@beardwaxer]

I used to freeze tofu for years until last month when I was in a hurry and didn't have the time to freeze it, so I made fried tofu in cornstarch. It tasted even better than when it was frozen. I then tried it again with another brand, but it wasn't as good. So I guess it depends on the brand as well. But definitely, it's good advice to freeze tofu because 9 out of 10 times, it will taste better than unfrozen tofu.

[@BethShearon]

Thank you! Yes I freeze my tofu but I have never dredged it -- looks like that's going to be my next :)

[@josephr9551]

Yes I have frozen my tofu and I stir fry it with sliced onion and a variety of seasonings depending on my mood. Cook until caramelized. So delicious beside rice and boiled plantains.

[@marly1869]

I froze tofu already cut into portions like your last recipe, and I froze them on parchment paper and once they were frozen, I placed them in a Tupperware receptacle for storage in the freezer. Every time I want to have a couple of slices of them or if I want the whole thing, I just take it out of the freezer and it’s already cut. I tried it very similar seasoning to your first one and air fried them.. oh my.. delicious!!!! Thank you for the tips! Will try your first recipe 😋😋😋

[@alidapc]

I have frozen tofu in their original containers. Lately, I've been making your red lentil tofu & I was thinking of trying to freeze some of it & test it out otherwise I eat tofu several days in a row when I make it.

[@sudden_skys]

I’m not a vegan but I’ve always loved your videos because it gives me cool things to try! Definitely gonna fry some tofu and put it in a Japanese curry. 🍛

[@FoodWitch3973]

I always freeze my tofu partly because i buy it in bulk at Costco and throw it all in the freezer. But i have experienced it is more chewy and ansorbs flavor well. I enjoy the texture. Also i have had the frozen pressed tofu boiled in salt water and added to a Indian sauce and it was really good that way too! Thanks so much for the informative videos!

[@carmenbailey1560]

This is awesome, especially because I just finished eating my wrap with tofu. I froze my tofu after seeing a video of yours, thwarted it out, marinated overnight with Soy sauce and spices you mentioned. Awesome, loved it and definitely a do over. Thanks for sharing more recipes. Wish your book was in hardcover. 👍❤️😊

[@fairwearth690]

I freeze tofu all the time, such an amazing way to improve the texture and get all the flavours of marinade into it! Some people say double freezing the tofu makes the texture even meatier, but I haven't personally found it makes much of a difference, although it might be the brand of tofu I'm using.

[@Simnettnutrition]

Oh the double freeze! Hmm I’ll have to try.

[@libbylandscape3560]

I’m learning so much from your videos on how to cook tofu, especially liked the chic pea one. Thanks! ❤

[@marshasmith3514]

Try using a crinkle cutter like for cutting veggies holds sauce better and gets more crunchy 12:53

[@mariesutherland3591]

All those looks great. You make it look so easy. I will def give freezing a try. 👍🏻

[@debsnowden4310]

I accidentally froze my tofu in my RV fridge!! So glad I saw your video before tossing it out!!! Thawed it and pan fried it in tamari (#3) and served it with a salad for tonight’s dinner. Yum yum

[@pamwalmsley1865]

Yep, always freeze my tofu. It makes a big difference…for the better. Love your channel!

[@Hyper-Linkman]

Hell yeah, looking forward to watching this one! I accidentally found this out a while back when my fridge got too cold and froze a block. Quickly realized that's one of the best hacks for tofu!

[@HipHopMovieNews]

That crunchy sound of the first recipe got me so envious.

[@paullemay3218]

I always freeze the tofu I use. Definitely a game changer. 🌱💚🇨🇦

[@barbaragarcia9862]

Love your channel. I’m new to being a vegetarian so your channel helps me alot

[@ItsLaDeeDa]

I made the Panko breaded tofu a few weeks ago and it was sooooo good!!! 100% must try recipe because it’s super easy. The frozen tofu texture is life changing. I always have a block of frozen tofu in the freezer now. Heads up for people who aren’t into spiciness, the amount of black pepper does make it a bit spicy. I don’t normally like that, but I may be converted because it was very tasty.

[@philsmith5400]

I agree about freezing tofu - been doing it for years, BUT, I've never tried your recipes - that's next! They look great!

[@matthewcacace6804]

Amazing recipes as always Derek! Thanks for all the great inspiration

[@sheilah2134]

Just tossed tofu in the freezer! Thanks for your videos; I really enjoy them.

[@kiwifeijoa]

These look yum. Great new tip about squeezing the marinade into the tofu. I've often wondered why flavoured blocks of tofu aren't sold. I'd guess that flavouring the soy milk before making tofu would put some flavour right inside the block? Anyway, your recipes look very good, definitely going to try.

[@Simnettnutrition]

Oh right, I wonder why it's never been done. I have seen flavoured tofu but usually it is just sitting in some oil and seasonings in the package. Hmmm, you might be on to something here.

[@GrantBakes]

Just made the frozen tofu nuggets. They’re great! First time freezing + thawing tofu and the texture changes in such a good way. Thanks for sharing.

[@launajorgensen7275]

Yes I’ve frozen the tofu, and had to come back and watch you again to remember how to fix it tomorrow. Thank you for these ideas, so that we can use the tofu more often. We and just six or eight months into this WFPB lifestyle, and I’m finally figuring out that it isn’t that different than carnivore,, just all different spices and and foods my ‘’meat & potatoes’’ partner is not used to. He is good at letting me know what he likes and doesn’t with the new lifestyle, and gets to have his frozen pizza about once a week. I haven’t looked for a pizza recipe yet. I’d like him to be more confident about eating this way before I attempt to compete with his frozen delights! Thank you for your channel. You have been a big help.

[@KatsaGrace1]

I am definitely going to try this now. I've heard of people freezing their tofu but just never did. I will be trying out these recipes with it as well. I'll let you know! ♥

[@Simnettnutrition]

Enjoy I hope you like it!

[@grahamshaw8884]

Love it thanks! I’ve frozen tofu a couple of times and it really makes a difference in my blackened tofu Caesar salad. After watching your video I’m throwing a couple of blocks in the freezer and definitely going to try these. Thanks again for sharing.

[@Simnettnutrition]

Thanks for watching. Ohh blackened tofu with a caesar salad sounds so good!

[@doherpa]

Great video. Going to use the last cooking method tonight!

[@richmcbride9269]

We actually just tried freezing our tofu the other day, and it was excellent! I did find that it made me a bit gassy afterwards, however 🙂

[@Simnettnutrition]

Oh interesting. I've never noticed a change there but a small price to pay for such a delicious texture. Lol. Who knows, it could have been something else too, worth trying again for sure. Maybe a different recipe this time.

[@MargaretBruno]

Try a prebiotic before??? Let us know if it works.

[@kpstardust8974]

Yes! I love your tofu videos as I never really know how to cook it, but I’m learning! making some tofu cooking gains! 😄🌱🦋🍄☮️🌎

[@melissalovesnature3370]

These recipes look so good! Definitely going to try freezing tofu!

[@darlenedevegan7401]

Freezing tofu is absolutely amazing! I learned about it only recently, several months ago. I always hated squeezing out water or waiting for it to dry out.Freezing it is easy you just take it out of the freezer into the refrigerator let it thaw, and then squeeze the water out so easy

[@debbiewalker4]

I love your recipes. I’m really looking forward to trying the first one.

[@obsidiantain]

I use chickpea or gram flour instead of what and it works super well.

[@Linkous12]

I guess I'm just not paying attention, but DEREK, when did you get 2/3rds of a million subs man? I've been watching you for years and I don't think you had nearly that many when I first started. Congrats man, you deserve it.

[@Simnettnutrition]

Slowly growin! It’s been a grind from 600k until now but it keeps climbing! 🙏🙏

[@Frualbertsson]

So fun seing you doing that thing with your eyes everytime you first taste the food. My father always does that to 😂😊

[@deedeehubler58]

I love your recipes and your show is wonderful what is that black box behind ya so yummy 😊

[@lizp.9513]

Not a huge fan of tofu tbh, but I do have some in the freezer since I had heard about freezing it a few months ago. Guess I better get cooking it now! lol. Those recipes look so good. Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@stuartblevins891]

I started freezing my tofu last year. Game changer for sure. I do like to drain the package before I freeze it though.

[@sun_flower78]

Just made the Nuggets… they are delicious 😋…..and soooo crispy! 😍

[@hardcorevegan2580]

I have never tried putting tofu in the freezer, but you just convinced me to try it😏

[@karleedu]

I am still so new to using Tofu, so this is really helpful! I have some in the freezer. I bought 4 containers of Tofu to experiment with

[@tomithot261]

Love your healthy cooking ... I'm learning a lot!

[@kels6794]

I can’t wait to try your first recipe. I have frozen tofu before and def like the results. Pretty much any air fried tofu is good in my house. 😊

[@redstrom_edm]

1:35 🤣 Good one!

[@soychelly836]

Tofu is the best it’s so versatile! Thanks for the recipes👍🏼

[@alangilbert1876]

Hi Derek and Crystal, thanks heaps for all your recipes and hard work, and last but not least; the fun presentations! 😀

[@Theexplorer-nw4sw]

I don’t know how tofu is made in the US because here in HK, our tofu varieties don’t have so much water! We simply wash and drain dry. Firm ones for marinating and frying. Soft ones are for steaming or stuffing! But we don’t treat them as meat.

[@fredallen5999]

Thankyou so much for this tid bit on freezing! will definitely give this a try!

[@sarahdee374]

ooh, I could see the first one using some fish type flavors, Old Bays or seaweed, and then some lemon and vegan tartar sauce. Derek, I sure hope we never have an onion/garlic powder shortage!!

[@Simnettnutrition]

Yes, seaweed flakes would be bomb mixed it in the wet batter!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Squeeze tofu with my hands... yup if my biceps looked like yours 😂! Thanks for these recipes! Going to initiate my new air fryer with that panko breaded one I think. Loved your defense of vegans who stopped eating meat but did not do it because they did not like the taste. Why do meat eaters flavor their meat with plants... laughed out loud!!!! Thank you for that! I definitely miss the taste of meat so anything that helps me without being too processed is a good thing.

[@DebraFlower]

Will definitely try it frozen first.

[@megantingen5997]

I like frozen tofu. Thanks for the great ideas for the tofu.❤

[@mzzzol]

I love Tofu. Im Mexican and I can make lots of Mexican recipes with Tofu. Thanks for the video.

[@MonteLeeMyPOV]

Like what?

[@mayyeung9970]

Love frozen tofu. My Mom used to cut frozen tofu into cubes and stir fry with bok choy. Delicious!

[@soultraveler1111]

Yes I have always frozen tofu Thanks for the great recipe😊👍👍

[@kaestyle]

And you nailed another one! Great video

[@laureenjohnson5570]

I have tofu in the freezer now....can't wait to try it in one of these recipes!

[@dalet455]

Never frozen toful. New to this world and what I see here will make me try. Just bought some and threw them into the freezer, not as far as you were when you tossed it. Now subscribed to see other new ideas......

[@pipapo3030]

I loove your work! The new cook book is great :)

[@lindabrown6284]

Definitely going to freeze mine and try the recipes! Thanks

[@firangele8094]

Great recipes! I just tried the red lentil tofu! My family loved it! Thank you! 🙏😎😏

[@Belaina]

I finally have a freezer now and I will definitely try these out!

[@markrh13]

Ooh will definitely be trying this! I always wondered why tofu from my favourite restaurant also seemed like almost a completely different food to when I cook with it myself. But the descriptions here sound exactly how it tastes from there. So that would be amazing if I could recreate that 😃

[@elvisoost630]

Great video as usual. I am new to the veggie lifestyle and trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible. I just bought my first tofu and have now tossed it in the freezer. Thank you for this and all of your great videos!

[@Simnettnutrition]

Way to go! It’s amazing how it just opens up the doors to experimentation in the kitchen. Ppl think it’s limiting but there are soooo many options. All the best!l and thanks for watching/commenting. Means a lot to me! 😊 Best of luck on your journey! I’ll be here for yah!

[@rowenaanderson3739]

First recipe in the stock would be great

[@willmcgregor7184]

I have tried tofu many times and was never a fan. After starting to freeze, thaw, marinade & fry, its now a protein source i eat. Eg General Tso’s stir fry or similar is yummy

[@honeyhoney1529]

It's definitely healthier than the crispy frozen vegan chicken. Will try. Looks yummy. 😋Thank you for the recipe.

[@TheAdventurousHermits]

Ok I have to say I made the nuggets twice this week.. and I'm addicted I wake up in the morning and want to eat them 😂

[@TheAdventurousHermits]

Also I know I used poultry seasoning like in the video but in the description it says Italian seasoning.

[@laurieharnicker5451]

I freeze my tofu but I have never used your recipes for making it. I think I'm going to try the first two. Thanks so much for putting out this content. I recently learned about the Portfolio Diet from a podcast and it focuses on lowering cholesterol and using tofu to do so. That's a win-win for me. I need to lower my cholesterol just a teeny bit more. And tofu apparently is something that helps with that, edamame, soy milk tempeh, tofu etc. This video couldn't have come about at a better time for me. Many thanks!

[@Simnettnutrition]

That's great! Best of luck on the rest of your health journey. :D

[@myboyboris]

I like to crumble thawed tofu into a bulgogi marinade and throw it on the smoker. It's the best fusion taco filling.

[@minkademko2335]

Yeah, i have to try these. And the freezing.

[@darlenedevegan8370]

Honestly, since I found out this trick about 2 months ago, I don't have tofu any other way. Couldn't stand using a half a roll of paper towels and the time and energy to prepare it. Just a big turn-off for me. However now I just throw the whole package in the freezer for a couple of hours, thawed in the refrigerator or the microwave, cut into four pieces and squeeze and ready to go! Super quick in the texture is way better!😊❤

[@janjones91]

Thank you for this video ... Going to try these recipes 👍

[@jackem8922]

All look great, and I've just thrown a bunch of tofu packs into my freezer. But just a small request - could you please add Celsius temperatures for those of us outside the North American continent?

[@debrawhobrey1625]

I have tried freezing. Thanks for so more great receipts.

[@barbarabruce7648]

I started my tofu journey 30 years ago and my old fridge would freeze everything so this was normal to me. I thought it was weird when it thawed but hey..it tasted good. I always do your third method and throw it in a sandwich. Seasoned differently. Nooch, salt and dried basil is a nice combo. Bbq sauce and smoked paprika for a vegan steak sandwich with caramelized onion. I will make the nugget for my kids today. That looks great. And I must add that for your second method I would do this for a stir fry and a seasoning that is amazing is chinese five spice. My kids favourite hands down. Try it ! Tastes like restaurant fancy pants tofu.😊

[@MrYaris123456]

Hey Derek!! Just watched Brians video about vivo... would love to know your thoughts:) great video as always

[@Simnettnutrition]

I thought it was a great video. He expressed a lot of concerns lots of us on Vivo have. Hopefully they see it and take note.

[@MrYaris123456]

@@Simnettnutrition so have you been floating the idea of leaving aswell and is there another company you would partner with ???

[@ivonadownunder3536]

I am so going to freeze tofu and make these “chicken” nuggets for my kids. Hopefully they like it 🤞🏼

[@mauriceatron]

"Do you want your meat to taste like plants?"...... Gold!

[@karlavgreene]

I wonder if you could drain the tofu and freeze it in the broth in a vacuum sealed bag then thaw and drain.Seems like a better way to get some flavor in there.

[@jazzkardasz8576]

Appreciate the new ways to season

[@iananderson5561]

I always freeze my tofu. It's the best!!

[@dawninthemountains]

I am totally going to try these!

[@carolannfox1644]

I freeze my tofu for use in a sheet pan stir fry. It becomes more crispy when frozen first.

[@rosedegraaf993]

Awesome video!

[@ellleigh1216]

Love this, been doing some of this with my tofu for a while now, it’s such a fun way to use tofu. Hey Derek I noticed you’ve started using oil more lately, how come the change? Nothing against it, I’ve never been able to stop using olive oil haha, just wondered if there was some nutritional benefits maybe?

[@akpopfamily907]

I have specific allergies and cannot find store bought tofu that I can eat. However, I just watched your video for red lentil tofu and plan on trying that. Now after seeing this video I would like to try these recipes with the homemade lentil tofu just curious if you have?

[@1985emmalouise]

Never tried, definitely will! Thanks Derek 😊👍