Why you should FREEZE your tofu! +3 Tasty Recipes

If you have never frozen your tofu, it's probably time you try it! The way it changes the texture and opens up new possibilities with this already versatile food, is AMAZING!
In this video I share with you three recipes to really showcase the amazing texture and flavour possibilities of frozen tofu. Crispy tofu nuggets, crispy garlic ginger tofu, and pan fried tamari tofu.
Let me know in the comments below if you are a tofu freezer or if you are going to try it after this video!
Thanks for watching.
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Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:27 Why Freeze Tofu
2:06 How To Freeze Tofu
2:52 How To Make Crispy Tofu Nuggets (Vegan Chicken Nuggets)
8:11 How To Make Crispy Garlic Ginger Tofu (Vegan Garlic Spare Ribs)
10:58 How To Make Easy Pan Fried Tamari Tofu
12:19 Thanks For Watching!
Crispy Breaded Tofu Nuggets
1 block of tofu cut into cubes/nuggets
200 ml veggie broth
3/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp onion powder
Wash:1/3 + 1 tbsp non dairy milk
1 tbsp flour (whole wheat)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt & pepper
1/2 - 1 cup panko breading
Directions:
1. Soak tofu nuggets in veggie broth, garlic powder, onion powder.
2. Place nuggets in the wash, coating well.3. Bread in panko bread crumbs.
4. Bake in air fryer or oven (air fryer 10 minutes flip then another 10-15 @ 350-375F)
Oven 375f for approx 25 minutes
Crispy Garlic Ginger Tofu
1 block tofu cut into cubes
In one container add:
1 tsp of toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp of tamari
In a separate container make the dry mix:
1 tbsp of arrowroot powder (can use corn starch instead)
1.5 tsp of garlic powder
1.5 tsp onion powder
1 tsp of ginger powder
Directions:1. Add tofu cubes to tamari and sesame oil, coat well. Give it some squishes to absorb the flavours in.
2. Toss tofu in dry mix. Coat well.
3. Pre heat frying pan and add a bit of toasted sesame oil
4. Pan fry each side until brown - You don’t have to get every side brown if you don’t want, but it will taste best if you do.
Pan fried tamari tofu 1 block tofu, cut into cutlets
1-2 tbsp tamari (to taste)
Directions:
1. Slice tofu into cutlets, sauté on medium heat and pour on 1 tbsp tamari. Move tofu around pan to make sure it soaks tamari up.
2. When each side is nicely cooked, remove from heat and serve.
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[@andreawalker7138]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 🙏

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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. 🍛

[@BethShearon]

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

[@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.

[@mariesutherland3591]

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

[@HipHopMovieNews]

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

[@kaestyle]

And you nailed another one! Great video

[@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!

[@traveler65]

Thanks... definitely wamt to try🥰

[@lindabrown6284]

Definitely going to freeze mine and try the recipes! Thanks

[@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.

[@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. 😊

[@debbiewalker4]

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

[@1985emmalouise]

Never tried, definitely will! Thanks Derek 😊👍

[@mart4videos]

I will definitely be trying this

[@wynonaflud4445]

Looks yummy cant wait ti try it😋

[@dawninthemountains]

I am totally going to try these!

[@jazzkardasz8576]

Appreciate the new ways to season

[@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 😃

[@Belaina]

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

[@debrawhobrey1625]

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

[@alangilbert1876]

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

[@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! 😄🌱🦋🍄☮️🌎

[@rosedegraaf993]

Awesome video!

[@fredallen5999]

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

[@23Bentley45]

Love your videos!!

[@dlzmedia2792]

Epic recipes gona do it on weekend !

[@gottastormclord2387]

I always freeze it, I need to try these recipes they look amazing

[@barbaragarcia9862]

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

[@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.

[@nanturoy3598]

Great video ❤

[@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.

[@hardcorevegan2580]

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

[@pipapo3030]

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

[@janjones91]

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

[@matthewcacace6804]

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

[@pamwalmsley1865]

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

[@melissalovesnature3370]

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

[@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.

[@firangele8094]

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

[@soultraveler1111]

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

[@megantingen5997]

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

[@paullemay3218]

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

[@philsmith5400]

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

[@laureenjohnson5570]

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

[@mayyeung9970]

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

[@soychelly836]

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

[@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. 👍❤️😊

[@sun_flower78]

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

[@leonieduplessis4467]

Thanks Derick

[@sheilah2134]

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

[@madamplant]

I totally will be trying these. Thank s so much! Have a great weekend🎉

[@Simnettnutrition]

You too! Thank you.

[@madamplant]

Whaaaaat? Can't wait to see the recipes 🎉❤

[@Simnettnutrition]

Nice! I think you'll like them. With the breaded one, you can really season the wash however you would like. I just love the herbiness of this though.

[@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

[@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

[@DebraFlower]

Will definitely try it frozen first.

[@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.

[@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 🤗

[@autumn_ghosts_]

I get so excited when I see notifications pop up that you posted a new video!

[@Simnettnutrition]

Thank you! I'm gonna try and get out of the kitchen for next weeks. Lol.

[@autumn_ghosts_]

@@Simnettnutrition good for you the weather is getting better and better each day and it's good to be outside in the fresh air! I'll look forward to your next video whenever it is!

[@amycaruthers7858]

I love all your videos, and this one is a keeper -thanks. I laughed so much when 11:35 you tossed the tofu in the freezer! Love watching you😂🥰

[@calmcreator2627]

..i kinda do hmhm....😂

[@Simnettnutrition]

Thank you! Glad I gave you a good chuckle. Crystal was laughing behind the camera too. Lol.

[@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!

[@linzertube]

Your recipes look super delicious!

[@Simnettnutrition]

Thank you!

[@brendafarris7350]

Definitely a good video!!

[@Simnettnutrition]

Thank you!

[@deedeehubler56]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mzzzol]

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

[@MonteLeeMyPOV]

Like what?

[@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!

[@obsidiantain]

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

[@jenzen5302]

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!

[@stuartblevins891]

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

[@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!

[@mymelt1770]

Real good vid

[@thepricelife2374]

Great video! Press the water out first then freeze it. It will have a more meaty texture.

[@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.

[@marshasmith3514]

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

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

Delicious 😋

[@hudsonkelly72]

OMG 😳 deliriously delicious! I love your recipes & videos!

[@Simnettnutrition]

Thank you! 🙏🙏

[@rowenaanderson3739]

First recipe in the stock would be great

[@iananderson5561]

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

[@peterers3]

very unique and great videos!

[@Simnettnutrition]

Thank you! I try.

[@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......

[@Frualbertsson]

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

[@minkademko2335]

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

[@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?

[@myboyboris]

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

[@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.😊

[@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! 🙏🙏

[@evag5041]

Nice recipe trio! I just took my tofu out of the freezer and put in the fridge to defrost overnight.

[@cornishpasty99]

I do sometimes freeze my tofu, normally just have it like your recipe 3 but with a teaspoon of 5 spice mixed into the soy sauce and serve with wholemeal pasta.