Tofu Prep 101: Unlocking the Best Texture

Tofu is only as good as how you prepare it. If you've ever ended up with soggy, bland, or rubbery tofu, the issue isn’t the tofu—it’s how it’s stored and prepped.

Before cooking, tofu needs the right storage, pressing, freezing, and cutting techniques to achieve the best texture for your dish.

This guide will walk you through the essential tofu prep steps to ensure your tofu turns out crispy, chewy, silky, or firm—whatever your recipe calls for!

🔹 Storing Tofu: Keep It Fresh Longer

Tofu is perishable, and improper storage can lead to spoiled, off-tasting, or mushy tofu. Here’s how to store it correctly to extend its freshness.

1️⃣ Storing Unopened Tofu (Fridge vs. Freezer)

✅ Refrigerated Tofu: Keep unopened tofu in the fridge and use it before the best-before date for the freshest texture and flavour.
✅ Frozen Tofu: Want extra-chewy, sponge-like tofu? Toss the whole package in the freezer—freezing completely transforms its texture into something firmer and more porous.

🔥 Pro Tip: Silken tofu should always be stored in the fridge, never frozen, as freezing ruins its smooth texture!

2️⃣ Storing Opened Tofu (Best Practices)

Once opened, tofu must stay submerged in water to keep it fresh.

✔ Transfer tofu to an airtight container and cover it with fresh water.
✔ Change the water daily to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
✔ Use within 3-5 days for the best texture and flavour.

🔥 Pro Tip: If you plan to use tofu within a day or two, store it without water—it firms up naturally and absorbs seasonings better!

🔹 Pressing Tofu: Why It Matters & How to Do It

Pressing tofu removes excess water, making it firmer, crispier, and better at absorbing seasonings.

How to Press Tofu Without a Press

1️⃣ Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
2️⃣ Place it on a flat surface (like a plate).
3️⃣ Put something heavy on top—a cast-iron pan, a stack of plates, or a weighted bowl.
4️⃣ Let it sit for 15-30 minutes—longer for extra firmness.

🔥 Pro Tip: For quicker results, slice the tofu in half before pressing—it releases water faster!

How to Use a Tofu Press

If you cook tofu regularly, a tofu press is a game-changer. Just place the tofu inside, tighten the press, and let it drain for 10-20 minutes—easy, mess-free, and effective.

🔹 Freezing Tofu: The Secret to Meaty, Chewy Texture

Freezing tofu completely changes its structure, creating a firmer, chewier texture that soaks up flavours much better.

How to Freeze & Thaw Tofu

✅ Step 1: Drain the tofu and place it in a container or freezer bag.
✅ Step 2: Freeze it overnight (or at least 8 hours).
✅ Step 3: Thaw in the fridge, then squeeze out excess water before using.

🔬 Why This Works: Freezing causes water inside the tofu to expand, creating tiny sponge-like holes. Once thawed, these holes remain, allowing tofu to absorb seasonings far better than fresh tofu.

🔥 Pro Tip: For even better absorption, cut tofu into slices or cubes before freezing—it thaws faster and soaks up flavours more evenly!

🔹 Cutting Tofu: Why Shape Matters

How you cut tofu affects its final texture and how well it cooks.

Best Tofu Cutting Techniques for Different Cooking Methods

✔ Cubes & slices → Best for stir-fries, baking, and frying.
✔ Crumbling → Great for scrambles, tacos, and plant-based “mince.”
✔ Thick slabs → Perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
✔ Thin strips → Great for soups and noodle dishes.

🔥 Pro Tip: Cutting tofu before storing makes meal prep easier—just grab & cook!

🛠️ Tofu Prep Troubleshooting Guide

🔹 "Why does my tofu taste bland?"
→ You didn’t press or freeze it first—it needs space to absorb seasonings!

🔹 "Why is my tofu soggy?"
→ Too much moisture! Press or freeze it before cooking.

🔹 "Why won’t my tofu get crispy?"
→ You need to press out more water and coat it in cornstarch before frying or baking.

🔹 "Why does my tofu stick to the pan?"
→ You’re flipping too soon! Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to form a crust.

🔥 Final Takeaway: Prep Tofu Like a Pro

Great tofu starts with proper storage and preparation. When you:
✅ Store it correctly → It stays fresh longer.
✅ Press or freeze it → It absorbs flavours better.
✅ Cut it properly → It cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Master these steps, and tofu will never be boring again!