Should tofu be sliced before refrigerating for stir-fry?

Question

For easy stir-fries, is it better to slice your tofu before you store it? Find out if this meal-prep step saves time and keeps it fresh.

Answer 1

It's generally best to press and slice tofu *before* refrigerating it for stir-fry, as this allows for better moisture removal and more efficient marinating.

Detailed Explanation:

Preparing tofu for stir-fry involves pressing it to remove excess water, which allows it to absorb flavors better and achieve a crispier texture when cooked. Slicing the tofu before refrigerating after pressing offers several advantages:

1. Improved Moisture Removal: Slicing increases the surface area, allowing more water to be pressed out. This is crucial for achieving a crispy stir-fry.

2. Enhanced Marination: Pre-sliced tofu absorbs marinades more evenly and efficiently. The marinade penetrates deeper into the tofu, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

3. Convenience: Having the tofu pre-sliced saves time when you're ready to cook. It's already prepped and ready to go into the stir-fry.

After pressing and slicing, store the tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to use it within a few days for optimal freshness and texture.

Pro Tip:

For extra crispy tofu, consider freezing it after pressing and slicing. Freezing changes the texture, creating small ice crystals that, when thawed and pressed again, result in a more porous tofu that soaks up even more marinade and crisps up beautifully in the stir-fry.