Tofu is a familiar ingredient in Vietnamese kitchens — affordable, nutritious, and easy to prepare in countless ways: fried, boiled, braised, stuffed, or cooked in soups. But frozen tofu is still a new concept to many people. Surprisingly, freezing tofu doesn’t just change its texture in a good way; it also brings along several unexpected health benefits.

Recently, in a cooking community, a mother shared her amusing experience with accidentally frozen tofu. Her story went viral because what she discovered was both funny and genuinely useful. Here is her story in English:

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**“Have you ever tried freezing tofu? I accidentally discovered this trick yesterday for the first time. When I fried the tofu afterward, it turned out crispy, airy, and didn’t break apart like it usually does. I was shocked!

I gave birth to my second child nearly a year ago, and ever since then, I’ve been super forgetful — like I left part of my brain in the delivery room. Yesterday morning, after going to the gym, I bought a few blocks of tofu and some pork shoulder, planning to braise them for lunch.

But when I got home, my husband suddenly announced he was going out for a drink with his friends, so he wouldn’t be eating at home. Feeling lazy, I decided to store the ingredients for the next day and just buy something ready-made for the kids.

And that’s when the ‘mom brain’ kicked in — I accidentally threw both the pork and the tofu into the freezer instead of the fridge! It wasn’t until late evening, when I started preparing dinner, that I realized what I had done. I defrosted the tofu in water, unsure if it would still be edible. Since it was already late and I didn’t want to go back to the market, I decided to fry it anyway.

To my surprise, the tofu stayed in perfect shape. Even better — it became crispy on the outside and wonderfully spongy inside. My son loved it so much that he even asked what new cooking trick I used!

Later that night, I searched online to see whether frozen tofu was safe to eat. Not only was it safe, but I learned that it has many health benefits too. I can’t believe I only discovered this trick now!”***

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1. Health Benefits of Frozen Tofu

Fresh tofu spoils easily because it contains a large amount of moisture. Freezing tofu not only helps preserve it longer but also transforms its structure, allowing it to absorb flavors better when cooked.

Here are some of its key benefits:

⭐ Improves Digestion and Fat Metabolism

Frozen tofu develops a sponge-like texture with tiny holes. This structure increases its fiber content and helps stimulate bowel movement, supporting healthier digestion. It may also assist the body in breaking down fats more effectively.

⭐ Aids in Weight Loss

Because of its porous texture, frozen tofu absorbs less oil during cooking compared to fresh tofu. At the same time, it can help reduce excess fat in the digestive system, making it a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.

⭐ Retains More Nutrients

Fresh tofu contains a lot of water, which can cause water-soluble vitamins and minerals to drain away. Frozen tofu, on the other hand, traps and retains more nutrients due to the structural changes that occur during freezing.

⭐ Easier for the Body to Absorb

The moisture inside frozen tofu turns into ice crystals, which helps preserve water-soluble nutrients. When it melts, the tofu becomes more porous, allowing the stomach and intestines to absorb nutrients more efficiently.

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2. Other Well-Known Health Benefits of Tofu

Aside from the unique advantages of freezing tofu, tofu itself is already packed with nutrition:

• Excellent source of plant-based protein

• Rich in calcium, supporting strong bones

• May reduce the risk of heart disease

• Contains compounds that help lower the risk of stomach cancer

• High in dietary fiber

• Provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids

• May lower the risk of breast cancer

• Helps with weight control

• Potentially reduces the risk of prostate cancer

• Can support treatment of endometriosis due to phytoestrogens

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How Much Tofu Should You Eat?

Although tofu is healthy, moderation is key. Eating too much may cause the body to absorb excessive nutrients, leading to imbalances or digestive issues. Many health organizations recommend consuming no more than 100 grams of tofu per day for optimal benefits.