This article was co-authored by Jerran Boyer. Chef Jerran Boyer is a Nutrition-Focused Professional Chef and the CEO of Health Nut Chefs. Chef Jerran has over 20 years of experience as a private chef. She and her team specialize in providing healthy, fresh-prepared meals designed with each client’s taste and dietary needs in mind. She and her team offer both personal, part-time chef services and private, full-time chef services in New York, New Jersey, and the Los Angeles area. Chef Jerran received her BS in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, a degree in Culinary Arts from Florida Culinary Institute, and a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate through Cornell University.
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Tofu is a very useful product to have in the kitchen. However, tofu can be tricky to store as it tends to dry out easily. You can safely store tofu in the refrigerator, as long as you place it in water. You can also store tofu in the freezer for future use. Make sure you watch tofu for signs of spoilage. You should refrain from eating tofu that's gone bad.
Steps
Storing Tofu in the Fridge
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1Keep your tofu in its original package until you need to use it. As tofu is tricky to store, do not open it until necessary. When you bring tofu home from the store, keep it in its original package and place it in the fridge right away.[1]
- Watch the expiration date. Make sure to use tofu before it goes bad.
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2Place tofu in an airtight container. Tofu is particularly susceptible to bacteria. Therefore, an airtight container is important to store tofu. Do not simply store tofu in a bowl or on a plate and cover it in plastic wrap.[2]
- For best results, use a Tupperware container with a sealable lid.
- You can use a Ziplock bag as well, if you don't have a Tupperware container.
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3Cover the tofu with water. Tofu will not keep properly without moisture. If you don't want tofu to dry out or go bad, pour water over the container.[3]
- Pour in enough water that the tofu is just covered.
- For best results, use filtered water. Tap water may have contaminants that can harm tofu.
- Make sure to change the water daily.
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4Store prepared tofu in an airtight container. If you've already prepared the tofu for a dish, there is no need to add water. Tofu that has been flavored and cooked can be stored in an airtight container and then placed in the fridge.[4]
Storing Tofu in the Freezer
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1Freeze the entire unopened package. If you bought too many packages of tofu, you can store an entire unopened package in the freezer. You do not need to do anything special to store the tofu. Simply place the unopened package in the freezer. When you're ready to use the tofu, you can defrost it and cook as you normally would.[5]
- Keep in mind, defrosted tofu has a slightly different taste. Its texture changes. It will become chewier and spongier, but some people actually prefer this texture.
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2Freeze leftover tofu for future use. If you've already opened the tofu, you can still store it in the freezer. Drain any excess moisture out of the tofu. Then, place the tofu in a freezer bag or a plastic bag. Set it in your freezer and defrost it when you're ready to use.[6]
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3Defrost tofu for two days in the fridge. Tofu takes awhile to defrost, so plan ahead. If you need tofu for a recipe, it will take two days to defrost. Simply remove the tofu from the freezer and place it in your fridge.[7]
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4Squeeze out extra moisture. Tofu will have retained some extra moisture from being defrosted. Gently squeeze the tofu, using paper towels or something similar, to remove any excess water.[8]
- If you need to drain a lot of tofu, place the tofu between two plates. Then, place a heavy can on top of the plates.
Watching for Signs of Spoilage
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1Store tofu in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Tofu can be safely refrigerated for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep track of when you got your tofu. Do not eat it if it's been sitting in the fridge for more than 5 days.[9]
- If you're unsure when you bought your tofu, check the expiration date. This should give you an idea as to whether the tofu is still safe to eat.
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2Leave tofu in the freezer for 3 to 5 months. Tofu can be stored for 3 to 5 months in the freezer safely. As it may be hard to remember exactly when you froze tofu, write down the date on the plastic or freezer wrap. This way, you'll be able to tell if the tofu has been in the freezer for more than 5 months.[10]
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3Know the signs tofu has gone bad. Make sure you recognize when tofu has gone bad. Bad tofu will become darker. It will go from white to beige. It will also develop a sour smell and a sour taste.[11]
- Keep in mind, tofu takes on a more beige color when frozen. If your frozen tofu turns brownish, it should still be good to eat if it hasn't been in the freezer for more than four months.
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I leave tofu in the fridge on paper towels drying longer than a day?
Community AnswerYes, but it will dry out too much if left for more than 2 days.
References
- ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/proteins/beans-peas/how-long-does-tofu-last-shelf-life/
- ↑ http://www.eatbydate.com/proteins/beans-peas/how-long-does-tofu-last-shelf-life/
- ↑ http://www.eatbydate.com/proteins/beans-peas/how-long-does-tofu-last-shelf-life/
- ↑ http://www.eatbydate.com/proteins/beans-peas/how-long-does-tofu-last-shelf-life/
- ↑ http://tofuxpress.com/tofu-basics/
- ↑ http://tofuxpress.com/tofu-basics/
- ↑ http://www.vegancoach.com/freezing-tofu.html
- ↑ http://www.vegancoach.com/freezing-tofu.html
- ↑ http://www.eatbydate.com/proteins/beans-peas/how-long-does-tofu-last-shelf-life/
About This Article
To store tofu, start by placing it in an airtight container and pouring in just enough water to cover it. Then, seal the container, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, place the tofu in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 5 months. Before you use your tofu, check it for signs that it's gone bad, like a sour smell or taste. To learn how to thaw and use frozen tofu, scroll down!
