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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
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Keep 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] X Research source
- Watch the expiration date. Make sure to use tofu before it goes bad.
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Place 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] X Research source- 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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Cover 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] X Research source
- 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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Store 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] X Research source
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Freeze 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] X Research source
- 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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Freeze 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] X Research source
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Defrost 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] X Research source
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Squeeze 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] X Research source
- 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.
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Store 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] X Research source
- 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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Leave 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] X Research source
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Know 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] X Research source
- 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.
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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.
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Tips
- It helps to understand why the water is needed to bathe the tofu - it helps to keep the tofu moist and it prevents the flavors of other foods in the fridge from penetrating the highly absorbent tofu.Thanks
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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
Article Summary
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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!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I'm a newbie when it comes to tofu, so I had no idea whether the open container of bulk tofu I bought last weekend was still good. Now I know I'll need to toss/compost it because it's already turning yellow/beige color. I will be more vigilant on the shelf life going forward. This article was great! Very thorough." ..." more
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"I'm a newbie when it comes to tofu, so I had no idea whether the open container of bulk tofu I bought last weekend was still good. Now I know I'll need to toss/compost it because it's already turning yellow/beige color. I will be more vigilant on the shelf life going forward. This article was great! Very thorough."
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"I am new to eating tofu and wasn't sure how long it lasts once opened, even when kept wrapped in the fridge. I noticed that the outer edges went mushy, so I cut them off before using, they seemed to smell quite "high'. So now I know what to do to stop it going off. Thanks"
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"My daughter is trying a vegan lifestyle; the rest of us, not so much. Tofu seems like the natural choice. Very good article for me to start with."
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"We eat tofu at least 2-3 times a week. The storage tips were very informative. Thank you for this great article!"
"Had no idea about testing of tofu, now I want to make some for the first time. Thanks."
