Kitchen Tips: How To Store Tofu

The most difficult aspect of recipes that don't call for a whole block of tofu is utilising the leftovers before they go bad. The key to preserving it, however, is how it is stored. When you remove tofu from its original packaging, you must take precautions to keep it from spoiling.

Cooks use fresh tofu, which is coagulated soy milk, in marinades, stir-fries, soups, and other recipes. Tofu is a popular meat substitute due to its high protein content. Soymilk is a liquid made from soybeans that are pressed into curds and then formed into blocks to make tofu. Tofu, also known as bean curd, comes in a variety of firmness levels, including soft, firm, and extra-firm. The firmness level is determined by the amount of moisture remaining in the tofu block, with soft tofu having more moisture than extra-firm tofu.

Shelf Life Of Tofu

How tofu is stored affects how long it will last. Tofu has a shelf life of about an hour at room temperature. An unopened package of tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days; opened tofu can also be stored in an airtight container with water. Although freezers change the consistency of the food, frozen tofu can last for several months. If you prefer extra-firm tofu, don't freeze it because it will become spongy after freezing. Pay attention to any sour smells emanating from the condensed soy to detect spoilage of expired tofu.

Ways To Store Tofu

•  In The Refrigerator

If you plan to use your leftover tofu within the next few days, keep it in the fridge rather than freezing it. To store any leftover fresh tofu in the refrigerator, follow these three steps:

1. Fill your container with water

Unless you have unopened tofu in its original packaging, you should add fresh water to the container in which you store the tofu. This is only required when storing tofu in the refrigerator rather than the freezer. Cover the tofu with enough water to keep it moist until you plan to use it in a few days.

2. Change the water on a daily basis

Change the water in the refrigerated tofu once a day. Carefully remove the water from the sealed container. To keep the tofu fresh and the container from becoming stagnant or cloudy, replace the water.

3. Drain any excess water

Remove the tofu from the refrigerator when you're ready to use it or cook it. To remove any excess moisture, drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels. Alternatively, you could freeze your tofu at this point—drying it ensures that it freezes in the most natural state possible.

•In The Freezer

Tofu can be kept edible for as long as possible by freezing it. You'll need to choose a new container unless you're storing an entire block of tofu in an unopened package. To store the leftovers safely and effectively, use a freezer bag, plastic wrap, or an airtight container. Dry the tofu completely before storing it in the freezer for up to three months. To defrost the tofu, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator for at least one day, preferably two. Following that, you can use the tofu in any recipe you like. Fresh tofu is firmer than frozen tofu, so keep this spongy texture in mind when selecting a tofu recipe that will benefit from a chewier tofu flavour.