Have you ever wondered how to store tofu in different conditions and environments? If that is your case, I am here to guide you through various methods of storing and preserving tofu. These methods will vary depending on the types of tofu that you have.
Many people tend to throw away leftover tofu. Because not many cooking recipes need to use an entire pack of tofu. You can now save your money by learning these preservation and storage methods that will allow you to store tofu for up to 3 months!
An Overview Of How Tofu Is Stored
For tofu, there are two paths that you can choose from.
Storing ( retain the flavor of the tofu, some methods could change the texture )
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Room temperature
Preserving ( alter the flavor and texture of tofu )
- Smoking
- Fermenting
- Cooked Tofu
However, many elements such as the condition of the package can influence the expiring date of the tofu block. Therefore, this article will cover all the possible conditions and methods you should employ to store your tofu.
What Is Tofu Made Of?
Tofu is created through the process of boiling dried soybean and adding coagulants to the mixtures. The coagulants can be either salt or acid to promote the process of forming curds.
After removing the curd, workers will start pouring the soymilk into molds and wait for the mixture to solidify to the point of a soft cake. Workers will then begin to cut it into small pieces and submerge them in water to harden them even more.(1)
A block of tofu, in general, will have 76% – 90% moisture content. The amount of moisture will vary depending on the type of tofu.
Types Of Tofu That You Need To Know
Different types of tofu need different approaches. Because tofu is adopted by various cultures around the world. This leads to diversity in how cultures tackle tofu. That’s why understanding the types of tofu you’re having is one way for you to figure out how to preserve them.
Tofu is categorized based on the texture and amount of water in them. Generally, there are 2 types of tofu, soft and firm.
- The soft variant has a high content of water which makes it squishy and fragile to handle.
- The firm has a low content of water, making them bridle and mostly known by people because of its meat-like texture.
Why Do You Need To Store Tofu? (And Tofu’s Shelf Life)
Due to tofu being mostly composed of water, it can quickly dry out in normal environments. Storing tofu helps maintain its texture and flavor until it’s ready to be served.
Normally, people will put tofu in the fridge or freezer. In some cases, room temperature storing is also a viable option. Take a look at this table so you can figure out which method is best suited for you.
Based on the condition of your tofu package. Here’s a round-up of the time you can store your tofu with each method. Take your time to think about how long do you want to store tofu and choose the method that fits you most.
Opened package
- Fridge: store for 3-5 days.
- Freezer: maximum 3 months (put in a new container).
- Room temperature: should only leave in brine water for 24 hours.
Sealed package
- Fridge: can last 1-2 days beyond the expiring date.
- Freezer: lasts up to 5 months.
- Room temperature: maximum of 2 days in a cool place or until expiration.
Must-Try Methods Of Storing Tofu
No matter you’re looking for a short-term to stock on tofu or a viable option to store tofu at any time. Your decision should be carefully based on the condition of the package and how long you need to store it.
The following guide is divided into conditions of your package so you can easily track and pick out the perfect method for yourself.
Opened Package
Once opened, tofu will quickly deteriorate due to bacteria quickly multiplying in the nutritious environment. Even after leaving the package, it’s still best to put tofu in a brine solution to keep the freshness and texture of tofu.
Refrigerator
If you happened to have some leftover tofu or already broke the package, you would need to find a new container for the remaining tofu. The container will need to be airtight and stored in a low-temperature environment.
Step 1: Move The Tofu In Airtight Containers
Tofu is highly susceptible to bacteria. You will need to put tofu in a container to reduce the tofu exposure time to the outside environment. This can prevent the spoiling process from kicking in too early.
Step 2: Pour Some Water Into The Container
The moisture from the fridge alone is not enough to maintain the tofu texture. Pouring some water into the container or better yet submerging the entire block in freshwater will help the tofu to last longer while maintaining its shape.
Step 3: Frequently Change The Water
To keep the tofu fresh and ready to serve at any time. You need to swap out the water daily.
Freezer
If your tofu comes in a watery package and still has some liquid in it. You will need to drain the package, leaving the tofu as the only thing left.
Step 1: Remove Any Remaining Moisture.
Grab some paper towels and place them on the tofu. You will need to cover the whole piece completely to extract as much water as possible. Repeat this step many times until you no longer see water leaking from the tofu block.
Step 2: Cut The Tofu Into Manageable Sizes.
If you’re looking for a different texture in your tofu and need it fast, I would recommend cutting the tofu into small cubes. They will freeze and defrost faster. Though freezing the tofu whole, in my opinion, will preserve the flavor better than cutting it.
Step 3: Put Your Tofu In A Plastic Bag Or A Container.
Use a container or a plastic bag to prevent other food odors from spoiling the tofu smell and flavor. You don’t want your tofu to smell.
Room Temperature
It’s not recommended to leave your tofu out in the open for too long. Bacteria will soon begin to break down the tofu in 1-2 days.
- Firm Tofu:
You should move the tofu into airtight containers or sealed plastic bags. Best use on extra firm and super firm tofu.
- Silken Tofu:
If you want use silken tofu later on, in the day. You should submerge it in salt water to keep the tofu’s structure intact.
Sealed Package
The tofu package is a perfect environment to keep the tofu whole. As long as the expiring date and package are intact, then you can easily store it with any of these methods below
Refrigerator
It’s best recommended to keep the tofu package intact and throw it into the fridge. The sealed package will prevent any bacteria from spoiling the tofu, ensuring the texture and freshness will stay the same as newly purchased.
Your fridge should maintain a steady temperature of 5℃-10℃ for the best result. The sealed package is the main barrier here, so make sure you check for any leak or damage that could ruin the tofu.
Your tofu will remain good for 3-5 days. In some cases for the firm or regular tofu, you can go beyond the expiring date from 1-2 days.
Freezer
The freezer is a perfect environment to keep tofu long-lasting. Before putting your tofu in the freezer, you should inspect your package closely. Pay attention to signs of damage or leakage.
Your package should also have the ability to handle pressure. Because when frozen, tofu will expand and could potentially pop the plastic wrap which results in a mess in your freezer.
With a sturdy package, freezing tofu will last you 5 months, even if it’s past the expiring date. It’s also a good idea to freeze your tofu is coming to an expiry date.
Room Temperature
After purchasing a package of tofu, you can place it in your kitchen, but only if you want to cook something soon. You should be aware of the temperature and sunlight.
Place your tofu at a cool and well-ventilated location to avoid ruining the preserving environment of the tofu. Sunlight will also be a factor you need to avoid, the ultra-violet will eliminate all bacteria that aid tofu preservation.
It’s best recommended that you should only leave tofu out in a cool area for no more than 24 hours after purchase. If tofu remains any longer than that it will become easier to spoil before the expiration date.
Pros And Cons Of Storing Methods
Each method has good and bad to it. Therefore, you should take a look at the following pros and cons to make a better decision on your tofu.
Highly Recommended Methods Of Preserving Tofu
Before the invention of the refrigerator, people had come up with genius ways to store tofu. Although, these preservation methods will change the tofu’s original flavor, however, they will extend the shelf life.
Smoking
Dates back to the dawn of humanity, smoking has been a reliable way to store and alter the flavor of food. Smoked tofu will have a brown layer on the outside and a smoky fragrance inside.
Step 1: Ready Your Grill
Prepare a handful of chip wood, it’s best to use oak (mellow smoke) or apple (for sweet). Pay attention to the fire to create the correct kind of smoke.
Step 2: Marinate Your Tofu
You can marinate tofu in any type of condiment that you want. Make sure it goes well with the smoke.
Step 3: Where To Position The Tofu?
You shouldn’t wrap your tofu while putting it directly over the fire. Unless popped tofu is what you’re looking for, I suggest putting the unwrapped tofu on a different end of the fire. Let the heat and smoke from the fire do the job in around 30-45 minutes.
How To Handle Smoked Tofu?
After smoking tofu for 30-45 minutes, you will need to let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps lock in the flavors and drains out the remaining liquid. An airtight container and refrigerator will extend the shelf-life up to 2 weeks.
Pros:
- Give the tofu a unique smoky flavor.
- Extend the tofu life.
Cons:
- Difficult to control temperature and fire.
- Leave charcoal marks that taste bitter.
Fermenting
Fermented tofu has a distinct pungent flavor in both smell and flavor. The tofu will always have a creamy and viscous texture. Many beginners will often be deterred by the intense flavor of fermentation, making this method unpopular in Europan countries.
Step 1: Clean Your Tofu
Rinse the tofu and tap it dry using paper towels.
Step 2: Boil Or Steam The Tofu
It’s best to use firm tofu for the fermentation stage. Cooking the tofu will provide a firmer texture and maintain its shape. After steaming or boiling, be sure to dry your tofu using paper towels.
Step 3: Let Mold Form
Cutting the tofu block into small cubes will promote the molding process faster in the first 24 hours. At this stage, you will need to soak those tofu cubes in rice wine. Next, place those cubes in a warm (25℃-30℃) and steamy environment for the mold spores to develop.
The mold should have light orange color to it. If you spot any black or blue mold, use a spoon to scrape it off. Try smelling your tofu after 2-3 days. If the sour smell is missing from the tofu, then you should extend the process.
Step 4: Seasoning
You can roll your tofu through some chili flake at this stage. Remember to keep your seasoning simple. Because it’s the fermenting process that creates the flavor.
Step 5: Mix Your Concoction
You will need to boil the water first to kill off any remaining bacteria. Then add 60 grams of salt to the water, mix it well and let the mixture cool off gradually.
Step 6: Prepare The Perfect Container
Start cleaning and drying a glass jar that can fit all your tofu. Then you can begin transferring the tofu cubes to the jar.
Have your brine ready and pour it into the jar. Make sure you submerge your tofu for the best result. In addition, you can add 20 ml of rice wine to the jar to promote further fermentation, but it’s optional.
Step 7: Store Your Fermented Tofu
After sealing your jar, there should be some space between the lid and the liquid. This is so that the carbon dioxide can escape and alleviate pressure from the jar.
Once opened, the jar should be refrigerated, and it can be good for up to 6 months. However, if it’s left untouched, fermented tofu can last up to a year.
Pros:
- Extend the expiry date.
- Gives the tofu a new flavor.
Cons:
- Complicated preparation and requirements.
How About Preserving Cooked Tofu?
For this method to work, you will need to treat tofu through heat. Any form of heat treatment like frying, boiling, steaming will do the trick. This will eliminate most elements that could potentially spoil the tofu.
After cooking your tofu, there are some steps you will need to follow:
Step 1: Let Your Tofu Rest
This will help to reshape your tofu and prevent it from losing fluids. You should let the air cool off the tofu for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Find A Good Container
You should find a plastic container and clean it well. Place the tofu in the container and make sure it’s airtight at the same time for better preservation.
Step 3: Put Your Container In A Fridge Or Freezer
- Fridge: The cool temperature with the clean environment of the container will help tofu to last up to 4 days.
- The Freezer: With its super cold environment, the freezer will help your tofu last up to 5 months. However, you will need some time to defrost the tofu block before cooking it.
Pros:
- Eliminate most risks of spoiling tofu.
- Can be implemented on many types of tofu.
- Using a freezer will help your tofu last much longer.
Cons:
- Difficult to maintain the tofu freshness.
- A fridge is a temporary method that doesn’t last long.
- If you use a freezer, you will need time to defrost the tofu.
Don’t Miss These Tips To Extend Your Tofu Shelf Life
If you want to be extra careful while purchasing tofu, take a look at these simple yet effective suggestions.
Read The Package Description
That’s right, everybody, manufacturers know when your tofu will go bad. So read the description closely to figure out when the tofu will go bad.
Use Cold Water As A Short-Term Measure
Ice or cool water can help keep your tofu fresh for a few hours before cooking.
Be Versatile With Your Tofu
If you have excess tofu lying around, try to think about your next meal. In that way, you can implement tofu into your cooking and save yourself from stocking tofu.
Avoid Humid Environments, Or Direct Sunlight
Tofu is sensitive to its surrounding environment, so be mindful the next time you put it. The best place for you to place your tofu is in cool and well-ventilated areas.
How To Tell If Tofu Is Spoiled?
Spoiled tofu will have dark spots on the surface and a pungent smell. The taste will be sour while the texture is loosened. Bacteria and mold are the main reasons why tofu frequently go bad.
If you suspect your tofu has rotten, give the package a good sniff. Spoiled tofu should have the smell resemble stinky feet. In addition, the water around your tofu will have a brownish color mixed with bridled tofu pieces. At this point, you should just throw the package away.
FAQs
Here are some other questions that you may still be wondering about. If you have any further questions beyond this thread, leave your questions in the comment section.
Storing Tofu Is Now As Easy As Pie
That’s all the information I have to provide on how to store tofu. Now, it’s much easier for you to determine which storing method you want to use to keep your tofu long-lasting. I hope you also discover new approaches that you can have on tofu.
Share the experience that you have in tofu preservation in the comment. Thank you for your interest and have a nice day.
References:
- Medicalnewstoday. 2017. Everything you need to know about tofu [Online]. Available at <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/278340>
- Healthline. 2020. Can You Eat Raw Tofu?. [Online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-eat-tofu-raw>.
