Tofu is a very versatile food, therefore convenient to always have at hand in the kitchen. Since it tends to dry out easily, it is essential to know how to store it properly. If you want to keep it in the refrigerator, you must remember to immerse it in water; alternatively, you can store it in the freezer to make it last even longer. In any case, before eating it you will need to make sure that it does not show any signs that it has deteriorated; if you have even the doubt that it has gone bad, throw it away.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Store the Tofu in the Refrigerator
Step 1. Leave it in the original packaging until use
Since tofu is not an easy ingredient to store, it is best not to open it until needed. When you bring it home from the supermarket, put it in the refrigerator right away without taking it out of its packaging.
Read the expiration date. Remember to use it before it expires
Step 2. Put it in an airtight container
Tofu is particularly vulnerable to bacteria, so it's very important to keep it in a closed container. Do not simply place it in a bowl or plate covered with cling film.
- The ideal is to use a Tupperware-type container with an airtight lid.
- In the absence of anything else, you can use a food bag with zip closure.
Step 3. Submerge it with water
To store properly, tofu needs moisture. Submerge it with water to prevent it from drying out or spoiling.
- Add enough water to cover it, no more.
- If possible, filter the water through a special jug. Tap water may contain contaminants that can ruin the tofu.
- Remember to change the water every day.
Step 4. If you have cooked it, you can store the tofu in an airtight container without liquid
If you have already treated it to eat it alone or add it to a recipe, there is no need to immerse it in water. Tofu that has been marinated and cooked can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container without adding anything else.
Part 2 of 3: Store the Tofu in the Freezer
Step 1. Freeze the entire package without opening it
If you've found that you've bought more tofu than you can eat quickly, you can put it straight into the freezer without opening the package. In this case, you don't have to do anything special to safeguard its freshness: simply put it in the freezer without opening it. When you're ready to use it, you can let it defrost and then cook it as you normally would.
Remember that tofu that has been frozen tastes slightly different than fresh. Its texture also changes, becoming slightly more rubbery and spongy. In fact, some people prefer it this way
Step 2. Freeze leftovers for future use
Even if you've already opened the package, you can still store the tofu in the freezer. In this case, drain the excess liquid, then place it in a food bag. Place it in the freezer and let it thaw before use.
Step 3. The best way to defrost it is to leave it in the refrigerator for two days
Tofu takes time to defrost, so try to plan ahead. If you are going to use it for a recipe, you need to give it a couple of days to thaw. All you have to do is take it out of the freezer in time and transfer it to the refrigerator.
Step 4. Squeeze it to remove excess liquid
While defrosting, the tofu tends to absorb a lot of moisture, so gently squeeze it using sheets of kitchen paper or napkins to remove excess water.
If it seems to have absorbed a lot of liquid, you can place it between two plates and place a weight, such as a can, on the top plate to gently squeeze it
Part 3 of 3: Check for Signs of Deterioration
Step 1. You can store the tofu in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days
Follow this guideline to make sure you are eating a healthy product. Keep in mind when you bought it and don't eat it if it has been in the refrigerator for more than 5 days.
If you don't remember for sure when you bought it, check the expiration date. It should help you figure out if you can still eat it without putting your health at risk
Step 2. In the freezer, the tofu stays good even for 3-5 months
You can freeze it and eat it even after 3-5 months without worrying about your health. Since it's easy to forget when you put it in the freezer, it's best to label it or add a note on the package with a permanent marker. This way you can accurately determine if it has been in the freezer for over five months.
Step 3. Recognize the signs that it has gone bad
It is very important to be able to understand if the tofu has deteriorated. First, when the tofu goes bad it becomes darker, taking on a hue between cream and beige. In addition, it takes on an odor, but also a taste, sour.
