How Long Does Tofu Last in the Fridge? | America's Test Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Tofu Last in the Fridge? | America's Test Kitchen? ›

How long does tofu last and how should you store it? Store unopened tofu in the refrigerator and use it by the date on the package. If you don't use the whole package after opening, store leftover pieces in water in a container and refrigerate; change the water every day for up to five days.

If it darkens in color, begins to smell, or feels slimy, it should be thrown away. Bottom line: Open packages of tofu are good in the fridge for up to five days, provided you change the water daily.

How long does tofu last in the fridge? If it's unopened, you should just go by the use by date on the pack, which will give you the best idea of the shelf life. If it's opened, refrigerated tofu is generally good for 3 to 5 days, as long as you've stored it properly.

We prefer firm to extra-firm tofu (our tastings and testings team conducted a rigorous taste test of firm tofu and determined that our favorite brand is Nasoya Firm Tofu, which you should be able to find in most supermarkets) for stir-fries and noodle dishes because they hold their shape in high-heat cooking ...

Preservation. The expiration date (best before) is for an unopened product. Once the product is opened, it is good for approximately 3 to 5 days. Keep refrigerated between 0º C and 4º C or 32º F and 39º F.

Use all your senses to tell if a food has gone bad by looking, touching and smelling the tofu. Spoiled tofu tends to have a darker color of tan or even brown. Mold may form on the surface or you may see discoloration. Tofu that has gone bad also tends to be slimy and have a sour or rotten odor – fresh tofu has no odor.

Preserving leftover tofu that has been taken out of its original packaging is easy. Simply store the tofu in a container filled with clean and cold water in the fridge. Cook and consume leftover tofu within two or three days, but change the water in the container daily to preserve the tofu's freshness.

In general, unopened tofu that's still sealed inside its packaging will stay fresh for two to three months past the date written on it — and for four to six months if it's kept in the freezer (more on this later).

Yes, freezing tofu is an extra step you'll need to plan for, but it's worth it. Since tofu is stored in water, ice crystals form, making porous, sponge-like holes in the block (see photo above), allowing for a chewier texture.

How to safely eat raw tofu. While tofu comes in a variety of textures — silken, firm, and extra firm — technically any of them can be eaten raw. Before enjoying raw tofu, drain off any excess liquid from the packaging. It's also important to store tofu properly to prevent germs from growing on any unused portions.

Which tofu is healthiest? ›

Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content. Silken tofu contains the most water, while firm tofu is drier and more dense.

In China, Singapore and Hong Kong, unfermented soyfoods, particularly tofu and soymilk, are the most commonly consumed products. In Japan, about half of soy intake comes from the fermented foods natto and miso and the rest is tofu.

The culinary possibilities of firm and extra-firm are almost the same, but extra-firm tofu doesn't absorb marinades as well. On the other hand, extra-firm is easier to pan-fry, stir-fry or deep-fry. Follow your personal preference.

Usually, you'll take the whole block and make a meal out of it. But if you only need a small amount at a time, the tofu will stay, opened, for 3-5 days in the fridge.

If food has been left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours it should be discarded. That is when the bacteria has had enough time to produce toxins that can make you sick.

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.

Tofu, a soy-based product, should be handled like a perishable dairy product and should be safe for a week in the refrigerator.

Tofu will not keep properly without moisture. If you don't want tofu to dry out or go bad, pour water over the container. Pour in enough water that the tofu is just covered. For best results, use filtered water.

Can you eat raw tofu? It's not dangerous, as long as you take care to observe good hygiene. As we mention below, just like any other food, if tofu is not stored and prepared correctly, you run the risk of bacterial contamination, and you could get sick.