How to Keep Tofu Fresh

To keep tofu fresh in the fridge is the most widely-used method and is advisable if you want to eat it in a week or two at most. The first step to take depends on whether we have made the tofu ourselves or, on the other hand, if we have bought it already packaged. In the latter case, what we need to do is open the packaging, remove it, and get rid of the water. Whether it is homemade or shop-bought, the next step is to put all of the tofu or just a few pieces into a bowl, cover the tofu with water, and put it in the fridge straightaway.

To keep tofu moist and fresh, we have to change the water every 1 or 2 days; we do this because tofu is very absorbent and moisture prevents the flavor of other foods from affecting it. Additionally, using filtered water can help maintain its purity and prevent any unwanted tastes or odors from developing. It should be noted that ensuring the water level is sufficient to cover the tofu completely is crucial for maintaining its freshness.

Frozen tofu can last up to 3 months. This time, what we are going to do is cut the tofu into cubes or slices and wrap them up depending on the portion sizes that we will need. When we need to thaw them, we will take them out of the refrigerator before cooking and get rid of the excess water. By freezing tofu, though its properties remain intact, its texture changes. It becomes more porous and spongy, similar to that of meat.

Some see this property as an inconvenience, while others utilize this new characteristic to create dishes like scrambled tofu. When frozen, tofu also turns a brown color, which should not be mistaken for spoilage; the brown color fades when thawing, and it will turn back to its usual shade. Moreover, this texture change allows tofu to better absorb sauces and spices, making it a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations.

Once the tofu has been thawed, if we want it to last us a few more months, we can dehydrate it. Mould and bacteria that break down food need water to live. With this drying method, the pathogens can't survive, and we can ensure that the tofu will keep. If you have a food dehydrator, you should set it to 60°C (140°F) or the minimum possible temperature, and if you don't have one, no problem, your oven will do the same thing. Place the tofu on a tray and dry it over a low heat for hours, until it has a leather-like texture.

Finally, we store it in a plastic food bag, and when we want to eat it, we just have to rehydrate it by covering it with cold water or cooking it in water or broth until it gains the desired texture. It should be noted that dehydrated tofu can also be a great addition to soups and stews, as it readily absorbs flavors from the broth, enhancing its taste.

Marinating is a method that's very similar to storing it in the fridge except that we replace water with a marinade. Although we can make our marinade however we wish, if it contains acids such as vinegar or lemon, it can keep our tofu fresher for longer and give it a delicious aroma.

For the marinade to absorb better, drain the tofu as much as possible. We can remove the excess moisture by wrapping the tofu in clean paper napkins and even put a towel around it with a weight on top. This process helps the tofu to soak up the marinade more effectively, enhancing its flavor profile.

For a good marinade that will keep tofu fresh, we can pour citrus juice, wine, or vinegar over it until it is covered. Then, add ½ cup of olive oil or another vegetable oil, and last of all, some condiments or spices. Stir it well, cover, and put it in the fridge. Additionally, incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary can add an aromatic touch, making the tofu a flavorful centerpiece in your meal.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Keep Tofu Fresh, we recommend you visit our Food & drink category.