Who needs the expensive "impossible burger" when you can make your own version of meat substitutes.
The good news is you can prepare even hardcore meat dishes like buffalo wings in a vegan way with a package of tofu.
Tofu is a wonderful high-protein meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. Even better is how inexpensive fresh tofu is.
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Tofu-based recipes are so commonplace even in restaurants. So that also leads us to questions that are also becoming commonplace.....
What is the shelf life of tofu, how do you detect spoiled tofu, and what is the best way to get the most out of tofu? Let's get all these questions answered today.
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Does tofu go bad?
The answer to that question is a qualified 'yes'.
Tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to two months.
However, if you’re going to store it in the fridge, make sure to place it in a covered container or in a sealed bag to prevent it from drying out.
Tofu tends to oxidize rather quickly and that can alter the taste immediately. If you’re going to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed bag.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or in the microwave on low power.
Just make sure it’s not too hot before adding it to your dish.
How to tell if tofu has gone bad? Can you eat expired tofu? How long does tofu last? These are some of the questions people have about tofu.
Let's take a closer look at each of these topics.
How to Tell if Tofu is Bad
Tofu definitely falls under the perishable foods category, but there are a few ways to tell if tofu has gone bad.
The easiest way is the visual test.
If the tofu is discolored (yellowish), then it has gone bad and should not be consumed.
Sometimes it so happens that the seal on the airtight container is compromised and there is barely any water in the container.
This is a good sign to avoid that pack. Another reason tofu can go bad is if it is left out at room temperature for too long.
Once the tofu has been opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days.
If frozen, tofu can last for up to six months.
There are some more common traits of bad tofu...If the tofu appears slimy or has an off odor that is another way to detect bad tofu.
Tofu has a decent shelf life, but if it has been on the shelves for a long time, it would most likely have a sour smell and sour taste.
Just be sure to check the expiry date or the production date on the pack every time.
Can you eat expired tofu?
Yes, you can eat expired tofu, but it may not taste as good.
Tofu is generally safe to eat after the expiration date has passed, but it may not be as fresh or have the same flavor.
I strongly suggest that if you decide to use of after the expiry date, it is best to use it in recipes that call for cooked tofu rather than raw tofu.
How long does tofu last?
Tofu typically lasts for up to seven days in the fridge after it has been opened.
If frozen, it can last for up to six months.
Unopened tofu can last for up to two months in the fridge.
If you are a tofu lover like me, tofu would not last too long anyway. But you never know how long it has been staying in the store.
So it is always better to check the 'use-by' date when you buy.
I usually buy two-month packs of tofu so I don't have to worry about it going bad.
Once it is opened, I store the tofu in a container covered with a paper towel in the fridge and make sure to use it up within a few days.
Varieties of Tofu
There are many different types of tofu, but the most common types are silken, soft, medium, firm, and extra-firm.
Silken tofu is a type of tofu that has a delicate texture and is often used in smoothies, sauces, and dressings.
Soft tofu has a creamy texture and is used in dishes such as stir-fries and curries.
Medium tofu is a good all-around choice for dishes such as stews, scrambles, and marinated salads.
Firm tofu is the most common type of tofu and can be used in recipes such as stir-fries, curries, and sandwiches.
Extra-firm tofu is the most durable type of tofu and can be used in recipes such as grilling, baking, air frying, and pan-frying.
How to Store Tofu
Tofu can be stored in a few different ways. An unopened pack of tofu can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Once the pack has been opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
If frozen, tofu can last for up to six months. If you have leftover tofu in a pack, be sure to store it in an airtight container filled with fresh water to wrap it airtight in a stretch wrap and throw it in the freezer.
Freezer wrap can help in retaining the flavor for a long time.
Can you freeze tofu?
Yes, you can freeze tofu but not in its original packaging.
Since they are sold in sealed bags filled with water, you will have to drain the water and wrap it airtight before storing it in the freezer.
Freezing tofu will change its texture, so it is best to use frozen tofu in recipes that call for cooked tofu rather than as a standalone dish.
To freeze tofu, first, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag.
Cooked Tofu
Tofu can be cooked in several different ways.
One common way to cook them so they retain their form is by with a light saute.
Cut the tofu into cubes or slices and add saute them on a pan over medium heat with oil or vegan butter.
Cook the tofu for a few minutes per side, or until it is browned.
Tofu can also be cooked in a variety of different ways, such as grilling, baking, air frying, or stir-frying.
If you are switching to a vegan or vegetarian diet, check out a few of my tofu recipes that you make for any occasion...Tofu butter masala, pineapple tofu curry, matar tofu, bell pepper tofu.
More tofu recipes to try
- Silken tofu breakfast pudding - from My Quiet kitchen
- Easy broccoli tofu stir fry - from Vegan Blueberry
- Green Beans and Tofu Stir Fry - from Vnutrition
- Silken tofu salad - from Veggie Saves The day
- Chinese tofu salad - from Veggie Inspired
- Vegan tofu sandwich - from Vegan Blueberry
- Tofu sandwich - from Kiipfit
- Tofu BLT sandwich - from The Vegan Larder
- Vegan sushi recipe - from Belly Rules The Mind
Nutrition of tofu
Tofu is a high-protein, low-fat food that is also cholesterol-free and gluten-free.
Tofu is a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Tofu has about 8 grams of protein per serving and about 10% of your daily calcium needs.
But just like any other food, eating tofu in moderation is key, especially when you try it for the first time.
Conclusion
So, does tofu go bad? Yes, tofu can go bad if it is not stored properly or if it has been frozen for too long.
The storage tips mentioned here should help you in getting the most out of every block of tofu.
With the wide variety of dishes with tofu, it can really be a game-changer in your diet plans.
It is a versatile low calorie food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and iron too.
Whether you are a vegan or not, tofu is a healthy and delicious food that you should add to your diet.
Thanks for reading!
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