How to Store Tofu

Download Article

Preserve your tofu’s taste and texture with our handy guide

Co-authored by Jerran Boyer

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 Approved

Download Article

Storing in the Fridge

|

Freezing

|

Spoilage Signs

|

Video

|

Q&A

|

Tips

Tofu is a very useful product to have in the kitchen. 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. You should refrain from eating tofu that's gone bad.

How long does tofu last in the fridge?

Tofu lasts 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. To store uncooked tofu, place it in an airtight storage container and add enough water to just cover the tofu block. Store cooked tofu in an airtight container as well, but without adding water. To freeze, press out the moisture and store in a freezer bag for 3 to 5 months.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Storing Tofu in the Fridge

Download Article

1
Keep your tofu in its original package until you need to use it. As tofu is tricky to store, do not open it until necessary. When you bring tofu home from the store, keep it in its original package and place it in the fridge right away.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Watch the expiration date. Make sure to use tofu before it goes bad.
2
Place tofu in an airtight container. Tofu is particularly susceptible to bacteria. Therefore, an airtight container is important to store tofu. Do not simply store tofu in a bowl or on a plate and cover it in plastic wrap.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For best results, use a Tupperware container with a sealable lid.
- You can use a Ziplock bag as well, if you don't have a Tupperware container.
Advertisement
3
Cover the tofu with water. Tofu will not keep properly without moisture. If you don't want tofu to dry out or go bad, pour water over the container.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Pour in enough water that the tofu is just covered.
- For best results, use filtered water. Tap water may have contaminants that can harm tofu.
- Make sure to change the water daily.
If you've already prepared the tofu for a dish, there is no need to add water. Tofu that has been flavored and cooked can be stored in an airtight container and then placed in the fridge.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Storing Tofu in the Freezer

Download Article

1
Freeze the entire unopened package. If you bought too many packages of tofu, you can store an entire unopened package in the freezer. You do not need to do anything special to store the tofu. Simply place the unopened package in the freezer. When you're ready to use the tofu, you can defrost it and cook as you normally would.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind, defrosted tofu has a slightly different taste. Its texture changes. It will become chewier and spongier, but some people actually prefer this texture.
If you've already opened the tofu, you can still store it in the freezer. Drain any excess moisture out of the tofu. Then, place the tofu in a freezer bag or a plastic bag. Set it in your freezer and defrost it when you're ready to use.^{[6]
X
Research source}
Tofu takes awhile to defrost, so plan ahead. If you need tofu for a recipe, it will take two days to defrost. Simply remove the tofu from the freezer and place it in your fridge.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Squeeze out extra moisture. Tofu will have retained some extra moisture from being defrosted. Gently squeeze the tofu, using paper towels or something similar, to remove any excess water.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If you need to drain a lot of tofu, place the tofu between two plates. Then, place a heavy can on top of the plates.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Watching for Signs of Spoilage

Download Article

1
Store tofu in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Tofu can be safely refrigerated for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep track of when you got your tofu. Do not eat it if it's been sitting in the fridge for more than 5 days.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you're unsure when you bought your tofu, check the expiration date. This should give you an idea as to whether the tofu is still safe to eat.
Tofu can be stored for 3 to 5 months in the freezer safely. As it may be hard to remember exactly when you froze tofu, write down the date on the plastic or freezer wrap. This way, you'll be able to tell if the tofu has been in the freezer for more than 5 months.^{[10]
X
Research source}
3
Know the signs tofu has gone bad. Make sure you recognize when tofu has gone bad. Bad tofu will become darker. It will go from white to beige. It will also develop a sour smell and a sour taste.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind, tofu takes on a more beige color when frozen. If your frozen tofu turns brownish, it should still be good to eat if it hasn't been in the freezer for more than four months.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I leave tofu in the fridge on paper towels drying longer than a day?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will dry out too much if left for more than 2 days.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

It helps to understand why the water is needed to bathe the tofu - it helps to keep the tofu moist and it prevents the flavors of other foods in the fridge from penetrating the highly absorbent tofu.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0