How to Store Tofu to Keep It Fresh Longer

A staple in meat-free cooking and Asian cuisine, tofu is an impressive ingredient. Not only is it one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, it’s also extremely versatile. You can add it to soups, toss it in salads, and crumble it up for scrambled “eggs.” Softer varieties of tofu can even be blended into smoothies or desserts, as its mild flavor melds beautifully with sweet ingredients like chocolate. But if you want to get the most out of tofu, you need to know how to store it to preserve its freshness and texture. Here, food professionals share the best ways to store tofu, regardless of its firmness and whether it’s unopened or opened.

How to Store Unopened Tofu

Traditional Tofu

As a rule of thumb, unopened tofu should be stored the same way it was sold in the supermarket. This usually involves storing it in the refrigerator, whether it’s packaged in water or vacuum-sealed without water. Additionally, these guidelines apply to tofu of all firmness levels, whether it’s soft, firm, or extra-firm.

Shelf Life

For the best quality, use unopened tofu by the “Best by” date on the packaging. In general, this allows for 28 days (about one month) of refrigerator storage.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu has more moisture than regular tofu, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency.
However, due to the way it’s produced and packaged, it’s often sold at room temperature. “Silken tofu undergoes heat treatment and is packaged aseptically, allowing it to be sold unrefrigerated,” explains Kimberly Baker, PhD, RD, LD, director of the Clemson Extension Food Systems and Safety Program Team, Clemson, S.C. Thus, if you purchased silken tofu at room temperature, you can store it this way at home. Keep it in a dark, cool place for the best results.

Some supermarkets sell silken tofu in the refrigerated section despite its shelf-stable nature. You can still store it at room temperature at home, but always check the packaging to be sure.

Shelf Life

Silken tofu will list a “Best by” date on the packaging. Its shelf-life is typically longer than regular tofu, though it may depend on the brand. For example, Mori-Nu Silken Tofu has a shelf-life of one year when unopened and stored properly, according to the Mori-Nu website.

How to Store Opened Tofu

Traditional Tofu

Once opened, traditional tofu should be stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature of the refrigerator will prevent the growth of spoilage bacteria, keeping it fresh and prolonging its shelf life. Opened tofu should also be stored in water, regardless of its firmness. The water will help retain the product’s moisture and prevent it from drying out.

To properly store opened tofu, follow these steps, as provided by Carrie Smith, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles:

1. Place the tofu in a container with an airtight lid.
2. Fill the container with enough clean, filtered water to cover the surface of the tofu.
3. Cover or wrap the container, then store it in the refrigerator.
4. Change the water daily to keep the tofu fresh.

Note that it’s important to change the water every day, even if you don’t plan to eat the tofu just yet. “This helps prevent the growth of yeasts, molds, and harmful pathogens that can survive at refrigeration temperatures, keeping the tofu fresh and safe to eat,” says Baker.

Shelf Life

Opened tofu should be consumed within three to five days, according to Baker.

Silken tofu

Once opened, silken tofu should be kept in the refrigerator, says Baker. It should also be stored like traditional tofu: submerged in a container of clean, filtered water that’s replaced once a day. Remember that silken tofu is more delicate than traditional, so use caution when changing the water.

Shelf Life

In the refrigerator, silken tofu will last about three to five days when stored correctly.

How to Store Cooked Tofu

Whether you’ve cooked tofu alone or in a dish, it should be stored like all leftovers: in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, per Smith. Also, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours to reduce the risk of food safety issues.

Shelf Life

As with all leftovers, cooked tofu will last in the refrigerator for three to four days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

How to Freeze Tofu

It’s possible to freeze tofu, which will allow you to keep it for longer. Plus, once frozen and thawed, tofu develops a firmer texture and chewier bite. With that in mind, freezing tofu is best for firm and extra-firm varieties, as silken and soft tofu are often used for their specific textures.

Before freezing tofu, it’s important to drain and press it first. Below is the complete process, as shared by Smith:

1. Drain the water from the tofu, then wrap it with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove the moisture.
2. Place the tofu on a cutting board, then put another cutting board (or another weighted object, like a pan) on top, says Smith. This will press the tofu and remove excess moisture.
3. Let the tofu sit for 30 minutes.
4. Place the tofu in a freezer-safe container, silicone bag, or plastic bag, and freeze overnight.

When you’re ready to use frozen tofu, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and drain any liquid that seeps out, says Smith. You can then cut and use the tofu as usual. Overall, frozen tofu is best for cooked applications, says Smith. It also soaks up marinades particularly well, making it ideal for flavorful dishes that involve pan frying, air frying, deep frying, or sautéing.

Shelf Life

Use frozen tofu within five months.

Signs Tofu Has Gone Bad

Even when stored properly, opened tofu will eventually spoil. The most common signs your tofu has gone bad include “sour odors, discoloration, or a slimy coating on the surface of the tofu,” says Baker. If you notice any of these features, toss the tofu.