
Crispy, golden-fried tofu cubes or vegetarian/meat patties with tofu as an ingredient will also be softer and more fragrant.
Not only is tofu delicious, but it’s also a great source of protein and essential nutrients for the body. On days when you’re tired of meat and fish, tofu is a great alternative.
My family eats tofu twice a week, and while it’s tasty, I’ve always wondered how to keep it fresh for longer. Once, I bought some tofu but didn’t get to eat it until the afternoon, and by then, it had already soured and developed a slimy surface, so I had to throw it away. In reality, tofu should be consumed immediately after purchase. Ideally, it shouldn’t be left out for more than four hours.
Recently, while chatting with my foodie friends, I learned a great way to keep tofu fresh. In fact, keeping tofu fresh and preventing it from souring is quite simple. Just follow the two methods below, and you can keep tofu fresh for up to a month. I’ve tried these methods, and they work great.
1. Use Salt Water
Since tofu is made from soybeans, it will turn soft and sour if left out for too long. To preserve tofu for a longer period, you must address this issue.
First, cut the tofu into small cubes and place them in a bowl. Pour in boiled water that has been allowed to cool. Note that hot or cold water should not be used at this step to prevent bacterial contamination.
Next, remove the tofu cubes and place them in a bowl of saltwater. The salt will help kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial growth. Then, use plastic wrap or a lid to cover the bowl tightly and store it in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.
Soaking tofu in water is a method of isolating it from the air, thereby prolonging its shelf life. Additionally, it helps keep the tofu soft and tasty.
2. Use Plastic Wrap
First, cut the tofu into small cubes. Prepare a saltwater solution and soak the tofu cubes in it. Similar to the previous method, saltwater will effectively kill bacteria.
Remove the tofu cubes and let them drain. Use plastic wrap to tightly cover each tofu cube. Note that you shouldn’t use too much force, or you might crush the tofu. After wrapping the tofu, immediately place it in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.
Since the tofu is stored in the freezer, it will be frozen. This also means that it can be kept for a more extended period, up to a month, without spoiling.
The quality of tofu will vary depending on the storage time. It’s best to consume it within five to seven days. Don’t keep tofu for too long, as it will affect its flavor.
Additionally, it’s essential to choose tofu carefully to ensure that your dishes are not only delicious but also healthy.
– Buy tofu with an ivory color similar to soybeans.
– When held, the tofu should feel soft and elastic, not hard.
– The tofu should have a characteristic soybean aroma. Avoid tofu with a lime scent.
Tofu is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. Here’s an easy and tasty tofu recipe that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
BRAISED TOFU
This braised tofu dish is incredibly soft, smooth, and flavorful. The secret to making this dish even more delicious is to add sesame oil at the end.
Ingredients
– Tofu: 1 block
– Onion: ⅓ piece
– Fermented soybean paste: 2 tablespoons
– Scallions
– Garlic
– Cooking oil
– Cornstarch
– Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
– Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
Braised Tofu Recipe
1. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the tofu.
3. Remove the tofu from the boiling water and place it in cold water.
4. Drain the tofu and set it aside.
5. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion and scallions.
6. In a bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with water until dissolved.
7. Heat oil in a pan and add the minced garlic. Fry until fragrant.
8. Add the chopped onion and sauté.
9. Add two tablespoons of fermented soybean paste and mix well.
10. Add one tablespoon of sugar.
11. Add one tablespoon each of soy sauce and oyster sauce.
12. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
13. Add the tofu.
14. Pour in the cornstarch mixture.
15. Simmer over medium heat, gently shaking the pan to prevent the tofu from sticking to the bottom.
16. Add one tablespoon of seasoning to enhance the flavor. Turn off the heat and drizzle one tablespoon of sesame oil over the tofu.
17. Sprinkle with scallions and serve the braised tofu hot.
This braised tofu dish is easy to make and incredibly tasty. The tofu is soft and fragrant, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
When cooking, remember to blanch the tofu in hot water and avoid stirring too much, as it may break apart.
The Secret to Keeping Tofu Fresh: A Simple Soak Makes it Last
Tofu, a versatile and nutritious staple, can be surprisingly stored for up to three months without spoilage. This extended shelf life is a game-changer for those who love this soy-based food. Whether you’re a home cook or a culinary enthusiast, discovering this hidden longevity of tofu opens up a world of convenient and healthy meal options. Imagine the possibilities and the endless delicious creations that await with this newfound knowledge!
The Secret to Keeping Tofu Fresh and Delicious for a Week: A Step-by-Step Guide
The art of preserving tofu has been practiced for centuries, and with good reason. This simple yet effective method can prolong the life of this versatile ingredient, making it a staple in kitchens across the globe. With a few easy steps, you can master the technique of keeping tofu fresh and flavorful for extended periods.