Tofu is a soy-based food that is made by condensing and pressing soy milk into solid white blocks. It has a long history and originated in China, with legend attributing its creation to Han general Liu An in his search for the elixir of immortality. Tofu is now popular in many countries, particularly in Asia, with Japan being known for its famous tofu dishes.
In Vietnam, tofu is a common and beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine. Whether it’s golden fried tofu or a bowl of white tofu soup with fresh parsley, it always satisfies the taste buds. For many people, the challenge lies in properly storing unprocessed tofu. Despite refrigeration, tofu often goes to waste after a few days.
How to store unprocessed tofu? (Photo: thekitchn)
Storing tofu in the refrigerator is the correct method. However, there are two places in the refrigerator where tofu can be stored: the cooler and the freezer. Depending on when you plan to use the tofu, you can decide where to store it.
If you plan to use the tofu within a week, store it in the cooler. But simply putting the tofu in a bowl and refrigerating it won’t suffice. You need to immerse the tofu in clean, filtered water in a container. Close the lid tightly or use plastic wrap to cover it. Every day, rinse the tofu with clean water and replace the water in the container to keep the tofu moist, fresh, and prevent spoilage.
Every day, use clean water to rinse the tofu, replace the water in the container so that the tofu retains moisture, freshness, and doesn’t spoil. (Photo: thekitchn)
If it will be more than a week before you use the tofu, it is best to store it in the freezer. Frozen tofu can be used for up to 3 months. Depending on how you plan to use it, you can store it as large pieces or cut it into medium-sized pieces before freezing. Remember to put the tofu in a zip-lock bag or a tight container before freezing. When ready to eat, transfer the tofu from the freezer to the fridge to thaw completely, then gently press out the excess water before cooking as usual.
Frozen tofu will have a firmer and harder texture. Therefore, store the tofu accordingly depending on your intended use.
(Source: thekitchn)
