How long does cooked tofu last in the fridge? (+3 TIPS)
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does cooked tofu last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of tofu in different mediums. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to tell if your tofu has gone bad and the health implications of eating bad tofu.
Tofu is a popular food item consumed worldwide as a substitute for meat, especially as an important part of the diet of vegans and vegetarians. It is a good source of protein and can be a part of a lot of recipes like soups and pasta. You can read more about the nutritional content of tofu here.
So if you have made tofu in a larger amount than you need and are wondering about “how long does cooked tofu last in the fridge”, then you do not have to worry as we are going to give you a thorough overview of the shelf life of tofu.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does cooked tofu last in the fridge?
Cooked tofu can last for as long as is the shelf life of the fastest expiring ingredient of the recipe. Approximately cooked tofu lasts for around 4-5 days if it is stored at approximately 40°F or below in the fridge. While on the other hand opened uncooked tofu can last in the fridge for approximately 3-5 days without any risk of microbial contamination as long as the safety standards are maintained.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should always read the labels for the best before or the expiry date of the tofu. Moreover, it is suitable to consume the unopened tofu within 2-3 months after the manufacturing date written on it.
How to store cooked tofu?
Place the cooked tofu in a covered container and remove any sauce. It can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and eaten or used in a few days.
How long does cooked tofu last in the freezer?
Tofu if kept in an air-tight container or air-tight bag in the freezer can last for up to 6 months in the freezer without the risk of going bad. Thus keeping the tofu in the freezer will increase its shelf life considerably owing to the cool temperature of the freezer that halts the bacterial growth on the tofu.
How long does cooked tofu last at room temperature?
Cooked tofu can last for about 2 hours at room temperature. Afterward, there is a greater risk of the bacterial growth to already have started spreading on it.
Can tofu go bad?
Yes, tofu can go bad like all other food items. It also has a certain shelf life after which it goes bad and consuming such tofu can cause some health issues.
What is the optimum temperature to store cooked tofu?
You should always store your tofu at 40°F or below. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store your cooked tofu at a lower temperature.
Tips to store tofu
- If you want to store tofu in the freezer it is recommended to press it to drain the excess water out of it.
- Whether you want to store the tofu in the fridge or freezer, you should always store it in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag.
- Store the tofu in small batches in shallow containers.
- Always let tofu cool before storing it in the air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
Other FAQs about Tofu which you may be interested in.
Can you get sick from eating expired tofu?
How to tell if tofu has gone bad?
You can tell whether or not your tofu has gone bad by considering its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you can see the color of the tofu change to a more yellowish one or if you can spot greenish-blue molds on the surface of the tofu then it is the indication that your tofu has gone bad.
Texture
If the tofu has already curdled, has softened too much, and is not firm then it means that your tofu has gone bad. Moreover, the slimy texture also points out that tofu has gone bad.
Smell
If you can smell something acidic or sour then it means that your tofu has gone bad and you should discard it. Smelling a pungent smell is also an indication that the tofu has gone bad.
What will happen if you eat tofu that has gone bad?
Eating tofu that has gone bad can put you at the risk of many food-borne illnesses. Eating tofu that has gone bad can cause many gastrointestinal issues including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and severe food poisoning.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does cooked tofu last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of tofu in different mediums. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to tell if your tofu has gone bad and the health implications of eating bad tofu.
