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13 Most Common Questions and Answers about Tofu

Tofu is a controversial subject for many people. Some call it one of the healthiest foods on earth, while others argue vehemently against it. But if you have decided to go vegan or vegetarian, you probably have tons of questions about tofu that plague your mind.

Well, that’s why I’m here. I’m going to tell you all you need to know about tofu and how to keep it from spoiling. Keep on reading. It’s going to be mind-blowing.

1.What does tofu look like?

Tofu, also called bean curd, is a soy product derived by curdling soy milk. After you curd the milk, you press it into soft, white blocks and then let them cool. It’s very similar to the way cheese is made so don’t be surprised that tofu has a cheese-like appearance.

However, you should know that a large amount of the produced soybeans is genetically modified. If this is a sore subject for you, choose an organic tofu brand.

You can also make tofu at home. Here’s a recipe you can use, or you can watch this video.


2. How does tofu taste?

In general, uncooked tofu is tasteless and bland, but it absorbs the flavors of the ingredients you use. So, there are three factors at play which determine its taste:

  • how sensitive is your taste
  • the type of tofu (there are five – soft, silken, firm, porous, smelly)
  • how you choose to cook it

The best thing you can do it to experiment with different types of tofu and spices until you find the right combination.


3. Can you eat tofu raw?

If you prefer to eat your food raw, then you might be wondering if you can enjoy tofu without cooking it. That depends on whether the tofu is packed in an aseptic package or water. In the first case, you can eat it raw by dipping it into some soy sauce.

However, if the tofu is not packed in an airtight container and it’s on the soft side, then there is a chance that it will attract bacteria. These bacteria usually get destroyed when you cook the tofu, so experts don’t recommend eating it raw.


4. Does tofu have gluten?

Regular tofu contains only three things – soybean milk, curdling agent, and water. It’s completely gluten-free. However, if you buy flavored tofu, the compounds that add flavor to the tofu could contain gluten. So if you are gluten intolerant, pay attention to the labels.


5. How much protein in tofu?

One of the great advantages of tofu is that it’s an excellent source of protein for those who have decided to follow a vegan diet. 100 grams of tofu contain:

  • 8 grams of protein
  • 2 grams of carbs
  • 1 gram of fiber
  • 4 grams of fat
  • 20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium
  • 31% of the RDI of magnesium

6. How many calories in tofu?

Another reason to consider tofu besides the high protein content is that it’s a low-calorie food. In fact, a 100 gram of regular tofu has around 76 calories, while the soft one - only 61 calories.

The conclusion that we make is that tofu is a nutrient-dense meal, and it’s an excellent choice for those who want to lose some weight.


7. Can you microwave tofu?

You can cook tofu however you want – fried, baked, grilled or even microwaved. To microwave tofu, you have to follow these steps:

  • Take the tofu (if it’s frozen, thaw it).
  • Press the tofu to remove the water.
  • Marinate the tofu for 30 minutes.
  • Cut it into pieces.
  • You can add fresh vegetables, cheese or other ingredients.
  • Wrap it in plastic foil and place it in the microwave.

8. Does tofu go bad?

Since tofu is made of soy milk, it does spoil after a certain period of time. So you can’t leave it indefinitely in the fridge. Let’s see what you need to know to keep your tofu fresh as long as possible.


9. How to tell if tofu is bad?

There are obvious signs that your tofu has spoiled and you can hardly miss them. Look for:

  • a strong, sour smell
  • mold
  • a curdled look
  • a sour taste

10. How long does tofu last?

After we know that tofu can go bad, the next question is how much time we have before we have to discard it. Well, it all depends on whether we have opened the package or not.

The rule of thumb is that an opened package tofu is good for three to five days when properly stored. An unopened package would last 3-5 days after the sell-by date.

Nevertheless, if you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of spoilage, throw it away.


11. How long does tofu last in the fridge?

If you buy tofu from the refrigerator area, you need to keep in the fridge. As long as you don’t open it, it will be fine for at least 70 days past the manufacture date. However, if you open it, you have to use it in the next five days.

If you can’t do that, don’t worry. Here’s what to do. Put the leftover tofu in an airtight container, submerge it in fresh water and change the water every day. That will buy you a few extra days.


12. Can tofu be frozen?

If you can’t use the remaining tofu in the next few days, you shouldn’t bother submerging it in water. Instead, you can freeze it. The process is not very complicated. First, press it to remove the water. Then use a plastic wrap to cover it or put it in a freezer bag.

However, don’t freeze tofu for more than six months and thaw it in the fridge when you decide to use it.


13. Tofu press

If you are sick of using materials at hand to press tofu, there is a solution to your problem. It’s called a tofu press.

This device allows you to extract the water from the tofu quickly and without much effort. In the end, you are left with a denser block of tofu, which absorbs flavors better and has a better taste. Sounds great, right?

If you are interested in such a product, I can recommend to you the EZ Tofu Press, which allows you to press your tofu in 15 minutes. And it’s made in theUSA.

As you can see, tofu is a gluten-free, high-density food that you can cook however you want. The most important thing to remember is that tofu absorbs the flavors of the ingredients you use. But don’t forget to store it properly in the fridge or the freezer to keep it fresh.

If you have any more questions regarding tofu, post a comment and you’ll get your answer.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 2 comments
  • Michelle - February 7, 2018

    How long does tofu last in the fridge after its been cooked? Thank you!

    Reply
      Narissa - July 3, 2018

      Hi Michelle,
      After its been cooked, it will be last max five days and should be kept frozen at -18 degrees Celsius.
      If you have any more questions. Ask us here.
      Thank you.
      Keep in touch Michelle.

      Reply
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