Use it up · Beans, lentils and legumes

Tofu

Have extra tofu? Here’s how to choose, store and prep tofu, plus 6 family recipes to use it all up, best matches first.

🛒 Choosing it

Extra-firm holds its shape for stir-fries and baking; silken blends into smoothies and sauces.

🧊 Storing it

Fridge
By the package date; once opened, cover with fresh water and use within a few days
Freezer
Freezing makes it chewier, which many cooks like

Keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F. Freezer times are for best quality; food kept frozen at 0°F stays safe. When in doubt, throw it out.

🔪 Prepping it

Drain and press between towels for 15 minutes, cut into cubes, then bake or pan-fry until golden.

📊 Nutrition per 100 g

Firm tofu. 100 g is about 3 1/2 ounces.

Calories144 kcal7%
Protein17 g35%
Total fat8.7 g11%
Saturated fat1.3 g6%
Total carbohydrate2.8 g1%
Dietary fiber2.3 g8%
Sodium14 mg1%
Calcium683 mg53%
Iron2.7 mg15%
Potassium237 mg5%

% Daily Value for adults (FDA). From USDA FoodData Central 172475 (SR Legacy).

🍽 Recipes that use it up

6 recipes, the ones that use the most tofu first.

  1. Crispy Baked Tofu Bites50 min · serves 4 · dinner, snack Star ingredient🧒 kid-friendly🥕 vegetarian
  2. Veggie Tofu Scramble22 min · serves 4 · breakfast Star ingredient⚡ quick🥕 vegetarian
  3. Tofu, Mushroom and Bok Choy Stir-Fry35 min · serves 4 · dinner Star ingredient🥕 vegetarian
  4. Garlic Ginger Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry40 min · serves 4 · dinner A main ingredient🥕 vegetarian
  5. Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowls1 hr · serves 4 · dinner, lunch A main ingredient🥕 vegetarian
  6. Mapo-Style Tofu with Pork35 min · serves 4 · dinner A main ingredient

Plan them into your week in the meal planner, or find recipes for two or three things at once with the “What can I make?” picker.

More beans, lentils and legumes

Storage times and buying tips are general guides from the sources below; follow any date or instructions on the package. Cook meat, poultry, fish and eggs to the USDA safe temperatures in each recipe.

@teddyrookbook GitHub Sources and credits