# When does fried tofu spoil?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839
**Category:** Cafe Society
**Created:** [January 20, 2013, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839 "2013-01-20T22:44:32Z")
**Posts on this page:** 11
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2013, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/1 "2013-01-20T22:44:32Z")
I bought a package of fried tofu from our local asian market (it has a styrofoam bottom, and a saran wrap-like plastic covering) where they keep it in the refrigerated section. Then, I cleverly left it out overnight. The expiration date on it is Jan 25, but presumably that assumes I kept it properly refrigerated.
So - safe to eat?
ETA - shoot, I meant for this to go in Cafe Society. Could I get a forum move?
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### Author:  [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/2 "2013-01-20T22:54:29Z")
Tofu is spoiled at creation. Even frying it can’t save it.
I suggest you replace it with some chicken. Chicken fries up REAL nice. 😃
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### Author:  [@Gukumatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gukumatz)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2013, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/3 "2013-01-21T05:27:01Z")
Moved to Cafe Society.
(Dried tofu and cockroaches will be all that survives the nuclear apocalypse. I’d say aproximately ∞ days, less one.)
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### Author:  [@tellyworth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tellyworth)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2013, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/4 "2013-01-21T05:59:52Z")
Does it smell questionable? Are you planning on eating it cold?
If no to both it might be ok, but don’t quote me on that - if in doubt, toss it. The pre-packaged stuff usually keeps for a few days in the fridge once opened before it starts to develop a slightly sour smell.
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### Author:  [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2013, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/5 "2013-01-21T06:08:57Z")
Throw it away when it becomes moldy.
~VOW
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### Author:  [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2013, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/6 "2013-01-21T06:33:38Z")
Tofu doesn’t spoil. Old tofu just becomes stinky tofu, which is one of the best foods known to man!
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### Author:  [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2013, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/7 "2013-01-21T21:55:58Z")
I’m planning to make it into a Thai red curry, which will involve heating the tofu, but not really ‘cooking’ it again, per se. If it smells alright this evening, I’ll give it a go.
Thanks!
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### Author:  [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2013, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/8 "2013-01-21T22:09:08Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#):
>
> Tofu doesn’t spoil. Old tofu just becomes stinky tofu, which is one of the best foods known to man!
Stinky tofu is inoculated with specific flora, and “brewed” in tanks. The stuff growing in the back of the refrigerator probably doesn’t qualify.
I’ve found fluffy white mold on “forgotten” fried tofu in the back of the fridge.
~VOW
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### Author:  [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2013, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/9 "2013-01-22T02:57:31Z")
Alright, just cooked and consumed it. If I don’t post in this thread tomorrow, send help 🙂
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### Author:  [@ministryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ministryman)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2013, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/10 "2013-01-22T18:07:19Z")
It’s good until you don’t wake up from eating it…
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### Author:  [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2013, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-fried-tofu-spoil/647839/11 "2013-01-22T18:52:50Z")
Good news: I woke up this morning all kinds of healthy.