Do you think tofu is bland, boring, or hard to work with? Think again! One of our editors compares it to fresh dairy products like ricotta, cottage cheese, or even butter. With a little guidance on how to cook tofu, it can transform into a protein powerhouse that can rival even the meatiest options. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or vegan seeking new culinary adventures, or simply looking to reduce your meat consumption and explore alternatives, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 31 top tofu recipes. These recipes make it effortless to enjoy meatless meals every day of the week.
Let’s start with the basics. If tofu is new territory for you, it might seem a bit daunting at first. Begin by learning about the different types of tofu and when to use each one, courtesy of our food editor Taylor Ann. Next, delve into our baked tofu or tofu stir-fry recipes for expert tips and tricks (including whether or not to press your tofu) and surprising techniques to elevate its texture (hint: try boiling or freezing it!). Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, explore our diverse range of creative recipes suitable for any mealtime. Craving a hearty vegan breakfast? Whip up our tofu scramble. Need a quick and tasty lunch option? Try our jerk tofu grain bowls, spicy fried “chicken” sandwich, tofu nuggets, or caramelized tofu lettuce wraps. Looking for a standout tofu main for dinner? Check out our vegan lasagna, sesame tofu & broccoli, marry me tofu, or sweet & sour tofu.
As you become more familiar with cooking tofu, you’ll discover endless possibilities for substituting it for eggs, meat, and dairy in your favorite dishes. While firm tofu varieties (from medium-firm to super-firm) are ideal for most recipes, there are also opportunities to experiment with softer options like silken or soft tofu as showcased in dishes such as mapo tofu, kimchi tofu stew, hot & sour soup, and raspberry smoothie.
Seeking more culinary inspiration? Tofu has been a dietary staple in Asian cultures for centuries, so explore our selection of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean tofu recipes for additional ideas.
For a taste of what’s possible, try out these delicious recipes:
– Sweet & Sour Tofu: A classic Chinese-American dish featuring tofu in a savory, tangy, and sweet sauce.
– Tofu Nuggets: Upgrade your baked tofu nuggets with a crispy oven-baked coating.
– Chili Crisp Fried Tofu: Elevate your weeknight dinner with this crispy fried tofu coated in a spicy-sweet chili crisp sauce.
– Marry Me Tofu: A versatile plant-based tofu dish that’s sure to win over your taste buds.
Give your tofu dishes a romantic twist, similar to our Marry Me Chicken. Combining our creamy, garlicky sauce with crispy tofu was just as delightful as we anticipated. Try out the Marry Me Tofu recipe for yourself. In another dish, the Sesame Tofu & Broccoli presents a vegetarian take on a beloved Chinese-American classic, featuring oven-baked tofu tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce with crisp-tender broccoli, all topped with toasty sesame seeds and scallions. Serve with white rice for a satisfying weeknight meal. For a crunchy, spicy, and flavorful option, try the Spicy Fried “Chicken” Sandwich made with protein-packed tofu and a cornmeal batter for that extra crunch. The freezing step is key to achieving a meat-like texture. If you’re seeking a plant-based substitute for ground beef, check out the Vegan Ground Beef recipe made with tofu and simple seasonings. Meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike will enjoy the Fried Tofu, pan-fried to perfection and glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce. The Tofu Katsu Curry offers a hearty Japanese curry with crispy tofu and a rich curry sauce. For a quicker option, serve with shredded green cabbage and katsu sauce. Delight in the Caramelized Tofu Lettuce Wraps, inspired by caramelized beef but with tofu, offering a flavorful and versatile dish. Enjoy the Tofu Stir-Fry by using frozen extra-firm tofu for better flavor absorption, simmering briefly in salted water for a sturdier texture, and adding your favorite veggies. The Air Fryer Tofu recipe provides perfectly crispy tofu without the hassle of oil and cleanup. Try the Classic Tofu Scramble for a seared, creamy, and spiced tofu dish as an egg-free alternative.
For the crispiest baked tofu, opt for baking powder instead of the traditional cornstarch. When combined with heat and moisture, baking powder creates tiny bubbles that result in a crispy crust. Discover the Baked Tofu recipe.
In this vegan Lasagna, tofu replaces ricotta for a plant-based twist on the classic dish. Paired with a white sauce inspired by béchamel, this Vegan Lasagna is a satisfying dinner option. Find the recipe here.
Try out this flavorful Tofu Marinade which combines sweet and savory flavors reminiscent of BBQ sauce with a spicy kick. Perfect for baked, grilled, or pan-fried tofu dishes, this recipe is a versatile base for various tofu meals. Get the Tofu Marinade recipe.
Take a culinary journey with these Jerk Tofu Grain Bowls inspired by Jamaican cuisine. Featuring sweet plantains, aromatic rice and peas, and tofu marinated in a jerk sauce, these bowls are topped with a refreshing red cabbage and carrot slaw. Check out the recipe here.
Elevate tofu with these Chipotle Tofu & Pineapple Skewers, showcasing a flavorful marinade featuring chipotle and guajillo chile. This recipe highlights tofu as a standalone protein source that absorbs delicious sauces. Get the recipe here.
Indulge in the savory depth of Grilled Tofu infused with umami-rich miso and soy sauce. Marinating the tofu planks for optimal flavor ensures each bite is seasoned to perfection. Find the Grilled Tofu recipe here.
Experience the essence of the meat-free Vietnamese classic Tofu Banh Mi, where pressed tofu is marinated twice for maximum flavor. The result is a tasty tofu filling that rivals traditional meat options. Discover the Tofu Banh Mi recipe.
Enjoy a comforting and flavorful Kimchi Tofu Stew inspired by Korean cuisine. This easy-to-make tofu stew features spicy and savory notes from gochujang, fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions. Find the recipe here.
Savor the taste of BBQ Tofu, a versatile dish that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Serve the tofu with extra BBQ sauce for a delightful meal that can rival classic meat dishes. Get the BBQ Tofu recipe here.
Delight in the distinct flavors of Miso Soup, enhanced by dashi broth made from kombu and bonito flakes. This simple and comforting soup is perfect for cozy days or as a side to your favorite sushi. Try the Miso Soup recipe here.
Discover a new way to enjoy collard greens with Collard Wrap Bento Boxes. These sturdy greens make a perfect wrap for a filling combination of veggies, hummus, and sautéed tofu. Find the recipe here.
Creating perfectly steamed buns that exude elegance akin to beauty queens may require some trial and error in the kitchen. However, it is the internal qualities of these buns that truly shine. The dough boasts a delicate softness that avoids being overly dense, offering a texture that is tender yet pleasantly chewy. Its subtly sweet flavor profile harmonizes effortlessly with a wide range of accompaniments, including the versatile tofu. Delve into the art of crafting Steamed Buns (Baozi) with the assistance of a detailed recipe by June Xie.
Transitioning to a vegan delight, the Vegan Sweet Potato Curry beckons with its simplicity, promising a flavorful dish achievable in under an hour. This curry incorporates five vegetable components – onions, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and crispy fried tofu puffs – adept at absorbing the rich curry sauce. Nonetheless, feel free to personalize your curry by utilizing whatever vegetables are at your disposal. Take a culinary journey with June Xie’s recipe for Vegan Sweet Potato Curry.
Venturing into the realm of soups, the Hot & Sour Soup emerges as a highly adaptable concoction, allowing for seamless customization to suit individual preferences. Whether you opt to introduce ground or sliced meat at the initial stages of cooking or prefer a vegetarian rendition, the possibilities are endless. Consider enriching the soup with rehydrated dried shiitake mushrooms and utilizing the soaking liquid as a flavorsome broth. Discover the diverse potential of the Hot & Sour Soup recipe crafted by June Xie.
Revitalize your stir-fry routine with the tantalizing Peanut Butter Tofu Stir-Fry, transcending the ordinary with a luscious blend of peanut butter and soy sauce to create a velvety sauce. This delectable sauce is bound to become a household favorite, so consider preparing an extra batch to elevate a myriad of dishes. Unravel the secrets behind the Peanut Butter Tofu Stir-Fry recipe for a culinary adventure by Joslyn Blair.
Elevate tofu to new heights with the Seared Tofu With Mango Avocado Salsa, a dish that mirrors the sophistication often associated with seafood. Sear a substantial slab of tofu to perfection and crown it with a vibrant salsa featuring the zesty combination of avocado, mango, and lime. Whether relishing it as a standalone delight or incorporating it into rice or tacos, this dish promises a gratifying vegetarian experience. Unveil the recipe for Seared Tofu With Mango Avocado Salsa curated by Joslyn Blair.
Indulge in the culinary splendor of Black Rice Tofu Bowls, a gastronomic masterpiece showcasing the allure of forgotten and rare black sticky rice, complemented by marinated frozen tofu and a luscious leek sauce. This Budget Eats-inspired creation not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captivates the eyes with its visual appeal. Immerse yourself in the distinctive flavors and textures of the Black Rice Tofu Bow
