40 Plant-Based Tofu Recipes Even Meat Lovers Will Enjoy
Fried Glazed Ginger Barbecue Tofu
Tofu has always been popular in Asia, and as more and more people are introduced to vegan and vegetarian diets, tofu has slowly but surely become more commonplace in the Western world. Just because tofu is often used as a substitute for meat protein doesn't mean that only vegans or vegetarians should eat this soy-based ingredient. We're here to share these 40 best tofu recipes everyone can enjoy!
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What is Tofu and What is Tofu Made Of?
Also known as "bean curd," tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, and then pressing the remaining soy bean curds into blocks.
Easily found in supermarkets or natural food stores, tofu comes in vary softness, ranging from silken tofu, soft tofu, firm tofu to even extra firm and super firm textures.
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How to Cook Tofu
There are endless ways of cooking tofu—you can steam it, pan fry it, deep fry it, air fry it, boil it in soup, or even scramble it.
What Does Tofu Taste Like?
To be honest, tofu by itself tastes bland. There isn't a particularly outstanding taste about tofu on its own, but that's also precisely what makes it great! It's perfect for sauces, to eat with meats (or without), and is easily adaptable to the spices or condiments you choose for the recipe in mind.
Related: Low Carb Tofu Recipes if You're On Keto
Best Tofu Recipes
From Asian-inspired dishes such as teriyaki tofu rice bowls, crispy tofu with sweet scallion sauce, green curry tofu, and steamed tofu with ground pork, to fusion recipes such as TikTok tofu pizza waffles, grilled tofu shawarma bowls, tofu tacos and even tofu fajitas, there's an endless range of easy tofu recipes to try in this mix!
Here are 40 tofu recipes even meat lovers will appreciate! Browse through them, make sure to pin your favorites and stock up on some tofu!
Callie Blount
Learn how to get golden-crisp tofu for a vegetarian stir-fry.
Get the recipe: Crispy Tofu
The Kind Diet
This Thanksgiving tofu feels like a holiday dish because it contains stuffing, but it can really be served any time of year. It’s very filling, so be sure to balance it with a big, fresh salad.
Get the recipe: Thanksgiving Tofu
Leo Gong
Even your meat-eating friends will rave over this one. It is easy and delicious and contains flavors traditionally considered typical of both Japanese- and Korean-style cooking. Serve over brown rice.
Get the recipe: Japanese Style Braised Tofu
Mark Weinberg
This recipe transforms tofu from a health-food standby into a crunchy, indulgent treat.
Get the recipe: Fried Glazed Ginger Barbecue Tofu
The Herbeevore
Topped with a plant-based cheese, veggies and more, this creative take on the tofu waffles trend is packed with protein and perfect for an easy and fun lunch or dinner. Get those waffle irons heated up and try for yourself!
Get the recipe: Tik Tok Tofu Pizza Waffles
istockphoto
This curried tofu and avocado dip is a nutrition-packed snack that will satisfy you.
Get the recipe: Curried Tofu and Avocado Dip
Chloe Coscarelli
Not only is this tender tofu dish extremely Insta-worthy, thanks to its pineapple vessel, but it’s easy to pull off, which is 100% why we like it.
Get the recipe: Tropical Glazed Tofu
Choosing Chia
This Thai green curry tofu features crispy tofu tossed up in a luscious creamy coconut sauce, with some spicy green curry! It’s a simple and healthy recipe that’s bursting with Thai flavor!
Get the recipe: Thai Green Curry Tofu
The Foodie Takes Flight
Really “meaty” vegan black pepper tofu steaks - tofu coated in a peppery, slightly sweet, and really savory sauce served over rice and a side of sautéed vegetables.
Get the recipe: Black Pepper Tofu Steaks
Vegan Heaven
These vegan baked tofu sticks are the perfect comfort food! They’re crispy, spicy, and super easy to make! We like them best with homemade vegan ranch sauce.
Get the recipe: Baked Tofu Sticks
Delish Knowledge
Brown rice, the best peanut tofu, vegetables and roasted broccoli in a simple peanut sauce. If you are looking for a healthy buddha bowl recipe, this is it! A gluten-free and vegan lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe: Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl
The Foodie Takes Flight
This pan-fried tofu with a chili miso sauce is really easy to put together but very tasty and easiy customisable.
Get the recipe: Pan-Fried Tofu with Chili Miso Sauce
Host the Toast
Korean-Inspired crispy tofu tacos. Learn the secret to making the best crispy tofu and serve it in flavor-packed tacos with crunchy slaw and quick pickles.
Get the recipe: Korean-Inspired Crispy Tofu Tacos
Vegan on Board
Bite size sticky tofu pieces in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. This Chinese inspired lemon tofu is ready in less than 30 minutes and is plate licking good!
Get the recipe: Sticky Lemon Tofu
Wandering Chickpea
Tofu skewers marinated in Middle Eastern Spices and grilled until crispy, served alongside warm pita, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzled in a quick tahini yogurt sauce. Vegan, easy to make and so flavorful.
Get the recipe: Grilled Tofu Shawarma Bowls
Keeping the Peas
Tofu fajitas are a simple and flavorful vegan dinner you can make in under 30 minutes. With an assortment of spices these fajitas are smoky, and packed with tons of protein, vitamins and minerals!
Get the recipe: Tofu Fajitas
Peas and Crayons
This honey garlic tofu recipe is a great way to jazz up tofu! Pair it with crisp broccoli and fluffy brown rice for a tofu bowl that’s sure to have you skipping take-out for this tasty homemade recipe!
Get the recipe: Honey Garlic Tofu
Dish by Dish
This is Asian comfort food: brown rice noodles with bok choy, sautéed mushrooms and pan-fried tofu, tossed with a glug of soy sauce and a shake of salt.
Get the recipe: Brown Rice Noodles with Bok Choy, Mushrooms and Tofu
Food with Feeling
Tofu tikka masala is a flavorful, vegan version of the classic and very popular Indian tikka masala recipe.
Get the recipe: Tofu Tikka Masala
The Foodie Takes Flight
An easy yet really tasty and satisfying maple hoisin tofu recipe! These slices of tofu are perfect enjoyed over a bowl of steamed rice or noodles.
Get the recipe: Maple Hoisin Tofu
Delightful Plate
Steamed tofu with ground pork features smooth silken tofu and juicy ground pork. It is light while packed with savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Get the recipe: Steamed Tofu with Ground Pork
Domestic Gothess
This easy vegan pasta sauce is creamy and delicious but low in fat, all thanks to the addition of silken tofu.
Get the recipe: Tofu Tomato Pasta Sauce
Damn Spicy
Crispy pan-fried tofu smothered in sticky homemade teriyaki sauce served over fluffy rice! This quick and easy tofu dinner or lunch comes together in less than an hour, is naturally vegan & gluten-free!
Get the recipe: Sticky Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl
Well Plated
Baked tandoori-style tofu in a rich, creamy masala curry sauce, this quick version Tofu Tikka Masala is made with easy ingredients and has authentic flavor!
Get the recipe: Tofu Tikka Masala
Darn Good Veggies
Korean tofu soup – a favorite one pot meal with fragrant garlic, spicy kimchi, and silky soft tofu. Ready in 30 minutes!
Get the recipe: Spicy Korean Tofu Soup
Well Vegan
Using tofu achieves a silky smooth texture for the cream sauce, which is blended with lots of sauteed garlic and white wine (yum). Top it all off with tender mushrooms cooked with fresh thyme for a dish that smells as heavenly as it tastes.
Get the recipe: Creamy Tofu Garlic Mushroom Pasta
My Vegan Minimalist
This healthy vegan soft tofu scramble comes together in 15 minutes using just 6 easy ingredients. Silken tofu is brightened by sweet paprika powder, garlic & black pepper. Paired with black salt and a scattering of nutritional yeast.
Get the recipe: Vegan Soft Tofu Scramble
Short Girl Tall Order
With a simple umami stir-fry sauce, tons of fresh vegetables, noodles, and crispy tofu, this vegan vegetable lo mein is truly a keeper!
Get the recipe: Vegan Lo Mein with Tofu
Woon Heng
These teriyaki tofu balls are made from firm tofu that has great crunch from infusesd vegetables and nuts.
Get the recipe: Teriyaki Tofu Balls
The Foodie Takes Flight
Here’s some some crispy tofu with sweet scallion sauce! You can opt to fry or bake the tofu and enjoy them with sweet scallion sauce or your dip of choice.
Get the recipe: Crispy Tofu with Sweet Scallion Sauce
Healthy Nibbles and Bits
This spicy tofu recipe consists of pan-fried tofu tossed in a rich and flavorful sauce of coconut milk, sambal oelek, and red curry paste. Serve the spicy tofu with jasmine rice and a side of vegetables.
Get the recipe: Spicy Tofu with Creamy Coconut Sauce
Gimme Some Oven
An unbelievably delicious tofu stir-fry, made with my easy baked tofu recipe and tossed with the most heavenly garlic black pepper sauce.
Get the recipe: Magic Garlicky Tofu
Dish by Dish
This recipe for air fryer tofu is crazy easy, the tofu cooks so quickly and uses so little oil. Gluten-free and vegan.
Get the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Tofu
Darn Good Veggies
This 20-minute umami bomb tofu is an explosion of savory flavor! Perfect in rice bowls, salads, wraps, lettuce cups, and tacos!
Get the recipe: Umami Bomb Tofu
Grumpy's Honey Bunch
These tofu burgers are an easy to make vegan recipe that is full of flavor! You can enjoy it between a bun to make a sandwich, or eat it on your plate alongside a bright green salad.
Get the recipe: Tofu Burgers
Christie at Home
Fried tofu smothered in a delicious, spicy saucy gochujang based sauce with a hint of sesame. This vegan gochujang Korean tofu is quick to make in under 30 minutes or less and is fantastic for lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe: Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu
Jo Cooks
Spicy, succulent udon noodles made with tofu and an array of bright veggies. An easy and addictive meal!
Get the recipe: Tofu Drunken Noodles
The Guccha
Simple to make restaurant-style appetizer using silken tofu and other vegan ingredients. Serve this crispy fried silken tofu with an instantly made dipping sauce that is so yummy!
Get the recipe: Crispy Fried Silken Tofu
Table for Two
This crispy pan-fried sesame garlic tofu is going to change your mind about tofu almost instantly!
Get the recipe: Pan Fried Sesame Garlic Tofu
Eric Wolfinger
Tis maple roasted tofu with winter squash is a stellar vegan supper that will win over any meat-eater. Get the recipe: Maple Roasted Tofu with Winter Squash
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