Tofu is such a versatile and delicious ingredient that you can make so many tasty dishes with it. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a vegetarian, or just someone looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, tofu can be a great addition to your recipes. It’s packed with protein, easy to cook, and absorbs flavors like a sponge. From crispy stir-fries to creamy curries, and even hearty lasagnas, tofu can do it all. Here are 15 amazing tofu recipes that will make you fall in love with this humble ingredient.
Contents
- 1 Crispy Tofu with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- 2 Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables
- 3 Tofu Scramble
- 4 Baked Tofu with Lemon and Herbs
- 5 Tofu Tacos
- 6 Tofu Pad Thai
- 7 Mapo Tofu
- 8 Tofu Lettuce Wraps
- 9 Tofu Curry
- 10 Tofu Banh Mi
- 11 Tofu Salad
- 12 BBQ Tofu
- 13 Tofu Pho
- 14 Tofu Satay
- 15 Tofu Spring Rolls
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Crispy Tofu with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Cut 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz) into cubes and coat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Fry in 2 tablespoons of oil until crispy. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon sriracha, and 1 clove minced garlic. Drizzle the sauce over the tofu and stir to coat. Serve with steamed rice or salad. The crispy exterior paired with the tender inside makes this dish a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Cut 1 block of tofu (14 oz) into cubes. Stir-fry in 2 tablespoons oil until golden. Add 1 cup chopped bell peppers, 1 cup broccoli, and 1/2 cup carrots. Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove, then stir into the tofu and vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. This quick stir-fry is full of vibrant colors and fresh, crunchy vegetables that are perfect for a wholesome meal.
Tofu Scramble
Crumble 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz). Sauté with 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup spinach, 1/4 cup diced tomatoes, and 1/4 cup onions. Stir until combined and cooked through. Serve with toast or as a breakfast burrito. The addition of nutritional yeast and turmeric gives the scramble a cheesy flavor and a vibrant yellow hue reminiscent of scrambled eggs.
Baked Tofu with Lemon and Herbs
Marinate 1 block of tofu (14 oz) in a mixture of 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon rosemary. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden. Serve with roasted vegetables. The lemony, herby marinade infuses the tofu with a refreshing brightness, making it a great light main dish.
Tofu Tacos
Crumble 1 block of tofu (14 oz) and sauté with 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Serve in warmed tortillas with avocado slices, salsa, and shredded lettuce. Optional toppings: sour cream and cheese. These tofu tacos are a quick and flavorful alternative to traditional meat tacos, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Tofu Pad Thai
Sauté 1 block of cubed tofu (14 oz) in 2 tablespoons oil until golden. Add 8 oz cooked rice noodles, 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and a sauce made from 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Garnish with crushed peanuts and cilantro. The tofu absorbs the tangy, sweet, and savory Pad Thai sauce, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
Mapo Tofu
Sauté 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) in 1 tablespoon oil. Add 1 block cubed soft tofu (14 oz) and 1/4 pound ground pork (optional). Stir in 1/2 cup broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions. The spiciness and numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns give Mapo Tofu its signature fiery kick.
Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Sauté 1 block crumbled tofu (14 oz) with 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 minced garlic clove. Serve in lettuce leaves, topped with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, and cilantro. These wraps are a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a low-carb option that still delivers big on flavor.
Tofu Curry
Simmer 1 block cubed tofu (14 oz) in a sauce made from 1 can coconut milk, 2 tablespoons curry paste, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon coriander. Add 1 cup chopped bell peppers, 1/2 cup carrots, and 1/2 cup peas. Serve with jasmine rice or naan. The richness of the coconut milk and the fragrant spices create a creamy curry that’s both warming and filling.
Tofu Banh Mi
Marinate 1 block of tofu (14 oz) in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon lemongrass for 30 minutes. Grill until charred. Stuff into a baguette with pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. The combination of charred tofu, pickled veggies, and spicy mayo makes this banh mi sandwich a burst of bold and balanced flavors.
Tofu Salad
Marinate 1 block cubed tofu (14 oz) in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Toss with 1/2 cup mixed greens, 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup cucumbers, and 1/4 cup avocado. Dress with 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon honey. This fresh and vibrant salad combines savory marinated tofu with crisp vegetables and a tangy-sweet dressing.
BBQ Tofu
Marinate 1 block sliced tofu (14 oz) in 1/4 cup barbecue sauce. Grill or bake until caramelized and smoky. Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. The smoky barbecue flavor makes this tofu perfect for summer grilling or a cozy winter barbecue indoors.
Tofu Pho
Simmer 1 block of cubed tofu (14 oz) in 4 cups broth with 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, and 1 sliced ginger for 30 minutes. Add rice noodles, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and hoisin sauce. The aromatic broth infuses the tofu with a subtle, warm flavor that complements the fresh herbs and rice noodles.
Tofu Satay
Marinate 1 block cubed tofu (14 oz) in 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Skewer and grill. Serve with a spicy peanut dipping sauce made from 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. The nutty, creamy peanut sauce pairs beautifully with the grilled, curry-spiced tofu.
Tofu Spring Rolls
Fill rice paper wrappers with 1 block of tofu (14 oz), rice noodles, lettuce, carrots, and mint. Serve with a dipping sauce made from 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. These fresh, light spring rolls are packed with crunchy vegetables and soft tofu, making for a perfect appetizer or snack.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout
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