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35 Flavorful Tofu Recipes

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Looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate tofu into your meals? Look no further! We’ve rounded up the 35 best tofu recipes that span a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Asian to Mexican. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty pasta, flavorful stir-fry, umami sushi, or even a tofu burger, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to experience the versatility and deliciousness of tofu like never before!

7 photo collage of different tofu recipes, a burger, meatballs, sausages, egg salad, curry, tofu steak, and tikka masala

Tofu is believed to have been invented in China about 2000 years ago and has since become a staple ingredient in south-east Asian cuisine. Being derived from soybeans, tofu is low in calories and high in protein (50-55%), making it an ideal meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians. 

This nutrient-dense, chameleon of food is made using soybeans, water, and a coagulant like “nigari” or gypsum.

Soybeans are soaked in water over a period of hours, after which the mixture is boiled, filtered, and coagulated to form bean curd. This soybean curd is separated and pressed to remove excess water, and the remaining solids at the end of this process are what we call tofu. 

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Today it’s typically sold in the form of blocks under two main categories, “fresh tofu” and “processed tofu.”

  • Fresh tofu comes in many varieties, like silken tofu, firm tofu, and super firm tofu, to name a few. It is made directly from soy milk and used in all the below recipes.
  • Processed tofu is produced from fresh soybeans like pickled, stinky, or thousand-layer.

Tofu is such a versatile ingredient that you can’t get bored with it. There are several ways to prepare it or even cut it. Not to mention how many ways you can cook with it.

While in the past, tofu was a staple in many Asian cuisines, it is not the case anymore. Since vegans and vegetarians discovered it all over the world, there is an endless supply of recipes.

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Cooking tips for tofu recipes

  • Whether you use firm or extra firm tofu, always press it. The main reason is to drain the excess liquid. It will make the texture better and also helps with soaking up the seasoning. We show you how to press tofu in 4 ways. In short, you can press it with either a tofu press, use heavy objects and paper towels, freeze it, or use a nut milk bag to squeeze it by hand.
  • How to cut tofu? You can cut them into cubes, triangles, or thin slices, or leave them as a whole. One of the best ways is tearing tofu into uneven bite-size pieces to give it a unique texture. The rough edges of the torn pieces will crisp up better in the oven or during pan-frying, giving the tofu a satisfying crunch.
  • Tofu doesn’t taste much without proper seasoning. You must season, marinate, glaze, or cook it in a sauce. Here are 7 flavorful tofu marinade recipes you can start with.
  • You can cook tofu in different ways, like pan-frying in a skillet, deep-frying in oil, baking, grilling, or cooking in a sauce. Not to forget about air-fryer tofu. They all will give you slightly different textures. So experiment with it to find your perfect match.
  • Have you heard about freezing tofu? It is done to make an even drier, spongier texture. Recipes asking to freeze tofu usually use tofu as a vegan chicken substitute.

Tofu Meatballs

Black cast iron skillet with red marinara sauce and crispy brown tofu meatballs. It is sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. Vegan Parmesan cheese is next to it on top of a cheese grater.
These vegan tofu meatballs are cooked to a golden-brown perfection with Italian-style seasoning, resulting in a tender, juicy, and delectable dish that may make you feel like you’re dining at an authentic Italian restaurant. The secret lies in using minced frozen tofu, which makes them easy to prepare, highly adaptable, and ready in just 40 minutes.
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Red Pesto Tofu Pasta (Vegan)

Large white plate with red pesto spaghetti topped with green-yellow tofu cubes, shredded cheese and basil leaves.
In just 5 minutes, you can prepare a vegan red pesto using sun-dried tomatoes. Combine it with your preferred pasta and add some fried marinated tofu on top for a scrumptious tofu pesto pasta that can be made in just 30 minutes, from beginning to end.
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Orange Tofu (Crispy, Sticky)

Sticky brown breaded tofu cubes are served on top of rice in a white bowl. It is sprinkled with chopped chives and sesame seeds. A hand is holding chopsticks to take one.
In only 45 minutes, you can have crispy deep-fried tofu coated in a sticky orange sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! If you want to add protein to your lunch or dinner table in a zesty way without going to a Chinese restaurant or ordering take-out, this straightforward orange tofu recipe is the ideal choice!
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Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Light grey round plate with a brown, shiny tofu slice topped with a chopped green herbs served with baked half potatoes and roasted asparagus
Tofu steak should be a flavorful dish that has a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Seasoned with a smoky, spicy steak marinade and grilled for a charred finish, this tofu steak is accompanied by a fresh chimichurri sauce, roasted baby potatoes, and garlic asparagus, making it an exceptional dinner feast.
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Pad Woon Sen {Vegan} (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry)

Black skillet from above full of glass noodles, shredded carrots, cabbage, sliced green onion, bean sprouts, mushroom shreds with a smiling wooden spatula
Thai glass noodles, known for their silky texture, are stir-fried with carrots, cabbage, tomato, onion, and mung bean sprouts in a delectable sweet and salty sauce. But this Pad Woon Sen recipe is more, as it includes tofu scramble and marinated oyster mushrooms. The result is a flavor-packed, and mouthwatering.
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Spicy Tahini Miso Soba Noodles

Large white bowl with brown soba noodles, orange crispy tofu bites, roasted asparagus and black and white sesame seeds. More asparagus and tofu bites are on the side. A hand is holding chopsticks and taking one tofu.
For the ultimate miso noodles recipe, look no further since you can mix it in just five minutes, without the need for cooking. Soba noodles are the ideal match to complement these flavors. It is served with crispy miso tofu bites and roasted asparagus, making it a truly irresistible meal.
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Chickpea Tofu Curry

A white frying pan with tofu cubes, chickpeas and large red onion pieces mixed with a red-orange sauce and topped with freshly chopped herbs. Several pieces of flatbread and a wooden bowl of rice are next to it.
Don’t miss out on this chickpea tofu curry recipe if you’re a fan of curry dishes and are seeking something new to try. It is loaded with flavor and protein, making it a must-try for anyone looking to switch up their meal routine.
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Smoked Tofu Sushi

An oval, light blue plate with 9 tofu sushi rolls with colorful filling wrapped in dark seaweed sheets. Served with a small bowl of soy sauce and sprinkled with dark and white sesame seeds.
Smoked tofu, vegetables, and flavorful sriracha mayo are combined to create these maki sushi rolls. You don’t need to be a sushi-making expert to make these tofu sushi rolls. Follow our step-by-step instructions, and you will be ready in one hour!
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Vegan Breakfast Burritos

Two half burritos on top of each other to see the filling of brown chorizo crumbles and yellow tofu scramble
Made with a tofu scramble and vegan chorizo, this burrito is the perfect indulgent breakfast item that’s both satisfying and healthy. With a few different components, it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, but can also be meal prepped for a quick and easy weekday breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied until lunch.
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Meaty Tofu Burger (Whopper Style)

Burger bun with two patties, cheese in between, pickled cucumber slices, onion slices, tomato and ruffled lettuce.
In just 35 minutes, you can savor the smoky flavors of this juicy tofu burger. The minced frozen tofu is the secret ingredient that gives this burger an incredible taste. Top it off with your favorite fresh veggies and condiments to create a vegan Whopper.
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Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat) Recipe

A black cast iron skillet from above with yellow brown pieces in a red chunky sauce. There is a wooden spatula with a smiley face is stirring the middle.
Looking to replicate the famous Chipotle Sofritas at home? Get ready to create crispy tofu crumbles, braised in a spicy chili sauce, just like they do at Chipotle. With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this popular dish in the comfort of your home.
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Vegan Spinach Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta

A white plate with a slice of lasagna where you can see the layers of red sauce, pasta sheets and a white ricotto and chopped spinach leaves.
This easy-to-make vegan spinach lasagna is made with a savory marinara sauce and a spinach tofu ricotta filling. Satisfying and flavorful, this dish will leave you feeling content and full.
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Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Tofu

Red and white casserole dish with a veggie and tofu crumble stew topped with mashed potatoes
Looking for a vegan twist on classic comfort food? Crumbled tofu is coated in a flavorful paste made of tamari and spices, then baked to crispy perfection. It is then added to make this vegan shepherd’s pie so delicious.
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Vegan Sausage in 35 Mins!

7 small sausages in a black cast-iron skillet. A hand holding tongs is taking one. Fake fried eggs, hoagie rolls, ketchup, and mustard are around it.
Never tried making vegan sausages at home because all recipes you saw were just too complicated. Not this one. This recipe is made with minced frozen tofu and a powerful blend of seasonings to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Enjoy their versatility by pairing them with veggies, adding them to a sandwich, or topping your pasta.
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Vegan Breakfast Sausage

Nine round flat crispy brown sausage patties on a black plate served with fried egg look-alikes. Condiments, bread, utensils, and a glass of juice is placed next to it.
Begin your day on a high note with our vegan breakfast sausages! This 35-minute recipe features frozen tofu mince seasoned to perfection and pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. Whether eaten alone or as part of a full vegan breakfast, these sausages are impossible to resist!
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Chipotle Plant-Based Chorizo (Copycat)

A white frying pan with brown crispy tofu crumbles sprinkled with freshly chopped cilantro. Lime slices are added. Avocado and more spices are next to the pan.
Do you miss Chipotle’s plant-based chorizo? Don’t worry. You can now make it at home with this delicious vegan chorizo recipe! Packed with robust flavors and a slight kick, this recipe combines various herbs and spices to create the perfect copycat.
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Healthy Vegan Egg Salad

A stack of two sandwiches. Both with brown sliced bread, arugula, and tofu cubes in thick yellow sauce to mimic egg salad.
This 15-minute vegan egg salad is made of tofu and cashews to give you a creamy, protein-packed, and delicious breakfast sandwich. We skipped the high-fat mayonnaise and any other packaged products and opted for only whole foods plant-based ingredients. 
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Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice With Tofu

A black bowl with yellow rice, red tomato slices, pineapple chunks, green peas and chopped green onion.
This quick and easy vegan pineapple fried rice recipe transforms leftover rice into a new meal by mixing it with scrambled tofu, sweet pineapples, tomatoes, and green peas. Seasoned with mild green curry, this dish can be made in just 30 minutes, so why not skip the take-out and cook up a batch tonight?
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Baked Chili Miso Tofu Bites

White bowl with yellow-brown tofu bites
Elevate your tofu game with our 8-ingredient chili miso marinade, which transforms the tofu into a deliciously crispy and flavorful meal. By tearing the tofu into uneven bite-size pieces, the edges will crisp up perfectly in the oven, creating a satisfying crunch. Try this unique texture and taste in your next meal!
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Tofu Korma

A white plate with white rice, pieces of naan bread and tofu cubes in a creamy orange sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside.
This is a mild but flavorful curry that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. Our easy-to-make vegan tofu korma recipe is a fantastic and protein-packed alternative to the classic korma.
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Thai Oyster Mushroom Noodle Stir Fry

White bowl with tofu cubes, broccoli florets, oyster mushroom shreds, red chili slices and long thin rice noodles.
This Thai noodle stir-fry is a simple yet fragrant dish featuring soy sauce sautéed oyster mushrooms, tofu, broccoli, and rice noodles. While Thai cuisine is renowned for its spiciness, this dish is not excessively hot. We guarantee that adding a bit of spice will only enhance the taste of this oyster mushroom stir-fry.
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Sticky Baked Harissa Tofu (Vegan)

Triangle-shaped tofu slices in a red sticky glaze with freshly chopped green mint, sesame seeds on black plate. A hand with chopsticks is about to take one.
This is the best harissa tofu recipe ever. It will tantalize your taste buds with its sweet and spicy flavors. Triangular pieces of firm tofu are marinated in an oil-free harissa sauce made with six ingredients, then baked to a crispy, sticky perfection that you won’t be able to resist.
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Sweet Potato Tofu Curry

A white frying pan with tofu cubes, spinach leaves and orange sweet potato cubes in a thick orange curry sauce. Flatbread pieces are around it and a wooden bowl of white rice.
Spice up your weekly meal plan with our delicious sweet potato tofu curry recipe. This dish features a unique blend of sweet potatoes, tofu, and flavorful spices that you will love instantly.
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Panda Express Eggplant Tofu

White rectangular plate full of large purple eggplant chunks, puffy brown glazed tofu and red peppers. Blue chopsticks are taking one tofu piece and holding it up in the air.
If you want some eggplant tofu, but going to Panda Express is not an option at the moment, give this recipe a try. It is a tofu stir-fry with eggplant and bell pepper cooked in a deliciously sweet and spicy sauce.
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Grilled Buffalo Tofu Skewers

Yellow-brown tofu cubes on wooden skewers are criss cross over each other on a grilling rack placed on a black board. A small white bowl is next to them with a yellow dipping sauce.
Indulge in the fiery and bold taste of buffalo tofu with a crispy caramelized coating. To achieve this delicious dish, marinate tofu and grill or pan-fry on skewers. You’ll find this recipe both easy to make and bursting with flavor. It is a perfect meal for summer.
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Easy Thai Red Curry with Tofu

White frying pan with a darkbrown red sauce tofu cubes, sliced bell peppers, sliced green chilies, mint leaves, sliced spring onion, mushrooms slices.
This Thai red curry uses only six simple ingredients to create a flavorful sauce and cook tofu, wood ear mushrooms (also known as black fungus), bamboo shoots, spring onions, and red chili peppers in it.
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Sticky Teriyaki Tofu (Copycat Pei Wei)

White bowl with white rice topped with thin dark brown tofu slices with charred edges, green beans, chopped red bell pepper and sprinkled with white sesame seeds.
Have you noticed that Pei Wei Restaurant cuts tofu thin to create the perfect crispy and sticky teriyaki tofu? Our recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve that same texture and taste. Serve it alongside rice and vegetables for a balanced meal that combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
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5-minute Tofu Cream Cheese

Close-up of a a sandwich with two layers of tofu cream cheese with thinly sliced cucumber, carrot, lettuce and avocado slices
Are you looking for some creative ways to use tofu? Well, our 5-minute tofu cream cheese spread might just be it. This vegan version is a surprisingly tasty alternative to traditional cream cheese that won’t disappoint your taste buds. We show you 4 different flavors as well.
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Tofu Feta Bowl

A bowl loaded with white tofu cubes covered in dried herbs and lots of colorful veggies and leafy greens.
Are you looking for a dairy-free alternative to feta cheese that actually tastes like the real thing? Made with miso paste and a blend of herbs and spices, this tofu feta has a salty, tangy flavor that’s sure to satisfy. And with a firmer texture than traditional feta, it’s perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, and more.
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Crispy Rice Paper Spring Rolls

Lots of spring rolls placed on top of each other like a pyramid. The top one is cut in half so you can see inside the purple cabbage bits and some carrot and bell pepper pieces.
These Chinese-style spring rolls are made using rice paper wrappers instead of traditional spring roll wrappers. They are filled with pre-cooked veggies, such as julienne carrots, purple cabbage, green onion, bean sprouts, as well as marinated shredded tofu. The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
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Tofu Tacos with Mango Salsa

Hard tacos with yellow marinated tofu cubes and red cabbage slices.
These delicious tropical tofu tacos are made with jerk tofu, red cabbage, and avocado, and topped with a sweet and tangy mango salsa. These tacos are bursting with flavor. With the added crunch of hard taco shells, every bite is sure to be satisfying.
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Vegan Tikka Masala

Large black plate with white rice and mushroom shreds in orange thick sauce sprinkled with chopped green herbs and a twig of parsley on top.
In under 20 minutes, you can have a creamy and aromatic tomato-based curry sauce with our vegan tikka masala recipe. You can choose between tofu, oyster mushrooms (as vegan chicken), cauliflower, or chickpeas as the main ingredient for this dish. We’ll provide the recipe for all four variations, so you can pick your favorite.
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Thai Tofu Wrap with Coconut Almond Butter Dip

3 wraps with colorful veggies and tofu slices are placed on top of each other on a cutting board.
It is an easy-to-make wrap that is filled with marinated tofu and healthy veggies. The wrap is bursting with flavor, and the coconut almond butter dip complements it perfectly.
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Tofu Nuggets

Several small light brown nuggets on a brown plate. A hand is dipping one into a pink-orange sauce in a small bowl right next to them.
This recipe is for crispy baked tofu nuggets, a great vegan alternative to Chick-fil-A nuggets. Lightly coated and baked, these nuggets are crispy and delicious, and even non-vegetarians will love them. Served with the vegan version of Chick-fil-A’s dipping sauce of tangy BBQ sauce and honey mustard.
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Vegan Kung Pao Tofu

A blue and white plate loaded with rice and topped with bell pepper, tofu cubes, green veggies and chopped scallion.
The Crispy Kung Pao Tofu recipe is a healthier vegan option inspired by Chinese cuisine that is easy to make and tastes better than takeout. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that can be customized to your desired level of spiciness, and can be served with rice or noodles for a filling meal.
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Zoodles Noodles Tofu Salad

A glass salad bowl with sprouts, noodles, tofu cubes, and matchstick carrot.
This recipe combines zucchini noodles (zoodles) and chickpea pasta in refreshing and healthy salad with peanut lime sauce (substitute fish sauce for vegan alternatives). Once the ingredients are prepped, it’s as simple as tossing everything together, including tofu and peanuts, to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Different colorful vegetables drawn as icons on an orange background in a shape of a heart.

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