23 Tasty Tofu Recipes to Try Now

Spicy Korean Soft Tofu Stew — The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

Want to get cooking with more delicious tofu? Whether you're a vegan or vegetarian, or are looking to include more meatless meals in your routine, tofu is a great option for adding healthy plant protein into your diet. This soy-based wonder food is made from curdling soy milk, and forming it into a solid block (a whole lot like making cheese). Beyond being a nutrient-rich vegan food, tofu has a mild flavor which helps it play well in many different dishes, from classic all-American recipes to those from global cuisines. Browse our delicious ideas for using tofu at every meal of the day, including quick breakfast scrambles, make-ahead lunches, easy weeknight meals, and dinner party-worthy mains. We've even included an Instagram-worthy vegan "tofurkey" with stuffing that is ideal for holiday meals.

What's the difference between firm and soft tofu?

When shopping for tofu, you may notice it comes in both "firm" and "soft" varieties, which lend themselves to different uses. Wherever appropriate, you will find this indicated in our recipes. You can also shop for a tofu press, which you can use to remove excess moisture from blocks of tofu, so they hold together better during certain types of cooking (particularly frying and grilling).

The 7 Main Types of Tofu And How to Cook With Them

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Blueberry Tofu Smoothie

The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

If you are looking for a vegan fruit smoothie or simply one that is made without dairy, this blueberry tofu smoothie is for you. The silken tofu blends up beautifully to make a creamy shake while offering a healthy dose of protein. The banana and blueberries bring vitamins and minerals as well as color and flavor to this refreshing drink while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.
02 of 23

Jamaican Jerk Tofu

The Spruce / Emily Hawkes

Take a culinary trip to the islands without leaving home thanks to this tasty, rum-spiked Jamaican recipe. Marinate tofu steaks overnight in a mixture of coconut oil, rum, brown sugar, tomato paste, soy sauce, herbs, hot peppers, and dried spices, before baking until gorgeously blackened.
03 of 23

Breakfast Vegan Tofu Scramble

The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

Breakfast just got a little brighter for those avoiding eggs with our easy tofu scramble. The popular vegan breakfast alternative mimics the fluffy texture of scrambled eggs, and uses turmeric to add color. You get all the old school breakfast feels, without the need of animal products. We add chopped green peppers and onions for crunch, but feel free to experiment with other veggies and spices to make it your own.
04 of 23

Japanese Fried Agedashi Tofu

The Spruce / Ali Redmond

Agedashi tofu is a popular Japanese restaurant appetizer with a crispy fried exterior and a warm, creamy, custard-like interior. Recreate it at home by coating soft tofu in a mixture of potato starch, dashi soup stock, soy sauce, and rice wine, before deep-frying and serving topped with its own sauce.

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05 of 23

Deep-Fried Tofu

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Transform a block of tofu into crispy, golden-brown nuggets of goodness with this easy 10-minute snack or meal. Deep frying gives the tofu a golden color and a crispy texture in this easy-to-make tofu recipe. You can enjoy deep-fried tofu as its own course, served with a dipping sauce, or add to recipes for stir-fries, noodles, rice dishes, pasta, and more.
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Sesame and Chili Marinated Tofu

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

This tofu marinade made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste does double duty as a marinade and a sauce. Pressing the tofu and then dry-frying before marinating removes all of the moisture, enabling the tofu to really soak up the flavors.
07 of 23

Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Create a meatless tikka masala with this veganized version of the takeout favorite. Marinate cubes of pressed, extra-firm tofu before cooking them in a thick, creamy sauce made with soy yogurt, canned crushed tomatoes, and warming spices.
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Ganmodoki Fried Tofu Dumpling

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Ganmodoki, or Japanese deep-fried tofu fritters, are a vegan foodie's delight. While you can buy these dumplings at the store, they don't hold a candle to freshly-made, piping hot ganmodoki made with tofu and diced fresh vegetables, and cooked on your stove-top. Serve them as a party appetizer with soy sauce for dipping, or enjoy them as a dumpling in dashi broth.

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Baked Tofu in Thai Peanut Sauce

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Thai satay lovers will adore this baked tofu in a delicious Thai-inspired peanut sauce. Maple syrup helps to caramelize and sweeten the baked tofu before it is coated in thick, citrus-spiked peanut sauce. Serve over rice noodles or rice.
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Vegan Indian Palak "Paneer"

The Spruce / Preethi Venkatram

Every once in a while, we come up with something so good that it impresses us so much, and we just want to shout it from the rooftops. This vegan paneer substitute, made from tofu seasoned with a blend of nutritional yeast for savoriness, Dijon mustard for tanginess and a touch of onion powder, garlic powder, curry and salt to tie it all together, is one of those times.
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Inarizushi (Rice Stuffed Tofu Pockets)

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

If you've tried and loved inarizushi at a Japanese restaurant, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn how easy they are to make at home. You start by buying the seasoned, deep-fried tofu pouches (aburaage) at the market. Then it's a simple matter of stuffing the pockets with cooked and seasoned sushi rice. They make a tasty bento box addition for packed lunches, or a healthy after-school snack.
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Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Tom Yum soup is a beloved Thai comfort food that packs an insane amount of flavor and goodness into every bowlful. Our vegan version is easy to pull together with soft tofu, a can of coconut milk, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a few common pantry seasonings. Serve the aromatic soup for lunch, add it to a Thai dinner menu, or pour it into a thermos for a warm and healthy lunch at work.

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Vegan Blackened Grilled Tofu

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Crispy blackened tofu is so full of flavor, you won't miss the meat. Marinate pressed tofu in plenty of the seasoning mixture before cooking it quickly on a hot grill. Makes a tasty filling for vegetarian tacos.
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Vegan Tofu Spring Rolls

The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

Vegan spring rolls with tofu, vegetables, and bean thread noodles make a lovely light lunch or party appetizer. Fresh mint leaves add fantastic brightness to chopped cabbage, carrots, ginger, and noodles wrapped in softened spring roll wrappers. Serve with peanut sauce for dipping.
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Crispy Sesame Tofu With Vegetables

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Enjoy the texture and flavors of this sesame-crusted tofu along with tender bell peppers and onions. Serve it over fluffy rice for a pleasing meal in under 30 minutes.
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Vegan Potstickers With Mushroom and Tofu

The Spruce / Christine Ma

You won't miss the meat in these savory mushroom and tofu-filled, Asian-inspired potstickers that make a tasty party appetizer. Cabbage, ginger, garlic, and scallions add extra flavor to tasty dumplings you can steam or fry. Serve with your favorite Asian dipping sauce.

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Vegan Chinese Kung Pao Tofu

The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

This vegetarian kung pao tofu recipe also calls for lots of vegetables, including snow peas, bok choy, cabbage, and mushrooms, making for a colorful, balanced dish. This version utilizes red pepper flakes and hot sauce to develop some heat, but feel free to use Szechuan and chili peppers if you like.
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Grain Bowl With Vegetables

The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

There are so many possibilities for how you can change up this vegan recipe. Use what veggies and proteins you have on hand and even create different creamy sauces. Green goddess, salsa, or tzatziki⁠—there are tons of possibilities.
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Vegan Pho (Tofu Noodle Soup)

The Spruce / Preethi Venkatram

Chewy rice noodles, a nourishing broth, fresh vegetables, spicy sambal oelek, and tender chunks of tofu make Vietnamese-inspired vegan pho an outstanding main course soup to enjoy on chilly autumn or winter nights. Top with basil leaves and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
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Vegan Broccoli Quiche

The Spruce

Delight vegan and omnivore guests alike at your next brunch with this egg-free broccoli quiche. Its lovely, custard-like filling uses tofu instead of eggs or egg replacer.

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Swiss Chard and Tofu Stir-Fry

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Stir-fries are a great way to get a meal on the table that the whole family will love. And when you need to satisfy a vegetarian, vegan, or even a family member that is gluten-free, a tofu stir-fry is a tasty solution. With Swiss chard, tofu, mushrooms, and a bit of soy sauce or tamari, this recipe is a simple but delicious meal that is quick to put together.
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Vegan Tofu Veggie Burgers

The Spruce

Build a better veggie burger by combining well-pressed, drained tofu with diced onions, scallions, wheat germ, garlic powder, soy sauce, and a little flour. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden-brown, then serve on buns.
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Sichuan Mapo Tofu

The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn

Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish of soft tofu and ground pork in a spicy, pungent sauce that includes fermented Chinese black beans. After briefly marinating pork and blanching the tofu, the dish comes together quickly in a hot wok. Serve over hot steamed rice.