10+ Tofu Recipes to Love for Every Meal

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be a key part of many meals. It can be prepared in various ways, making it suitable for a range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or trying it for the first time, there are countless tofu recipes that can fit into your cooking routine.

From savory stir-fries to crispy baked dishes, you can easily incorporate tofu into your diet. With a few ingredients and some creative cooking methods, tofu can be transformed into satisfying meals that you and your family will love.

1) Marinated Tofu Stir Fry

Marinated tofu stir fry is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. The tofu absorbs the flavors of the marinade, making it tasty and satisfying. You can use a variety of vegetables for added color and crunch.

To start, marinate your tofu in a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to get great flavor.

Once marinated, heat a pan over medium-high heat.

Add the tofu and cook until it’s golden brown. Then, toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. Stir fry everything together for about 5-7 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and press tofu to remove excess moisture.
2. Cut tofu into cubes.
3. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic in a bowl.
4. Marinate tofu for 30 minutes.
5. Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
6. Cook tofu until golden brown.
7. Add vegetables and stir fry for 5-7 minutes.
8. Serve with rice or noodles.

2) Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu

Crispy baked sesame tofu is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty, plant-based option. You can make it in the oven or an air fryer.

Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture. Then, cut the tofu into cubes. Coat the cubes with sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch for a crispy texture.

Next, you can bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Toss it halfway through for even cooking. Once it’s golden and crispy, serve it with your favorite vegetables or over rice.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube the tofu.
2. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
3. Coat the tofu cubes in the mixture.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

3) Braised Tofu with Vegetables

Braised tofu with vegetables is a delicious dish that’s simple to make. You can use extra firm tofu for a great texture. The tofu soaks up the flavors of the braising sauce while the vegetables add color and nutrients.

Start by pan-frying the tofu pieces until they are golden brown. Then, add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.

Next, pour in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, and the tofu is infused with all the delicious flavors.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) extra firm tofu
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube the tofu.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry tofu until golden.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then pour over tofu and veggies.
5. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.

4) Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan cuisine. It features soft tofu cooked with ground meat, usually pork or beef, in a spicy sauce. The flavor comes from fermented bean paste and toasted Sichuan peppercorns.

You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This dish is perfect served over rice, making it a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 block of silken tofu
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork or beef
• 2 tablespoons fermented bean paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Green onions, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the tofu into cubes and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat the chili oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned.
5. Add the fermented bean paste and soy sauce, mixing well.
6. Gently fold in the tofu and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
7. Sprinkle with Sichuan peppercorns and green onions before serving.

5) Tofu Miso Soup

Tofu miso soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s simple to make. It combines soft tofu, miso paste, and nutritious greens to create a delicious meal.

You can start by preparing a quick dashi broth using bonito flakes or kombu. This adds a savory flavor to your soup.

Once your broth is ready, mix in the miso paste and gently add cubes of tofu. You can also throw in some green onions and seaweed for extra texture and taste.

Cook everything for just a few minutes, and your tasty tofu miso soup is ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 1 tablespoon dashi (or make your own)
• 3 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 block soft tofu, cubed
• 1 cup greens (like spinach or bok choy)
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the water in a pot until warm.
2. Add the dashi and stir until dissolved.
3. Mix in the miso paste until smooth.
4. Gently add the tofu and greens.
5. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

6) Tofu Tempura with Vegetables

Tofu tempura is a tasty dish that’s fun to make. You get crispy tofu with fresh vegetables, all covered in a light batter. The batter gives it a nice crunch and adds great flavor.

Start by choosing your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the tofu by pressing it to remove extra water. This will help it fry up nicely.

Coat the tofu and vegetables in a simple batter made with water, flour, and a little baking soda. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce for an extra kick!

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) extra firm tofu
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• Salt to taste
• Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu for 10 minutes to remove water.
2. Cut tofu and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add cold water to make a batter.
5. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Dip tofu and vegetables into batter and fry until golden.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite sauce.

7) Marry Me Tofu

Marry Me Tofu is a vegan dish that packs a lot of flavor. It features crispy tofu combined with a creamy, garlicky sauce. This recipe is a delightful twist on the popular Marry Me Chicken.

To make it, start by frying your tofu until it’s golden and crispy. Then, mix it with a rich sauce made from dairy-free cream and garlic. This dish is not only quick, but it also takes only about 30 minutes to prepare.

You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this meal when you want something tasty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Extra-firm tofu
• Dairy-free cream
• Garlic
• Your choice of spices

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and drain the tofu to remove moisture.
2. Cut the tofu into cubes.
3. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the tofu until golden.
4. In a bowl, mix dairy-free cream and minced garlic.
5. Combine the fried tofu with the sauce and cook for a few more minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

8) Cold Tofu with Century Egg

Cold tofu with century egg is a refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare. It features silky soft tofu paired with the unique flavor of century eggs. This combination is perfect for hot days or as a light side dish.

Start with silken tofu, which you can find in most grocery stores. Slice the tofu into pieces and place them on a plate.

Next, add sliced century eggs on top. These eggs have a distinct taste and a glossy black color.

For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions and garlic over the dish. You can also add soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil for richness.

This dish is simple but delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy tofu and experience the taste of century eggs.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of silken tofu (750g)
• 3 century eggs, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 stalks green onion, chopped
• Soy sauce (to taste)
• Sesame oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the silken tofu and place it on a serving plate.
2. Slice the century eggs and add them on top of the tofu.
3. Sprinkle chopped garlic and green onions over the dish.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, if desired.

9) Tofu Quinoa Bowl

The Tofu Quinoa Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal. It combines protein-rich tofu with fluffy quinoa and fresh vegetables. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Start by roasting your favorite vegetables. You can use bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Bake the veggies alongside crispy tofu in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden.

To make the bowl hearty, mix in cooked quinoa. Top it with a light dressing or sauce for added flavor. This bowl is not only nutritious but also colorful and visually appealing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Sauce of choice (like soy sauce or tahini)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Press and cube the tofu.
3. Toss vegetables and tofu with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
5. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
6. Combine quinoa, roasted tofu, and vegetables in a bowl.
7. Drizzle with your favorite sauce and serve.

10) Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry

Tofu veggie stir-fry is a quick and delicious meal. It’s packed with colorful vegetables and plant-based protein. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies.

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Then, cut it into cubes and pan-fry until golden brown. Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a vibrant mix.

For flavor, toss everything in a simple soy sauce or sesame ginger sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling dinner. This dish is ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Cooked rice or noodles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube the tofu.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add tofu and cook until golden.
4. Stir in vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve over rice or noodles, if desired.