13 Delicious Tofu Recipes You Need to Try

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can take on many flavors and textures. It works well in a variety of dishes from different cuisines around the world. Whether you like it crispy, soft, spicy, or sweet, tofu can be adapted to your taste. Cooking with tofu is a great way to add protein to meals while keeping them light and healthy. These recipes show how tofu can be delicious and easy to prepare.

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Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu is a spicy and flavorful dish from Sichuan, China, known for its bold combination of tofu, ground meat, and chili bean paste. This recipe balances heat with a silky texture, making it a popular comfort food. Traditionally, it uses soft tofu and Sichuan peppercorns to create a numbing sensation. The dish is often served with steamed rice to complement the spicy sauce.

Ingredients include soft tofu, ground pork, doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns. Additional items are green onions, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

Start by browning the ground pork with garlic and ginger in a hot pan. Add doubanjiang and soy sauce, then carefully stir in cubed tofu and chicken broth. Simmer gently to allow flavors to combine, and thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle of green onions before serving.

Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Tofu stir-fry with vegetables is a quick and healthy meal popular across many Asian cuisines. It combines firm tofu with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce. This recipe highlights the versatility of tofu and its ability to absorb flavors well. It is easy to customize with any vegetables on hand.

Ingredients needed are firm tofu, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, and sesame seeds. Optional additions include green onions and chili flakes.

Press and cube the tofu, then pan-fry until golden on all sides. Remove tofu and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and vegetables until tender-crisp. Return tofu to the pan, add soy sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Tofu Pad Thai

Tofu Pad Thai is a popular Thai street food made with rice noodles, tofu, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. This dish offers a great balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. It is a vegetarian version of the traditional Pad Thai, perfect for those avoiding meat. The tofu adds protein and texture to the dish.

The recipe calls for firm tofu, rice noodles, eggs, tamarind paste, fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian), garlic, peanuts, and lime. Bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro are also typical toppings.

Start by soaking rice noodles in warm water until soft. Stir-fry cubed tofu until crispy, then scramble eggs in the same pan. Add garlic and softened noodles, then pour in the sauce made from tamarind, fish or soy sauce, and sugar. Toss well and top with peanuts, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.

Korean Spicy Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae)

Soondubu Jjigae is a Korean spicy soft tofu stew known for its warming and comforting qualities. It features silken tofu simmered in a flavorful broth with chili paste and vegetables. The stew is often enjoyed with rice and side dishes called banchan. It is a staple in Korean cuisine, especially during colder months.

Ingredients include soft tofu, gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, onions, mushrooms, seafood or pork, and soy sauce. Eggs and green onions are added just before serving.

Sauté garlic and onions in a pot, then add gochujang and broth to create the base. Add mushrooms and protein, and bring to a simmer. Carefully spoon in the soft tofu and cook gently. Crack an egg on top and garnish with green onions before serving.

Tofu Scramble

Tofu scramble is a popular vegan alternative to scrambled eggs, packed with protein and flavor. It originated as a plant-based dish popularized in Western vegan cooking. The recipe is simple and quick, ideal for breakfast or brunch. Tofu absorbs spices and vegetables, making it versatile.

Ingredients include firm tofu, turmeric for color, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mixed vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Olive oil is used for cooking.

Crumble tofu with your hands or a fork to resemble scrambled eggs. Heat oil in a pan and sauté vegetables until soft. Add tofu and spices, stirring frequently to combine. Cook until tofu is heated through and slightly golden, then serve.

Tofu Katsu

Tofu katsu is a Japanese dish inspired by traditional pork katsu but uses tofu for a vegetarian twist. It features breaded and fried tofu cutlets served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce. The dish is crispy on the outside and tender inside, making it very satisfying. It is commonly served with shredded cabbage and rice.

Ingredients include firm tofu, panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs or plant-based substitute, oil for frying, and tonkatsu sauce. Cabbage and steamed rice accompany the meal.

Press tofu to remove moisture and cut into slices. Coat slices in flour, dip in beaten egg, then cover with panko breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crisp. Serve with tonkatsu sauce, cabbage, and rice.

Tofu Tikka Masala

Tofu tikka masala is a vegetarian twist on the classic Indian dish with tofu cubes simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. The recipe is creamy, mildly spicy, and rich in flavor. It is often served with rice or naan bread. This dish brings Indian flavors to plant-based diets.

Ingredients include firm tofu, tomato puree, coconut milk or cream, garam masala, garlic, ginger, onion, and spices like cumin and coriander. Fresh cilantro is used for garnish.

Press and cube tofu, then lightly fry until browned. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add spices and tomato puree. Stir in coconut milk and simmer until sauce thickens. Add tofu to the sauce, cook briefly, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Tofu Satay

Tofu satay is a Southeast Asian dish featuring grilled tofu skewers served with a rich peanut sauce. It is common in Indonesian and Thai cuisine and offers bold flavors. The dish is often served as an appetizer or snack. Its simplicity and flavor make it widely enjoyed.

Ingredients include firm tofu, soy sauce, turmeric, garlic, peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, and chili powder. Bamboo skewers are used for grilling.

Marinate tofu cubes in a mix of soy sauce, turmeric, and garlic. Thread tofu onto skewers and grill or bake until lightly charred. Prepare peanut sauce by blending peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, and chili powder. Serve tofu skewers with peanut sauce for dipping.

Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse

Silken tofu chocolate mousse is a creamy, dairy-free dessert that originated from vegan cooking. It uses tofu as a base to create a smooth and rich texture without eggs or cream. The recipe is easy and quick, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional mousse.

Ingredients include silken tofu, dark chocolate, maple syrup or sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Fresh berries or nuts can be added as toppings.

Melt chocolate gently and blend with silken tofu until smooth. Add sweetener and vanilla, then blend again to combine. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve cold with optional fresh berries or nuts.

Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Tofu lettuce wraps are a fresh and light dish inspired by Asian cuisine, featuring seasoned tofu wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. It is perfect for a low-carb or healthy meal. The recipe combines savory and crunchy textures with easy assembly. Lettuce wraps are popular as appetizers or light dinners.

Ingredients include firm tofu, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, water chestnuts, green onions, and large lettuce leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce.

Crumble and sauté tofu with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Stir in chopped water chestnuts and hoisin sauce. Spoon the mixture onto lettuce leaves and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Tofu Coconut Curry

Tofu coconut curry is a fragrant dish common in Thai and Indian cooking, featuring tofu simmered in coconut milk and spices. It is creamy and mildly spicy, perfect for a comforting meal. The recipe is flexible and can include a variety of vegetables. Coconut curry offers rich flavors while remaining plant-based.

Ingredients include firm tofu, coconut milk, curry paste or powder, garlic, ginger, onion, bell peppers, and spinach or kale. Fresh cilantro is often used as garnish.

Sauté garlic, ginger, and onions, then add curry paste or powder. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add tofu cubes and vegetables, cooking until tender. Garnish with cilantro before serving with rice or bread.

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu fried rice is a popular dish that mixes cooked rice with tofu, vegetables, and soy sauce. It originated in Chinese cuisine as a way to use leftover rice and ingredients. The recipe is quick and adaptable to various tastes. It offers a filling and nutritious meal option.

Ingredients include cooked rice, firm tofu, soy sauce, garlic, peas, carrots, green onions, and eggs (optional). Vegetable oil is used for frying.

Crumble and fry tofu until golden. Remove tofu and stir-fry garlic, peas, carrots, and green onions. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well. Return tofu to the pan and stir until heated through. Add scrambled eggs if desired.

Baked Tofu Nuggets

Baked tofu nuggets are a healthy and tasty snack or meal, inspired by traditional chicken nuggets. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside without frying. This recipe is kid-friendly and easy to prepare. Nuggets can be served with dipping sauces of choice.

Ingredients include firm tofu, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, breadcrumbs or panko, and cornstarch. Salt and pepper are added to taste.

Press tofu and cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss tofu in soy sauce and oil, then coat with a mix of breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and spices. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve warm with your favorite sauce.

Exploring different tofu recipes can make meals more exciting and nutritious. Tofu’s ability to blend with various flavors makes it a valuable ingredient in many kitchens. Trying new dishes helps expand cooking skills and supports a balanced diet. These tasty tofu recipes offer simple ways to enjoy plant-based meals any day of the week.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.