These 30 Easy Tofu Recipes Are Tastier than Meat (2024)

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These tofu recipes are so delicious, they’ll please vegetarians and meat eaters alike! Browse these creative plant based recipes that are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any meal.

These 30 Easy Tofu Recipes Are Tastier than Meat (1)

Are you a tofu fan? This plant-based protein couldn’t be more delicious when it’s prepared correctly. Here are all our best recipes for turning this tasty ingredient into healthy and easy meals. You’ll find our favorite tofu stir fry, an easy way to make it into a full meal with colorful veggies. Or try our fan-favorite bake tofu, or the tofu scramble that saves us for weeknight dinners or as a healthy breakfast option. We’ve also rounded up a few great tofu ideas from one of our favorite tofu experts, Jessica in the Kitchen.

And now…the best tofu recipes worth trying!

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Tofu Stir Fry

First up in our tofu recipes...the classic tofu stir fry! Cook tofu the right way and it’s one of the tastiest plant-based dinners you can have. This healthy vegan protein is great for incorporating into your meal prep repertoire. Come taste this tofu stir fry. It’s got the most flavor-packed stir fry sauce that works with any veggie, and the tofu is crisped on the outside and perfectly seasoned.

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Crispy Tofu

Here’s a way to prepare it tofu we cannot get enough of: thiscrispy tofurecipe! It’s easy to make and comes out perfectly seasoned, with extra crunchy edges and a tender interior. There’s no need to even press the tofu! It’s actually pretty amazing that it can transform into meaty, savory cubes in just 20 minutes.

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Breaded Tofu Sandwich

Here’s your ultimatetofu sandwich: crispy breaded tofu, tangyRussian dressing, and crunchy pickles create a flavor explosion that will have you wanting seconds after the first bite! We modeled this recipe after a crispy fish sandwich, right down to that savory creamy sauce, and it’s got all the most satisfying flavor and texture contrasts. It’s a funplant-based recipeandvegan dinnerto impress your friends and family.

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Easy Baked Tofu

Try this crispyBaked Tofu! You won’t be able to resist sneaking bites off the pan with this one. It’s irresistibly savory and seasoned to perfection, with a satisfying crunch to each bite. Even better, there’s no 30 minute wait while you press the tofu (our pet peeve in tofu recipes). Come, experience the magic of actually easy, actually crispy tofu.

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Tofu Bowl

Looking for a rock-star dinner idea? Try this crispy tofu bowl! Imagine, chunks of perfectly-seasoned, savory crispy tofu that are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Combine that with fluffy rice and fresh veggies, then cover it with aspicy mayo. The best part? Sprinkle everything with crunchy fried onions! It makes a bowl that's an explosion of textures and flavors—which happens to be totally plant-based.

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Perfect Pan Fried Tofu

Tofu can be majorly delicious, when it’s prepared correctly. Douse it in a little smoked sauce sauce and sesame oil and pan fry it until golden brown, and it’s positively irresistible! This perfect pan fried tofu recipe is our go-to for easyplant-based dinners. Throw it in a bowl with rice and veggies and call it a meal.

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Tofu Fried Rice

There’s just something about the cozy comfort of ginger-scented fried rice that’s nearly impossible for us to turn down. Here’s a rendition that makes it into a vegan meal: trytofu fried rice! Chewy cubes of tofu nestle into fluffy, veggie-packed rice bursting with savory, garlicky flavor. Top it with a drizzle of hot sauce and serve it warm, and it’s absolutely packed with flavor.

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Coconut Tofu Curry

Here’s a tofu recipe that makes the most delicious dinner you’ll put on your regular rotation immediately. Try thisTofu Curry! The brilliant red broth is flavored with coconut milk and red curry paste, with the zing of lime and a hint of spicy sweetness. The Thai-style flavors are the perfect way to introduce tofu to those wary of it. And if you’re already a lover (like us!), you’ll appreciate this delightful way to serve it.

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Tofu Soup with Spinach

This simpletofu souprecipe is a tasty, nourishing plant-based meal! Cubes of tofu float in a savory broth flavored with miso, ginger, dried mushrooms, and fresh mushrooms. Add crunchy carrots and green onions just before serving, and it’s a satisfying combination of hearty earthiness with crisp, fresh vegetables.

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Easy BBQ Tofu

Here’s a must-make recipe for tofu fans: and eaters on the fence, too. Try this irresistible BBQ Tofu recipe! Each bite has just the right chewy texture, bathed in a silky, sweet, savory sauce. You’ll want to keep eating it for days. This plate disappeared very quickly at our house! This recipe is easy to put together and a great starter recipe for people who are wary of the stuff.

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Tofu Broccoli Stir Fry

Craving a healthy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than thistofu broccoli stir-fry! This type of fast and easy meal has become exactly what we crave (don’t you want to just dive right into that bowl?). The tender tofu cubes and crisp broccoli florets get tossed in a savory sauce that’s both sweet and umami, making it avegetarianandvegan dinnereveryone will love. Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes, so you can get dinner on the table fast.

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Tofu Salad

Have we got a recipe for you: thisBaked Tofu Salad!It stars this crispy, perfectly seasonedbaked tofu: so irresistible you’ll find yourself sneaking crunchy bites right off the baking sheet! Save some though, because this salad is a great way to turn them into a meal! Toss them over fresh veggies and drizzle withcarrot ginger dressingorsesame dressing, and it makes a deliciously healthy dinner you won’t want to end.

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Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Need a fresh dinner idea or crowd-pleasing appetizer? Try thislettuce wrapsrecipe! The punchy, savory filling is infused with hoisin, soy sauce and rice vinegar, mixing savory tofu with cashews and green onions. Throw it into tender leaf of crunchy green lettuce with a few more colorful veggies, and it’s to die for!

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Tofu Sushi

Craving sushi without the fish? Try this fresh, delectableTofu Sushi! These rolls have got it all, proving that this Japanese dish (or rather, art form!) is perfectly adaptable no matter what the filling. Savory, flavor-popping marinated tofu joins crunchy veggies and tender sushi rice to make a crave-able roll filling. Top it off with Japanese BBQ Sauce and it tastes like a dream!

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Quick Tofu Crumbles

Need a meatless dinner…fast? Here’s one of our favorite shortcuts: these quick and easyTofu Crumbles! They’re savory, meaty and the perfect plant-based substitute you can use in endless ways. If you’re not a tofu fan…you will be after you take one bite! (Promise.) Use these as a taco filling like inTofu Tacos, or try them on salads, pasta, bowl meals…even as a savory breakfast! There’s nothing these crumbles can’t do.

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Tofu Tacos

Tofu is ideal in tacos, though it's not often used in Mexican-style recipes! Its neutral flavor takes on whatever flavors you season it with: and thesetofu crumblesare quite the kitchen trick. Add cumin, garlic powder, chili powder and smoked paprika, and the filling is bursting with flavor! You can whip up these easy tacos in just 20 minutes, making them ideal forweeknight meals.

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Tofu Scramble

Here's one of our favorite tofu recipes of all time...because it's so easy. Try this tofu scramble! It tastes oddly similar to the flavor and texture of scrambled eggs: and it’s so hearty and satisfying! Even better:it takes only 10 minutes to make. It’s hard to find healthyvegan breakfast ideasthat are savory (so many are sweet), and this one is perfection. We often eat it for dinner.

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Marinated Tofu

This marinated tofu recipe: well, it’s special. It’s packed with savory umami: toasted sesame oil and ginger and garlic and soy sauce. There’s a touch of maple to balance, and it’s mixed with green onion and sesame seeds. Oh: and you don’t have to cook it! All you have to do is throw in the fridge to marinate: so it’s almost totally hands off. You’ve got to try this one...it’s a winner.

Looking for a tasty tofu ramen recipe with a flavorful slurpable broth? Authentic ramen from a Japanese restaurant is the absolute best. But the next best thing is trying it homemade! The best part is the tofu: it’s crispy and bursting with flavor from soy sauce and miso. Alex and I kept sneaking bites while making it! It’s served in a broth that’s filled with savory umami, and it’s 100%plant based.

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Chocolate Vegan Pudding

Here's a unique tofu recipe: try Tofu Pudding! It’s rich and chocolatey, spiced with cinnamon and a little chili powder, making its flavor complex and irresistible. We know what you’re thinking: sounds a little crazy, right? Well, let us assure you, this vegan pudding is pure rich, chocolatey goodness through and through.

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Easy Grilled Tofu

One of the best ways to cook tofu? On the grill. Yes, thisgrilled tofurecipe tastes simply irresistible, charred to perfection and then painted with a sweet and savory marinade. Grilled tofu is a healthygrilled dinner ideathat’s full ofplant-based protein. You might even convert the meat eaters when they take a taste…it’s darndelicious.

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Sweet and Sour Tofu

How to make tofu taste delicious? Smother it in a silky sweet and sour sauce! Here the tofu is perfectly crisp, balanced by an flavor popping sweet and sour sauce! It comes together quickly and works for meal prep, too. via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Jamaican Jerk Tofu

Here's how to enjoy Jamaican jerk flavors in a vegan meal! This Jamaican jerk tofu is saucy and spicy, sweet and savory, and chewy and crispy. Made by a Jamaican, you know it's authentically that good. via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

These vegan chicken nuggets use tofu as the base and you might prefer them to the real thing! The outside is extra crispy and crunchy, and the inside is intensely savory. via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

General Tso's Tofu

Another great tofu recipe? Try it with Gernal Tso's sauce! Here crispy tofu is coated in a sweet, tangy sauce. Pair it with rice and broccoli to make for a flavor-packed weeknight dinner. via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Crispy Lemon Pepper Tofu

Here's a fun tofu recipe to spice up your dinner routine: lemon pepper tofu! Chewy, crispy tofu is tossed in a sweet, citrusy sauce with loads of black pepper. It makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Got an air fryer? Try this Air Fryer Tofu, which cooks up in just 10 minutes! It makes the perfect main dish for a hearty dinner or a simple lunch. via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Vegan Butter Chicken

Love Indian cuisine? If you're a fan of Indian butter chicken, this vegan version is just as tasty! Try this Vegan Butter Chicken, made with tofu that swims in a creamy coconut-based sauce. via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu

This teriyaki tofu recipe has a crispy texture and a satisfying depth in flavor! The marinade features soy sauce or liquid aminos, crushed red peppers, sugar, ginger,and rice wine vinegar. Serve with rice and broccoli for a filling meal! via Jessica in the Kitchen

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Photo Credit:jessicainthekitchen.com

Spicy Gochujang Tofu Rice Bowls

Love a little heat? These spciy tofu and rice bowls are made with gochujang, a Korean red chili paste. The tofu comes out sweet, savory and spicy, perfect for a an easy and flavorful meal. via Jessica in the Kitchen

What is tofu?

Well, it’s soy: kind of. Tofu is a soy milk turned into curds (like in cheesemaking) and pressed into blocks. It originated in China about 2,000 years ago. It’s very popular in Asia and it’s becoming more prevalent in the US: because we’re finally figuring out how to cook it. This plant-based protein is well-known all around the world.

Is tofu healthy?

Some people claim that tofu is unhealthy and should be avoided. But research shows that tofu is part of a healthy diet.According to theHarvard TH Chan School of Nutrition, soy is a nutrient-dense source of protein that can safely be consumed several times a week. It’s likely to provide health benefits, especially when you eat it as an alternative to red meat and processed meat. Learn more about tofu here:Straight Talk About SoyandIs Tofu Good for You?

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30 Easy Tofu Recipes

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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This tofu broccoli stir fry comes to the dinnertime rescue! Broccoli florets and tofu cubes are tossed in a tangy, savory sauce for a vegetarian and vegan dinner everyone will love. Even better, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey or maple syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • ½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the stir fry

  • 14-ounces firm or extra firm tofu
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, stem on (about 3 large heads or 6 heaping cups florets)*
  • White rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. If serving with rice, start the rice.
  2. Whisk together the soy sauce, water, sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, grated ginger, and garlic powder until a smooth sauce forms. Store in a covered container until using, or use immediately.
  3. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat it dry with a clean towel. Add the tofu cubes to a bowl and sprinkle with 2 pinches (⅛ teaspoon) kosher salt. Sprinkle with the cornstarch, turning the cubes with a spatula, until evenly coated.
  4. Add the 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large, cold non-stick skillet* (this is important; it only works with non-stick surface!). Add the tofu cubes in a single layer.Turn on the heat to medium-high. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom.
  5. Briefly remove the pan from the heat to reduce spitting. Flip the tofu with a spatula. Return the heat to medium-high and cook additional 5 to 6 minutes until browned. Remove to a plate.
  6. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same large skillet and heat it on medium high heat. Add the broccoli and 2 pinches (⅛ teaspoon) kosher salt. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until starting to brown, stirring occasionally.
  7. Reduce the heat to very low. Add the tofu back to the skillet and pour the sauce over the broccoli and tofu. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, until sauce thickens. Serve immediately. Leftovers store refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.

Notes

*If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, make thisBaked Tofu recipe instead and add the tofu to the stir fry at the end.

  • Category: Stir Fry
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Tofu recipes

Published on / Last updated on

Categorized In:

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Tagged with:

  • Recipes
  • Tofu

About the authors

These 30 Easy Tofu Recipes Are Tastier than Meat (33)

Sonja & Alex

Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.

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These 30 Easy Tofu Recipes Are Tastier than Meat (2024)
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