Whether you’re a tofu lover or you’re just starting out and looking for ways to add this amazing ingredient to your diet, there’s no doubt you’re going to love this creative and mouth watering roundup of tofu recipes.
You might not have realized it yet, but tofu is not only healthy but also a very versatile ingredient. You can turn it into a savory side dish, an addicting appetizer, and even a sweet and creamy dessert.
To make sure that you make the most out of your tofu, I’ve rounded up some of the best tofu recipes you can whip up quickly and easily. These recipes are all so unique and creative they are perfect not just for your meal plan but for surprising your guests as well!
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What can you use tofu for?
You’ll be amazed how you can turn tofu into a wide variety of dishes. From stir fries to salads, soups, sandwiches, and even desserts or beverages; anything is possible with this healthy, delicious, easy to use, and versatile ingredient!
Tofu or bean curd is made from condensed soy milk. Aside from being rich in protein, it also offers plenty of iron and calcium. This mildly flavored plant based protein pairs beautifully with other ingredients, it can be added to any dish without sacrificing the taste.
Not only that, tofu is also very affordable, it will be a waste not to make the most out of its deliciousness and health benefits. Continue reading below to discover some of the best tofu recipes that you will love to add to your healthy meal plan. These dishes are guaranteed to excite your taste buds away and they will wow any crowd.
What are the ways to cook tofu?
If you’re using tofu as a side dish or an appetizer, some recipes will require you to pan fry, deep fry, steam, bake, grill, and even scramble tofu. For blended foods such as desserts, tofu is used raw. Tofu is easier to use than you might think, you just have to pick the right type of tofu for your recipe.
According to Tofupedia, tofu has five categories: silken, medium, firm, extra firm, and super firm. These categories are based on the consistency or the water content in the tofu. The softer the tofu the higher the water content; the firmer the tofu, the lesser the water content.
- Silken tofu is known to be the softest type of tofu and is best used for desserts, smoothies, dips, puddings, and sauces.
- Medium tofu also known as regular tofu is still soft but a little denser than silken. This type of tofu is highly suggested for soups and stews.
- Firm tofu is known to be the most versatile of all types of tofu. You can use firm tofu for stir fries, soups, pan fries, and even scrambles.
- Extra firm tofu is easier to chop, grill, pan fry, deep fry, and bake but it does not absorb marinade well as firm tofu does.
- Super firm tofu is so compact, its texture is almost like meat. In fact, it’s commonly used as a meat substitute.
For fried recipes, make sure to dry the tofu first before cooking so it will absorb flavor well and become crispy. If you want to quickly and easily dry your tofu, use a tofu press.
Kitchen Essentials for Making Delicious Tofu Recipes
Having a well equipped kitchen will make your life easier. Before you proceed in whipping up these tofu recipes, you might want to consider adding these items to your kitchen arsenal first.
These kitchen essentials will come in handy not only in making these tofu recipes but in making other dishes as well. Plus, they will also make a great gift idea for the home chefs in your life, including yourself. Don’t hesitate to take this opportunity to reward yourself with new kitchen gear!
- Tofu Drainer and Strainer
- Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Food Processor
- Superior Glass Casserole Dish Set
- 4 Piece Hurricane Glass Set
- Soup Bowl Set
- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Best Tofu Recipes
Your mouth will water at the sight of these tofu recipes! These drool inducing recipes range from soups to salads, sandwiches, appetizers, stir fries, dips, and more. You'll never run out of ideas for your tofu again!
Everyone in the family, the kids especially, will not be able to get enough of these tasty tofu nuggets! They're crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe is not only a great addition for a kid friendly protein packed dinner but will also make a crowd pleasing appetizer for gatherings and parties.
The kids will also certainly approve of this mouth wateringly delicious tofu parmigiana! This recipe is made with oven baked tofu coated in marinara sauce and topped with Mozzarella.
A plant based meal that is sure to become a family favorite! These tofu tacos are not only healthy but they are also bursting with umami and Mexican flavors that can please even the pickiest palate.
Love Korean dishes or just anything spicy? This recipe for spicy Korean tofu is perfect for you! The recipe features Korean braised tofu with chili powder, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
A Japanese inspired dinner recipe you can whip up in just 15 minutes. This vegan miso soup only calls for five ingredients: noodles, miso, soft tofu, dried seaweed, and onion.
Vegan, undeniably healthy, and is ready in about ten minutes, this tofu avocado salad recipe does not require cooking. Plus, this amazing dish also features yummy homemade Asian dressing and can be served as a light meal or side dish.
A fancy, hearty, sweet, and savory sandwich that is sure to wow the crowd! This sandwich is made with layers of toasted bread, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, smoky maple tofu, caramelized onion, and mashed avocado with mayo and Dijon mustard.
Thanks to tofu, this dip is not only refreshing, light, and delicious, but oh so creamy as well! This whipped tofu dip will take your appetizer platter to a whole new level.
High in protein, deliciously nutritious, and filling, you'll always want this tofu scramble on your breakfast table! You can whip up this tasty recipe in just 15 minutes with only seven ingredients.
Loaded with plant based protein and fresh veggies, this tofu stir fry is a must try! Plus, this recipe also comes with a homemade stir fry sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and broth that you wouldn't want to miss.
Crispy Tofu Recipes
Looking for more savory and crispy tofu recipes? You're going to love these recipes for sure!
Flavorful and crispy, you will not be able to get enough of this crispy marinated tofu! This recipe features tofu pieces marinated in a savory homemade Asian sauce and pan fried to perfection until crispy.
Do you have an air fryer? You can whip up this crispy tofu recipe this instant! This recipe only calls for tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and a few simple seasonings.
You'll love to have these tofu burgers any time of the day! They're perfectly crispy, ready in about 20 minutes, and loaded with red cabbage, carrots, and spinach. Plus, the recipe also comes with a flavorful three ingredient dipping sauce.
These addicting one bite appetizers are perfect to please the crowd. They are so easy to whip up and only require a handful of simple ingredients.
A plant based steak recipe you can make in just about 15 minutes. This delightful dinner recipe only calls for firm tofu, soy sauce, mirin, vegetable oil, and bok choy.
Tofu Smoothies and Dessert Recipes
Aside from side dishes and appetizers, you'll also want to try these refreshing smoothies and dessert recipes for tofu! These recipes are not only extra delicious and healthy, but they're also easy to make!
Tofu & Banana Ice-Cream with Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce
Did you know that you can turn your tofu into yummy ice cream? This tofu and banana ice cream is packed with protein and also comes with homemade peanut butter and chocolate sauce.
Love matcha? This matcha tofu pudding is rich, creamy, smooth, and so simple, it only needs a minute of prep time. Plus, it also only calls for five ingredients: silken soft tofu, matcha powder, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and Monkfruit Erythritol Blend (plant based sugar alternative.)
This recipe features a tasty rich pumpkin filling on an oatmeal pecan crust. However, instead of eggs and dairy, this pumpkin pie recipe uses silken tofu which makes the filling extra creamy.
This tofu mocha frappuccino will give you the protein boost that you need! Made with tofu, strong coffee, mocha, cocoa, vanilla extract, and brown sugar, it's impossible for this frappuccino not to be delicious.
Smoother, creamier, and healthier, what more can you ask for? Trying these tofu smoothies is a must!
Looking for more recipe collections to check out?
Here are some other posts that you’ll want to visit if you are looking for even more recipe collections. There’s something for everyone on these lists. If you are stocking your meal plans for the coming weeks you won’t want to miss out on some of these drool inducing roundups!
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