30 Easy Tofu Recipes - The Plant Based School (2024)

Welcome to a celebration of the versatility of tofu with our 30 best tofu recipes.

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a protein–packed, plant–based ingredient that has been a staple in various cuisines for centuries.

Its neutral taste and sponge–like texture make it a perfect canvas for various flavors and cooking styles. In this collection, we invite you to explore the endless possibilities of this humble yet extraordinary ingredient.

Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or looking for plant–based protein ideas, these recipes are designed to cater to all levels of expertise.

From quick lunch ideas to vegetarian dinners, each dish showcases the remarkable adaptability of tofu, proving that it can be the star of your plate in countless ways.

Table of Contents

• Tofu recipes video
• Basic tofu recipes
• Easy tofu recipes in 30 minutes
• Tofu recipes in 45 minutes
• Do I need to press tofu?
• What to serve with tofu
• 30 easy tofu recipes Recipe

1. Easy air fryer tofu

We start this tofu list with one of the easiest ways to make tofu tasty and perfectly chewy: air frying.

Try this 15-minute air fryer recipe with tips and ideas to serve it as a dinner.

2. Quick and fried tofu

Pan-fried tofu isdelicious, flavorful, and perfect as a salad topping and protein addition to your meal.

Here’s asimple cooking methodthat makes fried tofu taste great and feel as good in your mouth. This recipe is ready in 15 minutes.

3. Baked tofu

Our baked tofu recipehelps you transform a block of firm tofu into mouthwateringhigh-protein tofu chunks.

You’ll love howeasy, tasty, and versatilebaked tofu is. Add it tosalads,curries,stir-fries,burritos,wraps, andsandwiches, or dip it in yourfavorite sauce.

4. Marinated tofu

You can use our marinated tofu insalads, wraps, stir-fries, and other recipes, and it is excellent forlast-minute dinners and meal prep.

Thanks to its neutral flavor,tofu takes on wellthe carefully craftedflavor of the marinade, which we make with yogurt, dried herbs, and spices tocoat the tofu with plenty of taste.

5. Grilled tofu

d tofuis a quick and easyprotein-packed recipeyou can make in10 minuteson a grill pan or grill and season with yourfavorite sauces and condiments.

With itssmokey and slightly charred exteriorand tender interior, grilled tofu is a versatile, healthy, andnutritious alternativeto traditional grilled meats.

6. BBQ tofu

You’ll love this recipe becausethe tofu gets chewy,meaty, andflavorful.

Try putting it in atoasted buttered bunwith somevegan mayoandcreamy coleslaw salad; the bold flavors’ll blow you away.

Easy tofu recipes in 30 minutes

6. No-egg tofu salad

Try this vegan egg salad for agreat, quick, fulfillingvegan lunch or snack idea.

The texture of tofumimics that of boiled eggsperfectly. We’ll show you how to cut and crumble it to make it look and taste like a boiled egg.

It’s great on a sandwich and made with tofu, vegan mayo, and herbs.

7. Tofu salad

Tofu’s remarkable ability to getflavorful and crunchymakes it the ideal protein choice for this salad with fresh veggies and tahini sauce.

Thistofu salad recipeis perfect forlunch or dinner, and you can make itall year roundwith seasonal greens and veggies.

8. Lemon Tofu

Pan-fried tofu with lemon sauceis aneasy, weeknight–friendly recipe prepared injust 15 mins.

Fry the tofu in a pan with olive oil and coat it in a quicklemonsauce.

9. Tofu Cream Cheese

This tofu creamcheese is made withfive simple ingredients,and it’s smooth, velvety, and perfect as astarter,dip, orspreadin a sandwich.

Eat it as is, or blend it with roasted eggplant or caramelized onions for a creamy and delicious sauce or spread.

10. Tofu soup

Tofu soup is a comforting and wholesome dish that effortlessly combines the delicate silkiness of tofu with an aromatic broth, creating a soothing culinary experience.

It’s an easy and satisfying soup recipe for chilly evenings and those seeking a revitalizing, plant–based meal.

11. Tofu in marinara Sauce

Tofu with tomato sauceis a simple yet delicious pan-fried recipe ready in 20 minutes.

Fry tofu slices in a pan, add tomato sauce and fresh herbs, and serve with sautèed greens and toasted bread.

12. Tofu scramble with veggies

You’ll love tofu scramble because it’s aneasy,nutritious, andversatile recipe.

While we often make this recipe areplacement for scrambled eggs, its use goes way beyond that.

For example, you can serve it ontoastwithavocadospread or top a microwaved sweet potato to add protein to your meal.

13. Orange tofu

You’ll love our orange tofu recipe (vegan orange chicken) because it’seasy to put together, withsimple ingredients, in less than30 minutes.

Thanks to thesticky,zestyorangeglazethat perfectly coats the crispy tofu, every bite packs a ton of flavor.

14. Tofu curry

You can combine this tofu meal in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients and a creamy result.

Thistofu curry recipeis avegan currywhere we usetofu cubes instead of meat, and the South Asian Cuisines of India and Nepal inspire it.

We use spices such ascurry powder, turmeric, and black pepperto recreate those warm Indian flavors that make curries irresistible.

15. Fried Tofu with mushrooms

Pan-fried tofu with mushrooms is aquickanddelicious recipefor weeknights andlast-minute dinners.

We usesimple pantry ingredientsto recreate a beloved, classic Italian dish with slices of tofu and sautèed mushrooms for a quick and delicious dinner.

16. Easy Tofu pasta (bolognese-style)

Tofu pastais a delicious vegan recipe with tasty crumbled tofu and a rich tomato sauce.

Serve your tofu bolognesewith spaghetti for an Italian-inspired vegan dinner idea.

17. Vegan breakfast burrito

Thisvegan breakfast burritorecipe combines our easy and tasty tofu scramble with delicious Mexican ingredients.

For toppings, you can addchopped tomatoes,fresh lime,jalapeños,cilantro,hot sauce,vegan sour cream,guacamole,avocado spread, orsliced avocado.

Tofu works beautifully in Indian recipes, and while it’snot widely used in Indian cooking, its color, texture, and flavor remind us of paneer,a fresh Indian cheesewith a mild flavor.

It’s similar tochana masala, although creamier, andvegan butter chicken, but with abolder, redder, more tomatoey sauce, less cream, and no butter.

17. Kung pao tofu

Ourkung pao tofuis astir-fried recipewith a piquant, sweet, savory flavor blend and a sticky and chewy texture.

Get plenty of plant-based protein and crispy veggies with this quick weeknight meal.

18. Tofu meatballs

You can make these vegan meatballs withpantry staples in 3 easy stepsin a food processor andbake them in 20 minutes.

Have tofu meatballs withspaghetti or in a subwith your favoritemarinara or arrabbiata sauce.

19. Navratan korma

Elevate your dinner with this easy Navratan Korma, offering a delightful twist on this classic Indian dish.

The velvety korma sauce with coconut milk creates a rich and satisfying texture that complements the medley of colorful vegetables, tofu cubes, and cashew nuts.

20. Thai Red Curry

Creamy, slightly spicy, and aromatic, here is an Asian-inspired dinner idea with tofu.

Mix the curry paste withcreamy coconut milkand addtofu,peas, andbellpepperfor a tasty, veggie-packed meal.

21. Sesame noodles

Grilled tofu makes a perfect protein addition to these creamy sesame noodles.

Paired with fresh mango, cucumber, and a peanut butter tahini sauce, you will be satiated and content for hours after eating it.

22. Tofu Cacciatore

This tofucacciatoreis based on Italy’s original chicken (hunter-style) chicken.

It’s baked tofu with olives, fresh herbs, and a richtomato sauce, best served with focaccia bread, pasta, crostini, and sauteed spinach.

23. Baked tofu “fish.”

You can make this simple meal in30 minutesin the oven with slices of tofu, nori sheets, lemon, capers, and olives.

Serve this Italian-inspired recipe as afish replacement, and try a new and flavor-packed way of eating tofu.

24. Spinach tofu cutlets

These spinach cutlets with tofu are juicy, tender, and made with simple ingredients.

Mix all ingredients in a food processor, shape them into cutlets, and bake them for about 20 minutes. They are delicious on a bed of salad and with a drizzle of ranch dressing or chipotle sauce.

25. Stir fry tofu

Better than Asian takeaway, this tofu stir fry with noodles or rice is easy, pan-fried, and will please everyone around your table.

It’s ready in about 40 minutes, and you can serve it with sesame seeds, chili oil, or a side of miso soup.

26. Braised tofu

Similar to stir fry, this braised tofu is tangy, slightly sweet, and has jerky–like tofu slices.

For a balanced, Asian-inspired dinner, serve with sauteed leafy greens, rice, or noodles.

27. Vegan carbonara with tofu

Make this carbonara sauce with carrot, chickpea flour, and cubes of tofu or tempeh bacon.

It’s a great alternative to the traditional carbonara, but without eggs and bacon, and it delivers a salty and creamy flavor.

28. Buddha bowl

Grilled tofu sizzles with a smoky aroma, adding plant–based protein to this wholesome Buddha bowl.

Serve the tofu in this colorful bowl with crisp veggies, peanut sauce, quick pickled onions, and brown rice; it’s a beautiful and nourishing meal.

29. Tofu butter chicken

Hand-torn pieces of tofu in arichIndian–spicedyogurt marinade, this vegan butter chicken is a delightful meal.

This is a satiating and family-friendly tofu dinner paired with rice, naan bread, or flatbread.

30. Vegan curry

This vegan curry recipe uses roasted cauliflower, bell pepper, and crispy baked tofu, alongwith afragrant and creamy sauce.

We recommend usingfirm tofu for the “meat”to create a tasty and extra-chewy protein source.

Do I need to press tofu?

Based on our testing, pressing tofu before cookinghas no (or negligible) impacton the final result.

What to serve with tofu

These easy tofu meals go well with white rice, toasted bread, or noodles. Make it a complete meal by adding extra vegetables to your meal with a side dish or green salad:

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