It’s the perfect, protein-packed blank slate that’s just begging to be infused with flavor. Tofu gets a bad rap and is often thought of as tasteless, bland, and mushy. But that reputation is totally undeserved! From soup and pad Thai to stir-fries and curry, these vegan tofu recipes are proof it’s just as tasty as any cut of meat. In fact, when you cook it right, it’s even better!
35+ Easy Plant-Based Tofu Recipes
1. Grilled Tofu Skewers
So, how do you cook tofu right? Well, it starts with buying the right kind. This recipe, for example, calls for extra firm tofu, which will hold its shape on the grill. Anything softer and the pieces will fall apart before it’s done. Also, you need to press tofu to remove any excess moisture. This is the key to ensuring it’s tender and firm – not mushy! Once pressed, it’s the perfect vessel for marinades and spices. Then you just need to skewer the pieces and grill them until charred. Serve the skewers with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
2. General Tso’s Tofu
General Tso’s tofu is a delicious twist on the classic Chinese dish. And this recipe is easy to make and can be served as a main course or a side dish. The tofu is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then fried until it’s crispy and delicious. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy tofu, this recipe is for you!
3. Hoisin Tofu Stir Fry with Peppers and Carrots
Tofu is a fabulous source of protein, and hoisin sauce gives it a lovely sweetness. Balanced by peppers and carrots, this dish is best served with steamed rice or noodles. Either way, it’s super hearty and filling.
4. Crispy Baked Tofu
This recipe is simple to make, and the results are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. As mentioned, the key to making crispy baked tofu is to press the block before baking it. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the tofu to absorb the flavor of the tamari marinade better. Buy a tofu press if you eat a lot of vegan meals. Or place the block on a plate, wrapped in paper towels, and put something heavy on top. It needs about 15 minutes to press.
5. Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu
Chinese teriyaki tofu is packed with flavor, and the tofu comes out perfectly crisp every time. Served over a bed of rice and steamed veggies, it makes for a delicious and healthy meal. And don’t worry if you’ve never cooked with tofu before, this recipe is easy to follow and impossible to mess up.
6. Crispy Peanut Tofu and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
If you’re on the hunt for some new ways to get a daily dose of veggies, try this insanely scrumptious tofu and cauliflower dish. You’ll fry crispy tofu and cauliflower rice in a savory sauce that’s sweet, sticky, nutty, and to die for. The dish is super easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides. But I love it with grilled bok choy.
7. Spicy Garlic Tofu
Have you ever looked at a recipe and thought, “this looks delicious but way too complicated”? Well, have no fear! This recipe is easy to follow and even easier to eat. The key to this dish is the sauce – a combination of maple syrup, chili paste, and soy sauce. That simple blend creates a mouth-watering flavor you’ll want on everything.
8. Sweet and Sour Tofu
Simmered in a sweet and sour sauce of vinegar, sugar, spices, and soy sauce, this tofu is juicy and oh-so-flavorful. Plus, it’s healthy too! Loaded with protein, iron, and calcium, the only thing missing is a side of carbs. I actually love this with spicy, crispy potatoes. But noodles and rice work just as well.
9. Spicy and Sweet Tofu
This recipe combines the best of both worlds – the spice of chili peppers with the sweetness of brown sugar. And best of all, it only takes minutes to prepare. If you’re looking for a light serving suggestion, try it as an appetizer with some crispy wonton chips. Yum!
10. Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls
If you’re a fan of chicken satay, you’ll love this spicy peanut and tofu bowl. First of all, it looks fantastic. The colors and fresh ingredients with the sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top are so Insta-worthy. But better still, it’s super easy to modify. So if all you have are some leftover veggies or noodles, go ahead and throw them in. That sauce pairs well with anything. And it’s so good, I suggest you make double because you’ll want to lick the bowl clean!
11. Spicy Tofu Burgers
Made with just a few simple ingredients, these burgers come together in no time. Serve them with your favorite toppings, and get ready to dig in. I like to top mine with avocado, tomatoes, and red onion, but feel free to get creative! These burgers are great on their own or served alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
12. One-Pan Tofu Coconut Curry
One-pan meals are the best, aren’t they? They’re easy to make and don’t leave you with a sink full of dirty dishes when you’re done. This one features plant-protein powerhouse tofu in a fragrant curry sauce of coconut milk, tomato paste, and spices. Add a side of naan bread so you can mop up all the delicious sauce when you’re done.
13. Southwest Tofu Scramble
Like I said before: tofu gets a bad rap. But I will admit that it’s very bland on its own. So, if you want to incorporate more vegan meals into your diet, you’ll need to learn how to jazz it up. Take this scramble recipe, for example. Packed with flavor from chili powder, cumin, and turmeric, this dish is anything but boring. Serve it with yummy breakfast potatoes or in a vegan breakfast burrito with seitan strips. Delish!
14. Vegan Pad Thai
I think we can all agree that Thai food is delicious. It’s bright, fresh, flavorful, and always a hit. And while pad Thai is often loaded with eggs, chicken, and shrimp, this vegan version is even more delicious. I know it sounds impossible. But it’s true! Try it once, and I know you’ll be hooked.
15. Crispy Breaded Tofu Sticks
These crispy tofu sticks are the perfect snack or appetizer! They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and flavorful through and through. The breading gives the tofu a nice crunch, while the dipping sauce adds a delicious zesty flavor. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a delicious new recipe, these tofu sticks are a must-try!
16. Tofu Burger
Tofu is such a versatile ingredient. And while I prefer it cubed, crispy, and smothered in sauce, this burger is a new obsession. This is the kind of dish where you absolutely cannot skip the press. Since you’ll be cutting the block in half, getting rid of any moisture is essential. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a slab of mushy tofu – and nobody wants that! Once it’s pressed and had time to soak up the marinade, this stuff hits the grill for a bit of smoky char. It’s not a bacon cheeseburger, but it’s a fantastic vegan alternative.
17. Marinated Tofu Salad
This recipe for marinated tofu salad may look simple, but it’s got more going on than you think. The marinade is a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. So yeah, it’s a flavor explosion. When it’s crispy, toss it with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, bell peppers, grated carrots, pickled ginger, chopped basil, and sesame seeds Oh, and don’t forget the dressing! That hit of nutty tahini is too good to miss.
18. Tofu Noodle Soup
This traditional Chinese dish is made with simple ingredients and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. It’s packed with protein and makes a great vegetarian main course. Serve with a side of steamed rice or salad, season to taste, and enjoy.
19. Spiced Spinach Tofu Stir Fry
Want a new dish that’s full of healthy leafy greens? Try this spinach and tofu stir fry! It’s packed with nutrients and is way more filling than it looks. The best part is it only takes a few minutes to cook, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice or noodles.
20. Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles
Taco night just got a lot more interesting! This fantastic vegan dish is a delicious and easy way to add plant-based protein to your favorite Mexican dishes. Made with extra-firm tofu, these have all the flavor of traditional taco meat without any of the cholesterol.
21. Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Packed with nutrients, this dish is simple to make and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a main course or side dish. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eater, I guarantee this dish will quickly become a new favorite in your house.
22. Picnic Perfect Crispy Tofu Sandwiches
There’s nothing quite like a picnic on a sunny day. And there’s no picnic sandwich quite like this one. I mean, how incredible does that thing look? I’m drooling already. Between the zippy tofu, carrots, cabbage, peanuts, and avocado, it’s a cornucopia of textures and colors. Wash it down with some sweet iced tea, and don’t forget the vegan cookies!
23. Black Pepper Tofu with Bok Choy
This tofu and bok choy recipe is anything but ordinary. The firm tofu is coated in a rich, slightly spicy black pepper sauce, and the bok choy becomes nice and tender after a quick spin in the pan. Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and easy meal.
24. Vegan Ramen
Miso-based broth is overloaded with incredible umami flavor and infuses everything it touches with so much salty-savory goodness. You’ll want thick noodles for this, so they hold up and take in all that flavor. I love how chewy whole wheat noodles are, but egg noodles are great too. Top this with mushrooms, tofu, and green onions. Or feel free to get creative – there are no wrong toppings for vegan ramen!
25. Pineapple Cashew Tofu Stir-Fry
Succulent tofu cooked until crispy and paired with sweet pineapple and crunchy cashews? You had me at “crispy”! This tropical yet savory sauce is such a nice change from the usual hoisin or teriyaki, which can be overwhelming after a bowl full. But this fruity sauce is super light and fresh. You’ll even use the syrup from the can, so there’s no doubt this one is sweet.
26. Spicy Tofu Wraps
For this recipe, you’ll marinate the tofu in a blend of coriander, cumin, basil, and mint. It’s then fried until lightly crisp and golden. It’s wrapped in a soft tortilla with crunchy vegetables and a dreamy avocado sauce. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Serve these wraps with a dollop of vegan sour cream and a side of fruit or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
27. Tofu Katsu Curry
The best part about this recipe is that it can be made with either chicken or tofu. So it’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The tofu gives the dish a hearty protein boost, while the katsu curry sauce is full of flavor and just a little bit spicy.
28. Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Would you believe me if I told you, you could make chicken nuggets without using any chicken? It’s true! These vegan chicken nuggets are made with tofu, and they’ll fool any McDonald’s lover!
29. Banh Mi Sandwich
In the mood for Vietnamese street food? How about this banh mi sandwich that’s got all the best flavors of Vietnam in one heavenly bite? The combination of fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, juicy tofu, and crispy bread is an irresistible treat. To make this recipe vegan, use your favorite store-bought vegan mayo or make your own.
30. Tofu Butter Chicken
You haven’t lived until you’ve tried this tofu butter chicken recipe! The tofu takes on every drop of flavor from the dreamy sauce, and after one bite, you won’t believe this is vegan. If you have the time, make some yummy naan bread to go with it. All you need is vegan yogurt and flour!
31. Korean Tofu Soup
Trying a new recipe can be daunting, but it’s also an excellent way to expand your culinary repertoire. And you don’t need to be a master chef to whip up something delicious. Even beginner cooks can handle recipes like this Korean soup. So why not give it a try? I know you’ll love it.
32. Lettuce Wraps
Tofu lettuce wraps are the perfect choice if you need a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional wraps. Made with firm tofu, fresh veggies, and a variety of seasonings, these wraps are packed with flavor and nutrients. You can enjoy them as is or serve them with a dipping sauce or extra toppings. Without the carb-heavy tortillas, you can go nuts with tasty extras!
33. Lemon Pepper Tofu Grain Bowl
This is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tofu is tossed in a quick and easy lemon pepper seasoning, then roasted until crispy. It’s served over a bed of hearty grains and greens and topped with a simple vinaigrette. What’s not to love?
34. Vegan Black Pepper Tofu “Chicken” Steaks
Looking for a vegan-friendly way to spice up your next meal? You just found it! These delicious black pepper tofu “chicken” steaks are wonderfully meaty and come together in a snap. How do you get that extra “meaty” texture? Freeze the tofu! The moisture inside expands as it freezes, creating a different structure that’s very chicken-like when cooked. Just remember to squeeze out that moisture carefully, or they’ll steam rather than fry.
35. Tofu and Kimchi Dumplings
Impress your friends and family with these tofu and kimchi dumplings. The perfect blend of savory and spicy, these dumplings are sure to satisfy any appetite. And best of all, they can be made in advance and frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
36. Baked Pesto Tofu
Trust me, this dish will convert even the most outspoken tofu skeptic. After all, there’s nothing pesto doesn’t make better! Buy ready-made vegan pesto (I like Trader Joe’s), or go ahead and make your own. Whatever you prefer. Just be liberal with it!
37. Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Wings
Tofu wings might sound like an oxymoron, but trust me, these crispy baked buffalo tofu wings are delicious! The buffalo sauce is easy to make and can be adjusted to your preferred heat level. Serve with celery and vegan Ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy! Click on a star to rate it!
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