39 delicious tofu recipes proving that there is nothing boring about bean curd! Because tofu is as versatile as chicken and requires little prepping, it’s very easy to create delicious recipes without having to spend hours in the kitchen. And the flavors always come out spot on, making each tofu dish so satisfying.
I always have a few blocks of firm and silken tofu in my pantry because I cook with tofu every week. The main reason why I always reach out for a block of tofu is because of how easy it is to cook with it. It’s mild in flavor which makes it a great vehicle to absorb flavor from sauces and dressings, and I don’t have to worry about under or over cooking it. It’s also a great dairy substitutes for desserts like puddings and cakes, and drinks like shakes and smoothies.
Expert Tips When Cooking With Tofu
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned that will help you elevate your tofu dishes instantly.
- Drain it well. This step is so important! Especially when making crispy tofu or serving silken tofu chilled. Because tofu holds a lot of water, it’s essential to let the excess drain for a while before using it. When taking the tofu block out of the package, transfer it to a plate and leave it there for at least 15 minutes. You will see a puddle of water on the plate to discard of. You can also wrap it in paper towels and leave it on a plate for the same amount of time to maximize drainage. Lastly, you can wrap it paper towel and microwave it for 3 to 5 minutes to dry it even more. However, I don’t recommend that trick for silken tofu as it’s meant to be served delicate.
- The skillet must be very hot. To give the exterior of tofu cubes or cutlets a golden brown color, make sure that the skillet and oil are very hot before adding the tofu. The same rule applies for making crispy tofu that’s been dusted in cornstarch or potato starch.
- Bite size is better. If not bite sized, then they should not be too thick. Unless you are serving chilled silken tofu, most tofu recipes are best when the protein is sliced small enough to be eaten in one bite. That’s because just like chicken or beef, the inside takes a long time to warm up. But unlike chicken or beef, there is no advantage to slow cooking tofu. Tofu is ready to eat so it only needs to be warmed up.
Storage
To help the bean curd last longer than 2 to 3 days, I recommend transferring the tofu to a storage container and filling it with water, until slightly above the tofu. I do this all the time because it keeps the tofu hydrated (tofu is made of 80% water) and gives it a longer shelf life. Close the container with an airtight lid and refrigerate for 5 to 7 days. Make sure to change the water every 24 hours to keep the tofu as fresh as possible, and to prevent bacteria from forming.
Tofu Recipes
Korean Seaweed Soup (Tofu Miyeok-Guk)
A light and cleansing soup made with Korean seaweed, silken tofu, and enoki mushrooms, cooked in a delicate dashi broth.
Miso Soup with Tofu and Wakame (味噌汁)
This is a classic tofu and wakame miso soup. The flavors are spot on – not too salty, delicate but full of umami, a little briny and nutty.
Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
35 minutes is all you need to make this comforting kimchi jjigae. With its salty, savory, and smoky flavors, this classic Korean kimchi stew can be served as a main with a side of rice, or as part of a family style meal.
Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Spicy Tofu Stew)
Soondubu is a traditional spicy Korean tofu stew. I love the natural sour, briny smokiness. Try it tonight!
Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
This is a vegetarian Korean soybean paste stew loaded with tofu, vegetables, and all the savory goodness.
Creamy Tofu Ginger Salad Dressing
A creamy vegan tofu dressing that’s light and tasty.
Green Goddess Smoothie
Tangy, sweet and silky, this green goddess smoothie will energize you from the first sip!
Shiraae (Japanese Mashed Tofu Salad)
My Japanese mashed tofu salad is creamy and umami. And you can whip up this traditional Japanese shojin ryori quickly at home. Shiraae is ready in 15 minutes from start to finish!
Agedashi Tofu – Deep Fried Tofu in Tsuyu Broth
Make this traditional Japanese tofu dish at home in just 25 minutes!
Kimchi Tofu Mandu (Korean Dumplings. – 만두)
Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, these spicy and smoky Korean dumplings pair beautifully with a cold glass of beer or hot sake.
Hiyayakko – Chilled Tofu with Toppings (冷奴)
Hiyayakko is a traditional Japanese tofu dish that’s very refreshing and simple to make.
Air Fryer Tofu with Teriyaki Sauce
Crunchy, tender teriyaki tofu cubes that taste just as good on their own as they do as part of a stir fry!
Easy Pan Fried Tofu With Gochujang Sauce
Learn how to make this delicious sweet and smoky pan fried tofu recipe, including prep and cooking steps, in less than 20 minutes.
Easy Tofu Katsu: Crispy Japanese Tofu Cutlet
Get the texture and flavors you love from a traditional tonkatsu dish, minus the meat. This tofu katsu is not only delicious, it’s also a healthier way to enjoy this Japanese classic!
Baked Tofu with Black Pepper Sauce
Tossed in a black pepper sauce that’s packed with umami and sweetness, these crispy tofu cubes are anything but boring!
London Broil Tofu
This is a quick and delicious London Broil Marinade with tofu. This tangy and sweet marinade with fresh chopped rosemary gives tofu a western flair!
Tofu Burger Patties
These tofu burger patties are moist on the inside and crispy on the outside and seasoned with a simple Japanese style seasoning sauce.
Tofu Edamame Patties
Moist and crispy tofu edamame patties served with the iconic tonkatsu sauce (Japanese barbecue sauce).
Tofu Dengaku (Tofu with Miso Glaze)
A simple tofu recipe with a sweet and umami based glazed, broiled to perfection.
Mu Shu Tofu (Vegetarian)
Veggie packed mu shu recipe with smoked tofu and hoisin sauce.
Breaded Tofu Chicken (Baked)
Crispy oven baked tofu cubes with Italian flavors.
Spicy Tofu Quinoa Bowl
A colorful quinoa bowl recipe with spicy pan fried tofu, nuts, veggies, apple, kimchi, and cilantro.
Easy Tofu Bibimbap – 비빔밥
Loaded with seasoned vegetables, a creamy yolk and a fiery gochujang sauce, bibimbap is the perfect midweek meal for a boost of energy! This version is meat-free.
Tofu and Vegetable Poke Bowl
A colorful tofu and vegetable poke bowl with refreshing and bright flavors.
Tofu Scramble (Mexican Style)
This Mexican Style Tofu Scramble Recipe could easily pass for a hearty plate of Huevos Rancheros. Vegan + ready in 25 minutes from start to finish!
Honey Sesame Tofu
Crispy tofu cubes with a hint of heat and plenty of honey sweetness!
General Tso Tofu Recipe
Better than takeout General Tso tofu with a sweet, savory and slightly spicy glaze. Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish. Impossible to resist!
Honey Ginger Tofu Stir Fry
A sweet, savory and spicy tofu stir fry ready in less than 20 minutes.
The Real Honey Sriracha Tofu
Tossed in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha sauce, these tofu cubes are delectable and ready in just 20 minutes!
Southwestern Style Baked Tofu Steaks
A recipe for spiced tofu steak you can serve at your next tex mex dinner!
Mapo Curry Tofu (麻婆カレー豆腐️)
This is a traditional Japanese style mapo tofu recipe – but with a twist! I’ve added curry powder for a playful, unexpected pop of flavor to this already tasty dish.
The Best Vegan Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
My vegan mapo tofu is packed with savory and pungent Szechuan flavors. One of my favorite recipes of all time (I always go back for seconds).
Stir Fried Bean Sprouts with Tofu and Garlic Chives
Tossed with garlic chives, tofu, plenty of garlic, and a soy sauce based stir fry sauce, this quick stir fry only takes 20 minutes to make from start to finish.
Sweet and Sour Tofu
My sweet and sour tofu will blow your hair back! It’s better than takeout – and is ready in just 20 minutes.
Shirataki Noodle Pad Thai
This is a light, healthy and easy recipe for tofu shirataki noodles pad Thai. And it takes less than 20 minutes to make!
Tofu Shirataki Tuna Noodle Casserole
This is a delicious and healthy take on tuna noodle casserole using tofu shirataki noodles topped with colorful vegetables. Sponsored by House Foods.
Tofu Chow Fun With Watercress
A vegan chow fun recipe packed with umami. Who needs meat when you can make something this tasty without it!
Creamy Vegan Carbonara
A healthy vegan carbonara recipe that tastes so indulgent you will think you are digging into a bowl of creamy cheesy pasta!
Golden Vegan Brownies
No oil or butter needed for these chewy vegan brownies. Silken tofu is the secret to making moist and low fat brownies your kids won’t be able to stop eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can freeze with both medium firm and extra firm tofu (silken tofu is not recommended as it will fall apart). In fact, freezing tofu will change its texture and give it a meatier texture. Interesting, isn’t it? To freeze it, simply drain the tofu, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in an airtight storage container. Make sure to thaw the tofu before using (leave it in the fridge overnight).
Yes there are. People suffering from soy allergies or sensitivities should not eat tofu since it’s made from soybeans.
Yes, tofu is good for you because it’s very high in protein and minerals like calcium and manganese, and is low in calories. But it’s important to look at the label and only purchase tofu that have not been genetically modified since this can cause allergic reactions and other health issues. Personally, I only buy it from American or Japanese tofu companies because I know they do not contain any GMO.
I really like your recipes for tofu and I want to try more. Do you have a recipe book?
Hi Ruth! I have a digital cookbook and am currently working on a new one that will be available both in digital and paper format 🙂
Tofu is one of my favorite foods. Most of the time, I do like it fried then dipped into a soy-vinegar sauce, just as simple as that. This recipe can be eaten with or without rice. Anyway, I would like to try more of your shared recipes!
Where is the best place to buy good quality tufo? Non-GMO
Hi Leona, you can buy non GMO tofu easily these days, at your local grocery store or health food store. Look for Japanese brands (avoid Chinese) such as House Foods and Nasoya.
my favorite agedashi tofu. I can eat it everyday!!