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

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a proteinpacked, plantbased ingredient that has been a staple in various cuisines for centuries.

Its neutral taste and spongelike 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.

Easy tofu recipes with curries, stir fries and soups

Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or looking for plantbased 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.

We hope you’ll get as excited about tofu as we are – and get inspired to cook tofu in new ways.

Tofu recipes video

Basic tofu recipes

1. Easy air fryer tofu

Air fryer tofu on a plate with lemon wedges

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

Fried tofu with a silver fork

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

Here’s a simple cooking method that makes fried tofu taste great and feel as good in your mouth. This recipe is ready in 15 minutes.

3. Baked tofu

tofu skewers on a bed of salad

Our baked tofu recipe helps you transform a block of firm tofu into mouthwatering high-protein tofu chunks.

You’ll love how easy, tasty, and versatile baked tofu is. Add it to saladscurriesstir-friesburritoswraps, and sandwiches, or dip it in your favorite sauce.

4. Marinated tofu

Marinated tofu with lemon and parsley and a silver fork

You can use our marinated tofu in salads, wraps, stir-fries, and other recipes, and it is excellent for last-minute dinners and meal prep.

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

5. Grilled tofu

Turning the tofu on a pan

d tofu is a quick and easy protein-packed recipe you can make in 10 minutes on a grill pan or grill and season with your favorite sauces and condiments.

With its smokey and slightly charred exterior and tender interior, grilled tofu is a versatile, healthy, and nutritious alternative to traditional grilled meats.

6. BBQ tofu

BBQ tofu brushed with BBQ sauce

You’ll love this recipe because the tofu gets chewymeaty, and flavorful.

Try putting it in a toasted buttered bun with some vegan mayo and creamy coleslaw salad; the bold flavors’ll blow you away.

Easy tofu recipes in 30 minutes

6. No-egg tofu salad

vegan egg salad with arugula on toast bread

Try this vegan egg salad for a great, quick, fulfilling vegan lunch or snack idea

The texture of tofu mimics that of boiled eggs perfectly. 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 salad with creamy dressing

Tofu’s remarkable ability to get flavorful and crunchy makes it the ideal protein choice for this salad with fresh veggies and tahini sauce.

This tofu salad recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner, and you can make it all year round with seasonal greens and veggies.

8. Lemon Tofu

Lemon tofu with fork and kale

Pan-fried tofu with lemon sauce is an easy, weeknightfriendly recipe prepared in just 15 mins.

Fry the tofu in a pan with olive oil and coat it in a quick lemon sauce.

9. Tofu Cream Cheese

tofu cream cheese bruschetta

This tofu cream cheese is made with five simple ingredients, and it’s smooth, velvety, and perfect as a starterdip, or spread in 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 recipe with white spoon

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, plantbased meal.

11. Tofu in marinara Sauce

tofu with tomato sauce

Tofu with tomato sauce is 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

avocado toast with tofu scramble

You’ll love tofu scramble because it’s an easynutritious, and versatile recipe.

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

For example, you can serve it on toast with avocado spread or top a microwaved sweet potato to add protein to your meal.

13. Orange tofu

Orange Tofu on a plate with a spoon

You’ll love our orange tofu recipe (vegan orange chicken) because it’s easy to put together, with simple ingredients, in less than 30 minutes.

Thanks to the stickyzesty orange glaze that perfectly coats the crispy tofu, every bite packs a ton of flavor.

14. Tofu curry

Tofu curry served with basmati rice and lemon wedges

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

This tofu curry recipe is a vegan curry where we use tofu cubes instead of meat, and the South Asian Cuisines of India and Nepal inspire it.

We use spices such as curry powder, turmeric, and black pepper to recreate those warm Indian flavors that make curries irresistible.

15. Fried Tofu with mushrooms

tofu mushroom recipe on a plate

Pan-fried tofu with mushrooms is a quick and delicious recipe for weeknights and last-minute dinners.

We use simple pantry ingredients to 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 bolognese on spaghetti

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

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

17. Vegan breakfast burrito

Vegan breakfast burrito with tofu scramble

This vegan breakfast burrito recipe combines our easy and tasty tofu scramble with delicious Mexican ingredients.

For toppings, you can add chopped tomatoesfresh limejalapeñoscilantrohot saucevegan sour creamguacamoleavocado spread, or sliced avocado.

Tofu recipes in 45 minutes

16. Tofu tikka masala

tofu tikka masala with white rice and a silver spoon

Tofu works beautifully in Indian recipes, and while it’s not widely used in Indian cooking, its color, texture, and flavor remind us of paneer, a fresh Indian cheese with a mild flavor.

It’s similar to chana masala, although creamier, and vegan butter chicken, but with a bolder, redder, more tomatoey sauce, less cream, and no butter.

17. Kung pao tofu

kung pao tofu with chives

Our kung pao tofu is a stir-fried recipe with 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

tofu meatballs covered in marinara sauce

You can make these vegan meatballs with pantry staples in 3 easy steps in a food processor and bake them in 20 minutes.

Have tofu meatballs with spaghetti or in a sub with your favorite marinara or arrabbiata sauce.

19. Navratan korma

Navratan korma with cauliflower and tofu cubes

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

Thai Red curry with rice

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

Mix the curry paste with creamy coconut milk and add tofupeas, and bell pepper for a tasty, veggie-packed meal.

21. Sesame noodles

Sesame noodles with grilled tofu

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

Tofu cacciatore in a skillet

This tofu cacciatore is based on Italy’s original chicken (hunter-style) chicken.

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

23. Baked tofu “fish.”

baked tofu like vegan fish

You can make this simple meal in 30 minutes in the oven with slices of tofu, nori sheets, lemon, capers, and olives.

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

24. Spinach tofu cutlets

Spinach cutlets on bed of salad

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

tofu stir fry with noodles

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

Braised tofu with bok choy

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

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

27. Vegan carbonara with tofu

carbonara on a plate

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

Buddha bowl with peanut sauce

Grilled tofu sizzles with a smoky aroma, adding plantbased 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

Vegan Butter Chicken with hand and bread

Hand-torn pieces of tofu in a rich Indianspiced yogurt 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

vegan curry with rice and lemon wedge

This vegan curry recipe uses roasted cauliflower, bell pepper, and crispy baked tofu, along with a fragrant and creamy sauce.

We recommend using firm 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 cooking has no (or negligible) impact on the final result.

All you need to do is take the tofu out of its package, drain the water, and pat it dry with a towel. Then, cook it according to the recipe instructions.

However, you can press tofu if you want to change its texture. If you like a firmer, tougher, drier tofu, feel free to push it. You can freeze, thaw, and press it to make it even chewier.

tofu cut in cubes are slabs

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:

Easy tofu recipes with lunches and dinner meals

30 easy tofu recipes

5 from 10 votes
These 30 tofu recipes include baked and fried tofu, salads, best sauces to serve with tofu, soup, curry, and more.
This tofu scramble is easy to make with a few ingredients, and you can serve it with avocado on a slice of toasted bread for breakfast, lunch or a quick dinner.
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 2 to 3 people
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
Cuisine: International

Ingredients 

  • 9 ounces firm tofu (a tofu block around that size, not a problem if it's a little more or less)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk soy, oats, cashew
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 2 twists black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon black salt optional for an eggy flavor. Add more for more eggy taste.

Serving suggestions (totally optional)

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 thick slices bread toasted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional to drizzle on top
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chives, or green onions finely chopped

Instructions 

  • Crumble the tofu with your hands and put it in a non-stick pan on medium-high heat.
    tofu crumbled on a pan
  • Add the unsweetened plant milk.
    The milk will make the scrambled tofu softer and moist, similar to scrambled eggs
    plant milk added to the crumbled tofu
  • Add the turmeric powder to give the scrambled tofu a yellow color.
    Season with salt, black pepper, and optionally with black salt or Kala namak, a rock salt that tastes like egg.
    tofu scramble in a pan
  • Cook on medium-high heat until the pan is dry. It should take about 5 minutes.
    tofu scramble in a pan

Serving suggestion

  • We like to serve scrambled tofu on toasted bread. Add some avocado slices on the bread, scrambled tofu on top, some freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions.
    Then you can add some roasted tomatoes and roasted portobello mushrooms on the side, and a drizzle of olive oil to make it a complete and fulfilling breakfast.
    Tofu scramble with bread and avocado

Video

Easy Tofu Scramble in 5 minutes

Notes

Nutritional information is for the scrambled tofu only, without the serving suggestion.
See variations chapter for more ideas.

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Potassium: 104mg, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 241IU, Vitamin B6: 1mg, Vitamin C: 4mg, Vitamin E: 2mg, Vitamin K: 2µg, Calcium: 246mg, Folate: 19µg, Iron: 2mg, Manganese: 1mg, Magnesium: 2mg, Zinc: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or mention @nicoandlouise on Instagram. We are also on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok.

Nico and Louise in front of the Consolazione church in Todi

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with vegetarian and vegan recipes.

5 from 10 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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6 Comments

  1. Hi there!
    Me and my hubby is interested in plant based- diet. Iโ€™m excited to try all your recipes.

    1. That’s fantastic, Amm – we’re so happy you are here.

      Let us know if you have questions and any comments along the way. Happy cooking!

      Kindest, Louise

    1. Hi Jeff, thanks for commenting. This blog post is a compilation of our best tofu recipes – you just have to click on the recipe(s) you like th best, and you’ll be directed to them. I hope that helps! Cheers, Nico