It’s easy to become more plant-based when there are vegetarian tofu recipes for literally every meal of the day, dessert included (can a steak do that?). A versatile, soy-based bean curd, tofu is an excellent source of protein for vegetarian recipes or vegan recipes — yep, we included some vegan tofu recipes here too — and once you learn how to cook tofu properly, you’ll be adding it to your meals like it’s chicken. Tofu is like a blank canvas for flavors, whether you love ginger and garlic (try our Sweet and Sticky Tofu with Baby Bok Choy!) or spicy buffalo sauce (hello, Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites), it’s easy to tweak the taste to your preferences. With so many healthy tofu recipes, you’ll never have to go without a delicious, plant-based plate.
How to cook tofu
• Tofu comes in different densities, ranging from soft to extra-firm. Soft is better for purées or some soups and stews, while firm is better for frying and baking. It’s important to seek out the type of tofu that the recipe calls for.
• “Pressing” tofu helps extract excess moisture, which is essential for achieving crispiness. Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place a heavy pan on top; let it drain as long as you can before proceeding with the recipe.
• Just like any cut of meat, you can marinate tofu for a major flavor boost. Just don’t leave it in the marinade for too long (an hour, tops!), or it will get soggy.
Fried slices of tofu add a satisfying crunch to this cucumber- and cashew-filled dish.
Get the Crispy Tofu Bowl recipe.
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Sweet and Sticky Tofu With Baby Bok Choy
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Simple Tofu Green Curry
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Soba Salad With Grilled Tofu
For a lean (and green!) option, try this honey mustard-glazed tofu and veggie bowl.
Get the Tofu Broccoli Bowl recipe from Woman’s Day.
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Chili Garlic Tofu with Baby Bok Choy
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Tofu, Tomato and Zucchini Kebabs
Tofu slathered with garlic-ginger marinade tastes better than any chicken.
Get the Baked Tofu recipe from Delish.
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Tofu Tacos with Romaine Slaw
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Chipotle Tofu and Pineapple Skewers
Keep things simple with this tofu- and veggie-loaded skillet.
Get the Tofu Stir-Fry recipe from Delish.
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Cucumber Gazpacho With Watermelon and Mint
Japanese Katsu features a crisp cutlet, luscious curry sauce and a sweet drizzle over rice. This plant-based version has all of the crave-able crunch you want and plenty of flavor.
Get the Tofu Katsu Curry recipe from Delish.
Once you prep your tofu, these sandwiches are SO quick and easy to make. Plus, you have the freedom to pick your favorite greens and veggies.
Get the Tofu Banh Mi recipe from Delish.
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This rich, spicy soup is infinitely adaptable: swap out ingredients you don’t have on hand, or make the broth with vegetable stock for a completely vegetarian version.
Get the Hot and Sour Soup recipe from Delish.
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Peanut Butter Tofu Stir-Fry
Get out of your stir-fry rut with this easy-to-make option. Peanut butter adds nutty creaminess and soy sauce boasts a salty bite.
Get the Peanut Butter Tofu Stir-Fry recipe from Delish.
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and packed with flavor, you won’t miss the eggs.
Get the Classic Tofu Scramble recipe from Delish.
This vegan recipe combines lots of great Jamaican flavors. From a rich spice combo to crisp plantains, your family will feast on a decadent bowl.
Get the Jerk Tofu Grain Bowls recipe from Delish.
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Caramelized Tofu Lettuce Cups
The balanced combo of sweet, salty and sour flavors come together in one easy lettuce wrap. If you’re looking for a little extra crunch, add some fresh vegetables, like cucumber and sliced bell pepper.
Get the Caramelized Tofu Lettuce Cups recipe from Delish.
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Spicy Fried “Chicken” Sandwich
Tofu is an epic plant-based stand-in for animal proteins. Exhibit A: This sandwich, rich with hot sauce and tart from pickles, with a tender texture and crispy coating. We’ll take two, please. So, while it might not be the healthiest tofu recipe on this list, it’s definitely a tasty one worth trying out!
Get the Spicy Fried “Chicken” Sandwich recipe from Delish.
You probably have all of the ingredients of this easy marinade in your pantry, key for imparting flavor to slices or cubes of tofu.
Get the Tofu Marinade recipe from Delish.
This soup, inspired by Korean sundubu-jjigae, is rich, packed with flavor and easy to prep.
Get the Kimchi Tofu Stew recipe from Delish.
Learn how to make this classic Sichuan dish of silken tofu, ground pork, scallion and Sichuan peppercorns. Leave out the pork if you’re vegetarian!
Get the Mapo Tofu recipe from The Woks of Life.
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Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala
These delicious, stuffed dumplings can be made with tofu skin or soaked tofu sheets instead of dumpling wrappers for an extra hit of protein.
Get the Money Bag Dumplings recipe from The Woks of Life.
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Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites
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Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowl
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Double-Dredged Spicy Miso Tofu
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Best Vegan Spinach Dip
Soft tofu is the secret ingredient that makes this vegan spinach dip taste like the real thing. Your cheese-loving friends won’t even know the difference.
Get the Best Vegan Spinach Dip recipe from Delicious Techniques.
This no-cook recipe gets drizzled with a tangy dressing that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Get the Tofu Avocado Salad recipe from the Woks of Life.
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Crispy Vegetable Tofu Dumplings
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Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Pie
So now that you’ve seen the savory things tofu can do, may we introduce you to its sweet side for an after-dinner treat? This dreamy peanut butter cup pie has tofu to thank for its irresistible silkiness.
Get the Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Pie recipe from Minimalist Baker.
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Simple Tofu Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are the best excuse to eat tortilla chips for breakfast and while they are usually topped with eggs, we’ve got our eyes on this tofu version with a five-ingredient chipotle sauce. And although we are
Get the Simple Tofu Chilaquiles recipe from Minimalist Baker.
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Tofu and Chickpea BBQ Sandwiches
If you’re a vegetarian at a barbeque, you aren’t doomed to those flavorless veggie patties! Try these amazing BBQ sandwiches instead.
Get the Tofu and Chickpea BBQ Sandwiches recipe from She Likes Food.
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Smoky Tofu, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches
Becca Miller
Becca Miller has been working with the Good Housekeeping food team since October 2018, where she researches and writes about tasty recipes, fascinating food trends, and top tools.
Samantha MacAvoy
Samantha MacAvoy is the Editorial Assistant on the Good Housekeeping food team, where she writes about tasty recipes from the Test Kitchen, must-try food products and tools, and top-tested secrets for home cooking success.
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