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These tofu recipes are so delicious, they’ll please vegetarians and meat eaters alike! Browse these creative plant based recipes that are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any meal.

Tofu recipes
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Are you a tofu fan? This plant-based protein couldn’t be more delicious when it’s prepared correctly. Alex and I recipe developers and cookbook authors, and we’ve spent years researching all the best ways to make this protein into a meal.

We’re now tofu super fans, to put it lightly! Here are all our best recipes for turning this tasty ingredient into healthy and easy meals.

Ways to cook tofu

Tofu is a blank canvas, since it’s neutral in flavor and soft in texture before cooking. So, we’ve found that the key to unlocking its potential is adding a good dose of seasoning and texture! Pan frying and baking are great basic options for cooking tofu. Pan-frying makes a satisfying golden crust, while baking is a nice hands-off method for infusing flavor and a crisp exterior. You can even make air fryer tofu.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are so many more creative ideas for using tofu. It can be crumbled in breakfast tofu scrambles, marinated and eaten raw, or even grilled for a plant-based protein main course. Try a tofu stir fry to make it into a full meal with colorful veggies, or even crispy breaded in a sandwich.

Below we’ve compiled out favorite tofu recipes, and also found a few great tofu ideas from one of our favorite tofu experts, Jessica in the Kitchen.

And now, our top tofu recipes!

Looking for beginner-friendly recipes? The baked tofu, tofu scramble, tofu bowl, or tofu broccoli stir fry are where we’d start!

What is tofu, anyway?

Well, it’s soy: kind of. Tofu is a soy milk turned into curds (like in cheesemaking) and pressed into blocks. It originated in China about 2,000 years ago. It’s very popular in Asia and it’s becoming more prevalent in the US: because we’re finally figuring out how to cook it. This plant-based protein is well-known all around the world.

Tofu nutrition

There’s lots of misinformation about tofu and soy products swirling around. Is tofu healthy? Here’s what to know about eating tofu and other soy products like tempeh and edamame:

  • Tofu in moderation is part of a healthy diet (several times per week). Per to the Harvard School of Nutrition, soy is a nutrient-dense source of protein that can safely be consumed several times a week.
  • Tofu is likely to provide health benefits, especially when you eat it as an alternative to red meat and processed meat. For more information, go to Straight Talk About Soy and Is Tofu Good for You?

Frequently asked questions

Tofu seems bland. How can I make it taste good?

The key to flavorful tofu lies in preparation! Pressing removes excess moisture, allowing it to absorb marinades and sauces. Explore flavorful marinades with soy sauce, citrus juices, herbs, and spices.

What are some different ways to cook tofu?

The possibilities are endless! Here are some popular methods:
Pan-frying: Creates a crispy golden crust, perfect for stir-fries or fajitas.
Baking: A hands-off approach that allows for even crisping and deep flavor infusion.
Air-frying: A healthier alternative to pan-frying, achieving similar crispy textures.
Scrambled: Crumbled tofu mimics scrambled eggs in breakfast dishes.
Grilling: Marinated tofu slices can be grilled for a smoky and flavorful main course.

I’m new to cooking tofu. What are some beginner-friendly recipes?

Tofu scramble: A plant-based twist on a breakfast classic.
Tofu stir-fry: Cube the tofu and add it to your favorite stir-fry vegetables and sauce.
Marinated and baked tofu: Marinate tofu in your favorite sauce, then bake for a versatile protein option.
Tofu nuggets: Marinate, bread, and bake tofu cubes for a fun and flavorful finger food.

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Crispy Baked Tofu (& More Tofu Recipes!)

Baked Tofu
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5 from 1 review

This easy baked tofu comes out crispy and seasoned to perfection! There’s no draining or pressing required, making it unbelievably quick and simple to whip up. Add it to bowl meals, stir fries, and more.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 1x
  • Category: Baked
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 15-ounce block extra firm tofu*
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce**
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ½ teaspoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce, optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat an oven to 425°F. 
  2. Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes (slice the tofu in half lengthwise into two large rectangles first, then into cubes). Place the cubes on a clean dish towel, then gently pat them with a second towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, liquid smoke, Sriracha and salt. Add the tofu cubes and gently toss with a spatula until coated. 
  4. Add the cornstarch and gently toss again until coated. Place the cubes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes without stirring, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Allow to cool 3 to 5 minutes before eating. (Make it ahead or store leftovers for up to 3 days refrigerated. The texture becomes softer in the fridge and it becomes less salty over time. To crisp it up before serving, place it on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a few pinches of salt, and bake a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside.)

Notes

*Make sure the tofu is extra firm for this recipe (firm or soft do not work here).

**If you prefer more straightforward flavors, use 2 tablespoons olive oil then season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder (instead of the soy sauce, garlic powder, liquid smoke, Sriracha and salt).

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About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of the acclaimed cookbooks A Couple Cooks and Pretty Simple Cooking—and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share seasonal recipes and the joy of home cooking. Now, we’ve got over 3,000 well-tested recipes, including Mediterranean diet, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, smoothies, cocktails, and more!

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4 Comments

  1. Janice Short says:

    Wow!!!! 5 stars, even though I haven’t made any of these yet, for the amazing way you put together so many delicious, easy to make recipes with simple healthy ingredients all in one place for easy reference. I want to make them all! I love tofu and am always looking for new ways to use it. Bonus stars for also including a recipe using gochujang. I bought a big jar because I love the flavor and spice and I am always trying to add more fermented foods to my diet. The best part is I have made many of your recipes and know how well tested they are and how wonderfully articulate they are, so I am confident these will all turn out well. You two are the Best! Keep up the great work. And thank you so much!!!






  2. Parker Moliki says:

    AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGgGGGGGGGGGGggGGGGGggGGGGgGGGgggggg RECIPESSSSSSSSSS

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      Well thank you.

  3. Abrea, Runor says:

    I love the food,they are so good…