Cooking with Tofu: 5 Easy Vegan Recipes to Try

Tofu is a soy-based food made from curdled soy milk. It’s a great source of plant-based protein. You can use it in many easy tofu meals, adding texture to bowls, noodles, and salads.

Pressing tofu with a tofu press makes it chewy. The Tofuture Tofu Press is easy to use. Cut the tofu into cubes, toss in olive oil and spices, and bake until browned.

This recipe is a favorite, with a 4.98 out of 5 rating from 208 votes. It’s a top choice for tofu lovers.

In this article, I’ll share 30 of the best tofu recipes. These recipes show how versatile tofu is. You can air fry, pan-fry, bake, grill, or marinate it. They’re quick to make, with cooking times from 10 to 45 minutes. You’ll find dishes like salads, curries, stir-fries, burritos, and sandwiches.

Introduction to Tofu: Varieties and Basics

Tofu has been a key part of Asian cuisine for centuries. It has become more popular in the US in recent years. It’s a great choice for vegans and vegetarians because it’s high in protein and low in cost.

Tofu comes in different types, each with its own uses. Silken tofu is soft and smooth, perfect for smoothies and desserts. Regular tofu, or block tofu, can be soft or extra firm.

Firm and extra-firm tofu are great for stir-fries and baking. They keep their shape well. To make them firmer, press out excess water by wrapping them in a towel and weighing them down for 15-30 minutes.

Marinating tofu is a great way to add flavor. Cut the tofu into shapes and marinate it in your favorite sauce. Freezing or boiling tofu can also enhance its texture and flavor. Tofu is very versatile and can be used in many dishes, from breakfast to desserts.

Crispy Baked Tofu

Looking for a tasty, easy way to add more plant-based protein to your meals? This crispy baked tofu recipe is perfect. It has a 5-star rating from 86 reviews and is a must-have in your kitchen. It makes 2-4 servings and needs just a few ingredients: extra-firm tofu, reduced-sodium tamari, and nutritional yeast.

To get the perfect crispy texture, bake the tofu at 425°F for 40-50 minutes on a silicone mat. Freezing the tofu first can make it even chewier. Feel free to add seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Choose extra-firm tofu like Trader Joe’s brand for the best results. Coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch before baking for extra crispiness. Baking is better than skillet cooking for even heating and crisping.

Once your tofu is crispy, enjoy it as a snack or add it to recipes for extra protein and texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Try this easy and delicious sriracha tofu recipe and find a new favorite way to enjoy plant-based protein!

Tofu Scramble: A Vegan Breakfast Staple

Looking for a tasty and healthy vegan breakfast? Try the tofu scramble recipe. It’s quick, easy, and packed with plant-based protein to kickstart your day.

To make this dish, you need a 14 oz block of firm or extra-firm tofu. It gives the scramble a great texture. The recipe also includes turmeric for color, nutritional yeast for flavor, cashew cream for creaminess, and black salt for an egg-like taste.

One serving of this tofu scramble has 136 kcal, 6g carbs, 13g protein, and 7g fat. It’s a balanced and filling vegan breakfast. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, making breakfast easy all week.

Want to make it your own? Add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to taste. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. With over 25 rave reviews, this vegan tofu scramble recipe is a breakfast favorite.

Tofu Stir-Fry: A Versatile Weeknight Meal

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner? A vegan stir-fry with tofu is hard to beat. It’s quick, versatile, and can be made in under 30 minutes. Just use a few simple ingredients and pantry staples.

For a great stir-fry, use extra-firm tofu. It stays firm and gets crispy when pan-fried. Press the tofu first to get rid of extra liquid, then cut it into cubes.

Heat a wok or large skillet and fry the tofu until it’s golden brown. This takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

After the tofu is crispy, take it out of the pan. Then, stir-fry your favorite veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. Add garlic and ginger for extra taste. Put the tofu back in and mix with a sauce of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. For a spicy touch, add chili paste or red pepper flakes.

This recipe makes four servings, each with about 150 calories, 10g of protein, 11g of carbs, and 3g of fiber. Serve it over brown rice or noodles for a full meal. Leftovers last up to two days, perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Tofu Recipes: Creative Ideas for Every Meal

Tofu is super versatile and can be used in many vegan dishes. It comes in different types, like silken for smoothies and extra-firm for grilling. Pressing tofu makes it crispy and absorbs flavors well. Freezing it makes it chewier and enhances flavors.

Try making dishes from around the world with tofu. Make Chinese-American Mapo Tofu, Japanese Teriyaki Tofu Donburi, or Korean Tofu Katsu. For Mediterranean flavors, try Za’atar Tofu Sandwiches and Vegan Shakshuka. Or, spice up your meals with Mexican Tofu Fajitas and Tofu Taco Crumbles.

There are 20 tofu recipes to try, covering many flavors and cooking methods. These dishes are great for anyone, whether you’re new to vegan food or a seasoned vegan. Experiment with tofu to find your new favorite dish.