62 Vegan Tofu Recipes – Back to basics
- Updated on Dec 31, 2020
HurryTheFoodUp is reader-powered. If you click through using links on our site we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
There’s a reason we’ve put together these vegan tofu recipes.
I have a good friend who loves to tease me about my vegetarian lifestyle. In fact, one of her favorite things to make fun of is how many different vegan tofu recipes I can come up with.
She thinks tofu doesn’t taste like much, but the trick is to learn how to cook it well.
This list of vegan tofu recipes covers all of the most flavourful choices, from chinese tofu recipes to indian tofu recipes.
Plus, I dare you to find me a more versatile vegan protein source!
There is some debate about the health benefits of tofu, but research overall seems to suggest that tofu is a safe, healthy choice when consumed as part of a balanced diet. It’s full of protein and different micronutrients which makes it a great addition to many different meals.
How to eat tofu
If you’re one of those people who thinks tofu is boring, a few simple steps will certainly prove you wrong.
The first step is choosing the right kind of tofu! There is silken tofu, soft tofu, medium tofu, firm tofu and extra firm tofu.
Make sure that you’re using the kind of tofu that the recipe suggests.
Then comes the choice of how to cook it. You can make fried tofu, marinated tofu or baked tofu, and they will all have different results.
Personally, I tend to fry my tofu but other methods can bring out stronger flavours.
You’ll see the difference between these approaches to cooking tofu as you browse these recipes.
This list covers every possible option for vegan tofu recipes, including everything from curry with tofu, to tofu salad, to tofu burritos.
There’s something for everyone (even my grumpy non-vegetarian friends) here!
If you’re looking for a little more guidance than this list of vegan tofu recipes, check out our Vegan Meal Plan!
Mains
Smoked Tofu and Hummus Buddha Bowl
Check out the recipe hereBonus: easy, healthy, flavourful and tasty dish
Indulge with this smoky and savory Buddha Bowl. The combination of smoked tofu, hummus, and turmeric rice makes for a perfect vegan lunch (or dinner!)
Bonus: quick, delicious, healthy and Italian 😉
Vegan Bolognese. It was about time we veganized the Italian classic. And we’re proud to say we were successful. Please welcome, the amazing Anti Bolognese!
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: WowItsVeggie
Bonus: mega quick, super tasty, sweet and sour dish
This vegan orange chicken recipe is going to become your new family favorite! Orange tofu is the vegan take on the popular Panda Express favorite and it is so good!
Ready in: 33 minutes
Recipe by: LivingLou
Bonus: quick, comforting and delicious dish
With a sweet and spicy homemade coconut milk peanut sauce, this rich and satisfying tofu stir fry with broccoli and bell peppers is a quick weeknight dinner.
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: WowItsVeggie
Bonus: easy to make, sweet, spicy and so healthy
This delicious kung pao tofu recipe is better than takeout and you can make it right in your own kitchen! It is healthy and full of protein and is very easy to make.
Ready in: 55 minutes (10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: TheGreenLoot
Bonus: simple ingredients, easy to make and so satisfying!
This Breaded Tofu with Parsley Potatoes is a tasty and easy vegan dinner recipe that your whole family will LOVE! Picky eater approved!
Ready in: 38 minutes
Recipe by: VeganBlueberry
Bonus: mega tasty, versatile and nutritious!
Yummy Vegan Baked Tofu and Black Bean Tacos Street Style!!!!
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Thai Green Curry (30 Minutes)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: easy, quick, so healthy and nutritious
Ready in 30 minutes and packed full of taste, spice and a fresh lime kick. Delicious, nutritious and it’s even vegan, yaay.
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: TheAlmondEater
Bonus: easy, healthy, filling, mega delicious
These Spicy Tofu Enchiladas are filled with crispy tofu, beans and diced tomatoes and then topped with spicy chipotle sauce and avocado—what’s not to love?! They’re easy to prep and you’ll most likely have leftovers so you can enjoy them two days in a row!
Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
Check out the recipe hereBonus: quick, simple and healthy breakfast!
Vegan Breakfast Potatoes – the best way to start the day. Animal-friendly, high in protein and even higher in taste. Yes please!
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: VeggieDesserts
Bonus: simple, healthy, tasty and versatile
Jamaican Jerk Tofu Skewers with vegetables are full of great taste and are super easy to make! Grill them on the barbecue, grill pan, pan fry or bake. This easy vegan recipe is mind-blowingly delicious and ready in just 15 minutes.
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: RunningToTheKitchen
Bonus: quick and easy, nutritious, full of taste
Make this sweet and sour tofu in under 30 minutes. Crispy tofu and a sticky sweet & sour sauce mimic the classic Chinese takeout dish in this vegetarian friendly meal.
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: hearty, filling and incredibly yummy
This delicious vegan bagel sandwich uses avocado, tofu smothered in BBQ sauce, creamy dill sauce and lots of veg to create the ultimate vegan bagel topping. Whether you are looking for a hearty vegan breakfast bagel or a delicious lunch, this sandwich will hit the spot. Feel free to customize as you like with your favorite sandwich veg.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: mega delicious, quick, absolutely healthy
This easy vegan pad Thai recipe is simple to make and only takes 30 minutes! It’s a classic street food dish that can be found on almost any street corner in Thailand. Our recipe is based on an authentic vegan Pad Thai that we learned to cook in Thailand.
Ready in: 1 hour (just 30 minutes prep)
Recipe by: EricasRecipes
Bonus: easy, filling, flavorful, tasty tacos
This copycat recipe for vegan Chipotle sofritas tacos uses tofu with a delicious sauce with roasted tomatoes and poblano pepper.
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: quick, healthy, versatile and always delicious 🙂
The new vegan burrito is here, paving the way and setting the standard. Mega quick and perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: TheAlmondEater
Bonus: so easy to make, tasty, healthy and satisfying
Tofu Curry is an easy weeknight meal that uses simple ingredients and is packed with flavor. It’s made with coconut milk, red curry paste and crispy tofu and served over your favorite kind of a rice for a quick meal that comes together in just over 30 minutes.
Ready in: 24 minutes
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: super easy, simple ingredients and so good!
This vegan breakfast pizza is an absolute winner for a tasty, savoury brunch. Topped with typical, tasty vegan breakfast things – this vegan pizza can be enjoyed for brunch, lunch and dinner too!
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: PickyEaterBlog
Bonus: quick, incredibly flavorful and so delicious
This veggie shawarma is stuffed with crispy savory tofu, chopped greens quick pickled onions and a super creamy yogurt sauce. Everything is tightly tucked into a soft and pliable whole wheat naan bread warmed to perfection. The perfect recipe to make on hectic weeknights or when you are craving something different!
Ready in: 50 minutes (just 10 minutes)
Recipe by: HealthMyLifeStyle
Bonus: mega easy to make, healthy and flavorful dish
If you’re the kind of person that likes an easy dump and bake type recipe, this one is for you! This casserole takes hardly any time to prepare—simply mix your ingredients together, dump them into your baking dish, and bake. It couldn’t get easier!
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: JarOfLemons
Bonus: healthy, nutritious and so quick
Crispy tofu, savory zucchini, sliced carrots, and fresh avocado, all served over delicious fried rice and covered in a sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. If you’re on the search for a quick and easy vegan dinner recipe, these Asian Tofu Rice Bowls are delicious!
Ready in: 1 hour 50 minutes (just 25 minutes)
Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants
Bonus: so simple and so delicious dish
Greek style Polish ‘fish’ is a classic dish at Polish Christmas- that’s not to say we can’t enjoy this tofu ‘po Grecku’ at our festive table!
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: TheStingyVegan
Bonus: hot, crispy, saucy, filling and versatile dish
Learn the best way to prepare delicious tofu with this recipe for hoisin peanut tofu. Serve it over rice and accompanied with your favourite veggies for an easy and filling meal in a bowl.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: RunningOnRealFood
Bonus: flavourful, healthy, nutritious meal
These delicious, colourful buddha bowls are packed with nutrition and full of flavour! Enjoy these yummy bowls for a healthy and protein-rich plant-based meal.
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe by: BreesVeganLife
Bonus: delicious, healthy, and so satisfying
This tofu crumble makes the perfect vegan taco meat. It is oil-free, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious!
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants
Bonus: easy, healthy and incredibly delicious
This vegan Mongolian beef is super easy, significantly healthier than its takeaway counterpart, and tastes just as good! The perfect meal after a busy day.
Ready in: 1 hour (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: SixHungryFeet
Bonus: easy, healthy, warming soup
Delicious Vegan alternative to the traditional Vietnamese dish, Pho.
Ready in: 50 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: StaceyHomeMaker
Bonus: quick, incredibly tasty and flavorful, can be stored in the fridge or freezer
This gluten-free tofu is baked until crispy without using any oil and then it’s coated in a sticky and savory almond butter ginger sauce! Serve with roasted broccoli and fluffy brown rice for a delicious and easy dinner!
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants
Bonus: simple, tasty and perfect for breakfast
This vegan eggless frittata makes the perfect weekend brunch recipe- with a fluffy aquafaba batter filled with mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Try it with my garlicky sauteed kale and sliced avocado for a delicious and healthy meal!
Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: StaceyHomeMaker
Bonus: easy to make, nutritious and satisfying
Tofu taco stuffed tomatoes are filled to the brim with a flavorful mixture of taco-seasoned vegetables and crumbled tofu! This zesty vegan meal is easy to make, it’s high-protein, and it’s naturally gluten-free and oil-free.
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: HappyKitchen
Bonus: super comforting, rich, healthy and yet very easy to make
Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup) Recipe makes a perfect nutritious umami-packed savory vegan lunch. Comforting, healthy and ready in just 15 minutes!
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: VeganBlueberry
Bonus: easy to make, creamy and delicious dish, stores well in the fridge for a while
Traditional Italian decadence turned vegan! These tofu-ricotta and chopped spinach stuffed shells are absolutely delicious!
Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: Diversivore
Bonus: healthy, easy, delicious and spicy dish
Crispy baked tofu is the answer to your meat-free prayers. Add creamy bok choy and flavourful Chinese spices for rich, satisfying, totally vegan comfort food.
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: AnnaBanana
Bonus: easy, sweet and sour, healthy dish
Easy recipe for sticky tofu in sesame seeds, served with noodles and zucchini salad.
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: EatWithClarity
Bonus: incredibly easy to make, crispy, flavorful, and spicy
Tofu dreams really do come true. This vegan burrito bowl with spicy baked tofu, cilantro lime rice, roasted pepper, black beans and creamy avocado is the ultimate recipe for meal prep. This is the tofu bowl you’ve been waiting for.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: VeganHuggs
Bonus: really easy and quick, full of flavor and health benefits
Skip the take-out and make your own Stir Fry at home. It’s easy, fun to make, and full of mouth-watering flavor! Plus, it comes together fast!
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: LavenderAndMacarons
Bonus: incredibly easy, hearty, tasty and full of health benefits dish
This Eggplant Zucchini Red Curry with tofu and coconut milk is an easy vegan recipe perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Simple and flavorful.
Sides & Salads
Ready in: 1 hour 55 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: so delicious, healthy, stores well in the fridge for a while
This delicious vegan spinach salad recipe uses baby spinach, cranberries, slivered almonds, and tofu for a fun new take on a classic spinach salad. Combined with our delicious salad dressing which is sweetened with date syrup, this vegan salad will bring new flavors to an old classic for an attention stealing dish. This salad could be used for a filling weekday lunch or dinner, or you can save it for special meals and holidays.
Ready in: 30 minutes (just 5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: VeganOnBoard
Bonus: simple, easy, a few ingredients and amazingly delicious
Salty and smoky, fried and chewy. Strips of tofu are soaked in a simple but deeply flavoured marinade, then pan-fried to perfection for this easy vegan tofu bacon.
Ready in: 30 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: SixHungryFeet
Bonus: so easy, fresh and satisfying salad
Nutritious and delicious winter salad with roasted broccoli, pomegranate, smoked tofu and a mouth-watering tahini dressing.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: TheDevilWearsSalad
Bonus: healthy, sweet, delicious and tangy salad
Bold spicy Asian flavours that will definitely get your taste buds moving. Delicious texture with tofu skin, cucumber and cauliflower mixed with a chilli black vinegar dressing that is spicy, sweet and sharp all at the same time.
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: CookingInChinglish
Bonus: simple, spicy, versatile dish, can be stored for a while in the fridge
There are only few simple steps needed for this dish — cutting the tofu and pan frying them, preparing the sauce, then adding sauce to finish cooking with the tofu. That’s it! However, in order to make this dish taste really good, you need to pay attention to some of the small details. This dish has so much flavor that it actually goes well with rice.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: MyDaintyKitchen
Bonus: quick, easy, mega healthy, versatile and so tasty
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad is one of the healthiest food or salad that is filling and nutritious. Make this quinoa salad with roasted veggies of your choice and drizzle some quick tahini dressing.
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: MelissaTraub
Bonus: quick and easy to make, full of delicious flavors
This zesty, chewy tofu dish will liven up your barbecue.
Bonus: quick, beautiful, crispy and so healthy
Asian Tofu Salad, High in Protein, Low-carb and Vegan. A crunchy and colourful mix of delicious vegan foods that look great and taste even better!
Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed! 🙂
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu (ideally get fresh tofu from the supermarket)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ bunch radishes
- ½ medium cucumber
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 small tin pineapple (small tin = 8 oz = 225g = ¼)
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp sriracha (or equivalent)
- ½ lime (juiced; lemon also works)
- ½ chili pepper (eg. jalapeño)
- 1 small handful peanuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Press out some excess moisture of the tofu block, then cut it into small cubes (about one square centimeter). In a pan heat up some oil at a medium heat and in the tofu goes. Fry for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Multitasking challenge: make sure you stir every now and then (and add some salt) while you prep the rest of the salad. You can do it, bring it on!
- Next up: wash your veggies!
- Slice the radishes.
- Cut the cucumber lengthwise in half, remove the seeds with a small spoon and cube what’s left.
- Cut the pineapple into small chunks as well.
- Throw everything into a bowl along with the spinach and bean sprouts.
Now to the dressing
- Combine olive oil, honey, sriracha, lime juice, salt and pepper and toss it into the salad.
- Get the tofu cubes and place them in a separate bowl. Add them to each salad serving. (If you throw them right into the salad they’ll get mushy quickly).
- Also for garnish, cut the chili and roughly crush or chop the peanuts. Sprinkle them over the salad when serving.
- Enjoy!
NOTES
Nutrition
Snacks & Appetizers
Ready in: 38 minutes
Recipe by: CookingJourneyBlog
Bonus: easy, delicious and healthy lunch recipe
You can make ahead of time this vegan tofu wrap for a healthy lunch! It is filling and delicious tortilla wrap idea for a busy week.
Ready in: 1 hour 25 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: SixHungryFeet
Bonus: mega tasty, rich and flavourful dish
Make this easy tofu scramble in 10 minutes or less in one skillet with just a handful of ingredients! You’ll be amazed how the texture and flavor remind you of scrambled eggs! So simple and customizable too!
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: OhMyFoodRecipes
Bonus: delicious, crispy, healthy, great at any party
Crispy teriyaki tofu not only it’s crispy outside, but also soft inside. Also, it tastes amazing delicious when it serves with homemade teriyaki sauce. This pan fried teriyaki tofu is great for appetizer, party food, side dish or even as main course that serve with rice.
Ready in: 8 hours 15 minutes (just 5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: ZardyPlants
Bonus: mega quick, simple, amazingly delicious, nutritious, can be stored in the fridge
Creamy, rich, and buttery smooth, this Vegan Brie is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also deliciously similar to its dairy counterpart. Instructions included for nut-free and soy-free versions. Prep this vegan Brie recipe in just 10 minutes and the next day you’ll be met with amazing vegan cheese perfect for a party or just for snacking.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: LivingSmartAndHealthy
Bonus: easy to make, quick and spicy
Chili Tofu is a Indo-Chinese dish made with bell peppers, onions, tofu, and tossed in a flavorful sauce that is hot, spicy, sweet and sour. Perfect for busy weeknights dinner or even for a company. Make this restaurant style Chili Tofu at home with this easy step by step recipe. This dish is vegan, nut-free, gluten-free.
Ready in: 1 hour (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: EricasRecipes
Bonus: ridiculously easy to make, healthy, fun and delicious!
This creamy Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip recipe with delicate flavors of caramelized onion and wine make this a sophisticated dish perfect for your holiday entertaining.
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: VeganHuggs
Bonus: easy, extra crispy, delicious and so healthy
These Tofu Nuggets are easy to make and call for 8 simple ingredients. They bake up super crispy and they’re totally kid-approved!
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: PepperBowl
Bonus: easy, healthy, delicious, can be stored in the fridge
Tofu stuffed peppers are loaded with spices and meat-free. An excellent dish to enjoy as a classic appetizer or as a vegetarian dinner.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: MyPurePlants
Bonus: easy to make, healthy and kid-friendly
These Cream Cheese Pinwheels are such an easy and stunning appetizer that they are the FIRST things to go every time. Veggie Pinwheels are also a perfect addition to back to school lunch box or breakfast table.
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: VeganBlueberry
Bonus: quick, flavorful, delicious, full of health benefits
Make this easy tofu scramble in 10 minutes or less in one skillet with just a handful of ingredients! You’ll be amazed how the texture and flavor remind you of scrambled eggs! So simple and customizable too!
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: RunningOnRealFood
Bonus: easy, flavourful and protein-rich
This simple vegan tofu ricotta takes just minutes to make and you only need some basic, everyday ingredients. Leave it plain or add fresh basil to make herbed ricotta. Serve over pasta, as a dip or spread or use in your favourite lasagna recipe.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: VeEatCookBake
Bonus: simple, healthy and nutritious, authentic like the real Feta
Vegan feta – a recipe that you use to create an authentic feta cheese that is not only tangy and salty, but also crumbly like the real thing. Thanks to the mix of tofu and soybeans, you get this incredible vegan feta cheese that will not let you miss the original. You do not have to marinate this vegan tofu in oil like other recipes do.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: ThisHealthyKitchen
Bonus: mega easy, incredibly flavourful and satisfying!
A rich and creamy vegan tomato bisque, made in one pot, that’s loaded with fresh tomato flavour! It’s silky smooth and filling, but won’t weigh you down!
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: versatile, filling, full of flavor
Get ready to have your mind blown with this delicious vegan crab salad, light, full of flavour & a perfect as a canapé, salad or sandwich filler. Ideal make ahead lunch or fancy starter. Here at Yum HQ we love that this salad can be perfect for any occasion or simple lunch.
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: VeganBlueberry
Bonus: super quick, flavorful and tasty meal
This Vegan Egg Salad might actually fool you into thinking you are eating REAL Egg Salad! Himalayan Black salt is the secret ingredient that adds that sulphur ‘eggy’ flavor! Delicious and simple, it’s ready in five minutes or less!
Ready in: 50 minutes (just 5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: CozyPeachKitchen
Bonus: mega easy and quick, perfect as a party appetizer or sandwich spread
Vegan dip made with caramelized onions, silken tofu, and classic French onion dip seasonings.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: WatchLearnEat
Bonus: creamy, cheesy, tasty and versatile
This creamy and flavorful Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is a warm, baked appetizer that all your guests will love – not just the vegans! Made dairy-free using silken tofu and nutritional yeast, this recipe offers a vegan twist on the classic party favorite. This vegan dip is also nut-free and has an oil-free option. Perfect for parties, potlucks and of course, game day grub!
If you’ve made it to the end of the list, you’ve clearly understood that easy tofu recipes are a staple of a healthy protein rich vegan diet.
Some of these vegan tofu recipes might be new to you, like scrambled tofu or crispy tofu, or old hat, like a tofu stir fry, but we’re sure they will all become staples in your kitchen!
Dave
I’m not a foodie, although I do love eating. I believe food should serve us and our goals, not hinder. Taking control and responsibility for what I eat is important to me.
Article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue
James LeBaigue
Healthy, nutritious and absurdly tasty food? That’s what I’m all about. I love recipes which are full of flavour but are good for you too. My job in family medicine led me to become a nutrition professional as well, with an aim to get people healthier just by the food they eat.
Comments
Leave a comment below
2 comments
Having lived in South Korea for several years, I learned a lot about protein-filled tofu. Koreans drink it, fry it, boil it, make tofu soup…you name it, and they make it with tofu. However, like many Westerners, I was a bit put off by the sliminess of the soy wonder. Luckly, a Korean friend told me how to say goodbye to slime and that is to simply freeze the tofu before cooking. The result is a tofu that isn’t slimy and has a texture somewhat similar to meat.
I hope this idea might interest others who want to cook tofu dishes that are free from slime
Hi Susan, and thanks! Funny enough, I read the same recently and currently have a block defrosting in the fridge for this evening’s meal, I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing, it sounds like a great tip! I gather you’re supposed to squeeze the water out after defrosting, too.