50+ Best Vegetarian Tofu Recipes (#2 is my favorite!)
- Updated on Aug 29, 2022
What is tofu and why are we excited about our collection of vegetarian tofu recipes?
Tofu, or bean curd, is comparable to the Indian paneer or even the Italian ricotta. It is made by curdling soy milk (like regular cheese) and then pressing it using a tofu press into blocks.
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Tofu is a top source of protein for vegetarians and vegans
Tofu is invaluable to vegans and vegetarians as it is a great source of protein. A 100 grams block of tofu contains a cool 17+ grams of protein. Fantastic, or what?
But tofu gets poor press. A general charge laid against it is that it doesn’t taste of anything and is a rather boring and bland item to eat.
To that, we say…. pfft! Look around you (well scroll down) – we have tofu omelets, tofu bolognese, poke bowls, and pad thai, to name a few.
We have breakfast dishes, mains heroing tofu, we have snacks made of tofu. We have desserts! All featuring…you guessed it, tofu!
In fact, we are sure you will not find a better collection of vegetarian tofu recipes under one roof (and we also have vegan tofu recipes covered separately). We guarantee it!
So let’s get to our best tofu recipes, shall we?
Jump to
How to cook with tofu?
Before getting to our actual recipe list, it would be a good idea to learn about tofu a bit, right? So, if you are totally new to tofu, the first fact about tofu is that it comes in two guises – firm, and silken.
The easiest way to differentiate between the different types of tofu and their correct usage is silken tofu in dessert/pudding type recipes and the firm variety in everything else.
Firm tofu comes in varying degrees of density – soft tofu, firm tofu, extra firm tofu, and super-firm tofu. The more you want the tofu to retain its shape, the denser you want it to be.
If you are planning to make scrambled tofu, for example, choose the regular firm tofu. To make a tofu steak, choose super-firm.
Now, without further ado, here are our amazingly delicious tofu recipes
Try them and let us know which ones you liked, how you tweaked them to make them uniquely yours, and what your views are.
Breaking Your Fast with Tofu
1. Silken Tofu Omelette with Eggs
Bonus: low fat, low calorie, high protein, and easy as anything!
Looking to up your protein intake? Try this high protein, low-fat silken tofu omelet with eggs – the perfect healthy breakfast and lunch!
Subscribe to get our FREE 7-Day Vegetarian High Protein Meal Plan for Weight Loss
2. Smoked Tofu Breakfast Egg Muffins
Bonus: transportable breakfast dish
Boasting 22 grams of protein per serving and a taste like the beautiful French pizzas known as Tarte Flambee. You gotta try our High Protein Smoked Tofu Breakfast Egg Muffins!
3. Ejotes con Huevo
Protein: 10g
Calories: 235kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: MaricruzAvalos
Bonus: Mexican eggs & beans
Protein-packed tofu is mixed with fresh green beans and spicy red salsa to form a hearty and healthy breakfast
4. Scrambled Tofu
Protein: 22g
Calories: 280kcal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: MasalaHerb
Bonus: low carb, gluten-free
Flavorful vegan scrambled eggs recipes is a quick tofu scramble prepared without eggs and dairy products. It tastes and looks like a real egg scramble.
5. Vegan Eggs Benedict
Protein: 14g
Calories: 258kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: WatchLearnEat
Bonus: dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free
Veganized version of the classic breakfast dish, they are made with toasted English muffins, juicy tomato slices, fresh baby spinach, and pan-fried “eggy” tofu smothered in a creamy vegan hollandaise sauce.
Main Course with Tofu
6. Smoked Tofu & Hummus Buddha Bowl
Bonus: easy, healthy, and meat-free
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!)
7. Poke Bowl with Sesame Tofu
Bonus: easy rice bowl recipe
Need a fresh and healthy new recipe for lunch or dinner? Our vegan poke bowl with sesame tofu is for you – try it now!
8. Vegan Tofu Bolognese
Bonus: our fresh take on an Italian classic (shhh! Don’t tell them!)
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!
9. Sesame Ginger Noodles with Tofu
Protein: 15.2g
Calories: 364kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: MelissaTraub
Bonus: easy, fresh, and tasty
This easy Asian-inspired vegan main dish features the fresh flavor of ginger, sesame, and a balanced meal with tofu protein and fresh vegetable-y goodness.
10. Bok Choy & Tofu Stir-Fry
Protein: 18.2g
Calories: 228kcal
Ready in: 39 minutes
Recipe by: MelissaTraub
Bonus: perfect for midweek meals
Try this light and flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry for a quick and delicious main dish. Excellent lunch to pack for work or dinner for your family or guests!
11. Tofu Grinder Salad Sandwich
Protein: 23g
Calories: 691kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: TheVeganLunchbox
Bonus: perfect for the lunchbox, picnics, etc
A sub made with tofu grilled with a BBQ sauce, and topped with a salad dressing that is simply divine (try more vegetarian barbecue dishes here!)!
12. Battered Tofu, Chipshop Style
Protein: 17.10g
Calories: 385.5kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: TinnedTomatoes
Bonus: serve with chunky chips, peas, and a sprinkling of vinegar!
Crunchy, spiced batter, crispy tofu yielding to softness…..if you have been missing your Friday evenings at the chippie, then we have the perfect alternative for vegetarians and vegans!
13. Smoked Tofu Sandwich
Protein: 21g
Calories: 469kcal
Ready in: 11 minutes
Recipe by: TheVeganLarder
Bonus: picnic special!
This super simple sandwich idea can be made open-face Danish Smørrebrød style, or put together as a more portable sandwich to take on a picnic.
14. Coconut Tofu with Miso Pak Choi
Protein: 32.97g
Calories: 697.5kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes
Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants
Bonus: sumptuous and flavorful dish
Tofu steaks are marinated in a flavorsome yogurt marinade and rolled in toasted coconut to make this vegan coconut tofu. Served alongside sticky miso roasted pak choi and a slightly spicy creamy tahini sauce, this dish is so delicious and the perfect weekend meal.
15. Tofu Buddha Bowl
Protein: 32.97g
Calories: 697.5kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants
Bonus: high protein, high fiber
This Asian-inspired tofu buddha bowl is a fantastic source of vegan protein! With satay tofu, fluffy quinoa, chili garlic chickpeas, and loads of nutritious vegetables, it’s perfect for your vegan lunch prep or a healthy dinner.
16. Herbed Couscous & Tofu Salad
Protein: 15.14g
Calories: 364.9kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: ThisWifeCooks
Bonus: Mediterranean flavors
Couscous gets cooked on the stovetop and then tossed with garden fresh herbs, veggies, and a light lemon dressing.
17. Fresco Vegan Sofritas Tacos
Protein: 16g
Calories: 409kcal
Ready in: 60 mins
Recipe by: EricasRecipes
Bonus: dairy-free, gluten-free
Tofu braised in a sauce made with chipotle and poblano peppers and a blend of spices. A copycat recipe for vegan Chipotle sofritas tacos.
18. Vegan Pad Thai
Protein: 20g
Calories: 496kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: perfect for weekday dinners
This easy vegan pad Thai recipe is simple to make, and it takes less than 30 minutes to put together. A vegan take on the classic street food dish that can be found on almost any street corner in Thailand.
19. Sticky Szechuan Tofu
Protein: 18g
Calories: 310kcal
Ready in: 25 mins
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: best served fresh
Sticky tofu with a vegan Szechuan sauce makes for an amazing midweek dinner. It only takes 20 minutes to cook and minimal effort! It uses actual Szechuan peppercorns that complement a sweet and spicy sauce to make a delicious Szechuan tofu dish.
20. Creamy Tofu Korma
Protein: 17g
Calories: 343kcal
Ready in: 70 mins
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: goes well with Indian breads
Tofu korma is easy to make and one of the most popular Indian tofu recipes ever (check these out if you want more plant-based Indian dishes!). It’s an indulgent and creamy curry house-style korma that’s great served with roti and pilau rice.
21. Pan-fried Honey Glazed Tofu
Protein: 17.6g
Calories: 315kcal
Ready in: 35 mins
Recipe by: GoHealthyEverAfter
Bonus: one pan dish, so cut down on the washing up!
Crispy pan-fried tofu glazed with hot honey garlic sauce! Learn how to make this easy honey garlic tofu recipe with tips and tricks to make tofu taste so good! Your taste buds will thank you!
22. Vegan Katsu Curry
Protein: 17g
Calories: 613kcal
Ready in: 50 mins
Recipe by: TheVegSpace
Bonus: make big batches of the curry sauce and freeze
A delicious vegan katsu curry made from smoked tofu in crispy panko breadcrumbs, with a katsu sauce. Serve with plain rice for a sumptuous meal.
23. Vegan Ramen with Tofu & Vegetables
Protein: 23g
Calories: 493kcal
Ready in: 40 mins
Recipe by: HappyKitchenRocks
Bonus: a complete meal in a bowl
This vegan ramen is easy to make, full of flavor, and deeply satisfying. Pan-fried tofu, fresh bok choy, rich mushrooms, carrots, and spinach round off a sensational rich broth. Warm yourself up with this veganized and gluten-free version of a famous classic Japanese dish.
24. Kung Pao Tofu
Protein: 24.77g
Calories: 503.37kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: TheViewFromGreatIsland
Bonus: our healthy take on a classic Chinese takeout dish
Kung Pao Tofu is a zesty meatless meal that goes way beyond your favorite take-out dish! This vegan Asian stir fry is irresistible and elevates tofu to gourmet status.
25. Baked Orange Tofu
Protein: 17g
Calories: 307kcal
Ready in: 60 mins
Recipe by: TheViewFromGreatIsland
Bonus: gluten-free, vegan, and EASY weeknight dinner
Who can resist crispy, golden cubes of tofu coated in a glossy, sweet-savory orange sauce? It’s a hit with everyone (even tofu haters)!
26. Stir-Fried Noodles With Tofu
Protein: 22g
Calories: 454kcal
Ready in: 20 mins
Recipe by: GatheringDreams
Bonus: quick and easy tofu stir fry
If the idea of a simple and comforting Asian dish fires you up, you are in the right place. This quick vegan stir-fry noodles recipe is the perfect easy and healthy dinner recipe (more vegan stir fry recipes this way!), ready in just 20 minutes.
27. Noodle Salad with Sticky Tofu
Protein: 25g
Calories: 448kcal
Ready in: 45 mins
Recipe by: TheDevilWearsSalad
Bonus: prep ahead and easily cook after work
Pan-fried sticky tofu topped on a bed of fresh and crunchy glass noodle salad, this is a stunning vegan Asian salad bowl that would make a great addition to your weekly meal plan.
28. Zucchini Stir Fry with Tofu
Protein: 18g
Calories: 269kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: VanillaBeanCuisine
Bonus: will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days
This vegetarian and gluten-free Zucchini Stir-Fry combines sautéed zucchini, red bell pepper, and tofu in a savory sauce enhanced by garlic and fresh ginger.
29. Vegan Chicken Piccata
Protein: 28g
Calories: 411kcal
Ready in: 50 mins
Recipe by: VeggieSociety
Bonus: meatless meals for BBQs
Our best-ever Vegan Chicken is made from seitan and tofu for the most tender and meaty texture. Perfect for frying as cutlets or nuggets and served with a garlic butter Piccata sauce and mashed potatoes.
30. Tofu Bowl with Soba Noodles
Protein: 24g
Calories: 365kcal
Ready in: 25 mins
Recipe by: VeggieSociety
Bonus: quick, easy, and oil-free
The best peanut tofu bowl with soba noodles in a raw mango avocado sauce. Crispy air-fried caramelized edges and soft center piled up over the most luscious tropical noodles.
31. Homemade Vegan Ravioli
Protein: 17g
Calories: 414kcal
Ready in: 60 mins (including 30 mins rest time)
Recipe by: BePlantWell
Bonus: budget-friendly meal
This simple four-ingredient homemade pasta is filled with an incredibly flavorful homemade dairy-free spinach ricotta.
32. Buddha Bowl with Tofu
Protein: 19g
Calories: 432kcal
Ready in: 65 mins
Recipe by: BePlantWell
Bonus: crunchy and full of veggies
This yummy and nutritious tofu buddha bowl has broccoli, red pepper, sweet potato, avocado, spinach, rainbow quinoa, tahini, and delicious crispy sesame tofu.
33. Tofu Salad Sandwich
Protein: 17g
Calories: 379.6kcal
Ready in: 45 mins
Recipe by: ResplendentKitchen
Bonus: healthy and delicious
A vegan variation of the traditional egg salad sandwich, this is perfect for a quick and easy meal with a savory flavor. Plus, it’s loaded with healthy ingredients and is a great way to get your protein.
34. Wagamama-Style Yasai Itame
Protein: 18g
Calories: 581kcal
Ready in: 45 mins
Recipe by: SomebodyFeedSeb
Bonus: the perfect hug in a bowl
Fragrant coconut and lemongrass-infused broth with rice noodles, fresh and crunchy vegetables, and pan-fried tofu on top – can anything beat this for the ultimate comfort food?
35. Bulgogi (Korean Marinated Tofu)
Protein: 21g
Calories: 682kcal
Ready in: 20 mins (+ 8 hours of marination)
Recipe by: SomebodyFeedSeb
Bonus: prep in advance to cut down on marinating time
Bold, salty and sweet, sticky, and completely irresistible! With the flavors of Korean BBQ, this plant-based meal is incredibly moreish and leaves you wanting more!
36. Easy Creamy Vegan Ramen
Protein: 27g
Calories: 559kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: WholeFoodSoulFoodKitchen
Bonus: looking for easy weeknight meals, are ya?
This Easy Creamy Vegan Ramen is packed with veggies as well as protein in the form of tofu instead of meat. It is dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and can easily be made gluten-free by switching to gluten-free noodles.
37. Tofu Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
Protein: 25g
Calories: 638kcal
Ready in: 33 mins
Recipe by: LivingLou
Bonus: serve with brown rice for max flavor
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 (if you like this, you’ll probably love these vegetarian stir fry ideas).
38. Szechuan Tofu with Vegetables
Protein: 22g
Calories: 275kcal
Ready in: 35 mins
Recipe by: MyQuietKitchen
Bonus: vegan, gluten-free and nut-free
Better than take-out, this restaurant-quality Szechuan tofu is easy to make at home and features all of your favorite spicy, over-the-top flavors. Incorporate a variety of different vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
39. Green Curry with Tofu
Protein: 17g
Calories: 378kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: MyQuietKitchen
Bonus: easy, one pan dish
Vegan curry paste, rich and creamy coconut milk, and fresh veggies come together in a gorgeous curry. With tofu bringing in a good dose of protein, this is a complete meal by itself.
40. Maple Ginger Tofu Noodle Bowl
Protein: 14g
Calories: 709kcal
Ready in: 25 mins
Recipe by: MoonAndSpoonAndYum
Bonus: comforting meal in a bowl
Rich, flavorful, and sticky, this noodle bowl is a sumptuous and tasty meal. For added oomph, serve with a garnish of pickled ginger.
41. BBQ Baked Tofu
Protein: 15g
Calories: 220kcal
Ready in: 55 mins
Recipe by: WatchLearnEat
Bonus: great for meal prepping
This flavor-packed BBQ tofu is first marinated before being oven-baked and then smothered in more barbecue sauce. Just as tasty eaten by itself, or over rice or quinoa, on a salad or grain bowl, or in a wrap.
Snacky Tofu
42. Silken Tofu with Radish & Basil
Bonus: silky and smooth
This Japanese silken tofu with radish and basil has spice and crunch that go perfectly with the soft and creamy tofu!
43. Japanese Silken Tofu – Hiyayakko
Bonus: makes an interesting party appetize
This melt-in-your-mouth Japanese silken tofu recipe is a quick and refreshing snack or side dish that’s full of flavor.
44. Not Really Halloumi Cheese
Protein: 14g
Calories: 141kcal
Ready in: 2 hours 10 minutes (2 hours marinating time)
Recipe by: TheVeganLarder
Bonus: BBQ friendly snack
All the flavors of Halloumi, without actually being halloumi! This BBQ season, give this a go and see how it compares.
45. Baked Harissa Popcorn Tofu
Protein: 14g
Calories: 141kcal
Ready in: 2 hours 10 minutes (2 hours marinating time)
Recipe by: MyPurePlants
Bonus: the veggie alternative to popcorn chicken
Crisp little bites of breaded tofu flavored with harissa and spices. Serve with a dip for the perfect snack.
46. Crispy Baked Tofu
Protein: 16g
Calories: 245kcal
Ready in: 50 mins
Recipe by: DebraKlein
Bonus: seriously crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
Crispy baked tofu is low carb-high protein and awesome as a snack or part of a healthy dinner. Serve it with a dish of marinara sauce for an appetizer everyone will love.
47. Tofu with Ginger Lime Aioli
Protein: 15g
Calories: 173kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: SummeryYule
Bonus: vegan and keto friendly
What’s the best way to prepare firm tofu so it’s crispy and doesn’t stick to the pan? By baking the tofu in an air fryer, of course!
48. Baked Tofu Nuggets
Protein: 20g
Calories: 298cal
Ready in: 35 mins (plus 15 mins marinating time)
Recipe by: BePlantWell
Bonus: quick & easy, flavorful
With a crispy outer crust and a super juicy and flavorful center, these baked tofu nuggets are a fun snack that adults and children would both enjoy tucking into.
49. Vietnamese Summer Vegetable Rolls
Protein: 19g
Calories: 494cal
Ready in: 35 mins
Recipe by: DriveMeHungry
Bonus: crunchy and packed full of veggies
Vegetarian summer rolls with avocado, tofu & fresh veggies. Serve them with 3 dipping sauces – peanut sauce, hoisin & Vietnamese dipping sauce for the perfect party starter.
Naughty But Nice Desserts
50. Silken Tofu Vegan Ice Cream
Bonus: easy ingredients and no special equipment
Silken tofu vegan ice cream is cooling, sweet and healthy. Why don’t you try making it today? One scoop and we promise you’ll be ready to fall in love with the flavor!
Ingredients
- 11 oz banana (ripe and frozen)
- 9 oz silken tofu
- 5 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sugar (if you have a sweeter tooth add an extra tbsp)
Instructions
- Blend ripe frozen banana, silken tofu, cacao powder, vanilla extract and sugar until homogenous and creamy.11 oz banana, 9 oz silken tofu, 5 tbsp cacao powder, 2 tbsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp sugar
- Immediately place in a container with a lid on and freeze overnight.
- Take out of the freezer 10 minutes before serving. Serve 2-3 scoops per person.
NOTES
- If you have the time, once the ice cream is mostly frozen take it out, put in the blender, and blend completely again. Take back to the container immediately and freeze until it’s solid again. This will result in a smoother ice cream with smaller ice crystals.
- Use very ripe bananas, otherwise you’ll have to add more processed sugar to compensate. Slice or chop them, and freeze them before making the ice cream.
- You can serve this chilled, not frozen, like a chocolate pudding/vegan custard.
- A truly healthy dessert Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- Japanese Silken Tofu Dessert with Mango Coulis
- Flip and flavour High-Protein Lentil Pancakes
- Filling and slimming Chia Pudding with Almond Milk
- Oat so tasty Healthy Oatmeal Banana Pancakes
Nutrition
51. Tofu Dessert with Mango Coulis
Bonus: creamy and oh so tasty!
Soft tofu and fresh tropical mango coulis make a healthy silken tofu dessert with a heavenly taste and no effort needed (and if you like this you should try our other silken tofu dessert recipes!).
52. Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
Protein: 6g
Calories: 363cal
Ready in: 20 mins (plus 4 hours chilling time)
Recipe by: AddictedToDates
Bonus: no-bake, nut-free
Easy vegan chocolate cheesecake with an Oreo cookie crust and chocolate ganache sauce. The perfect chocolate dessert for any occasion!
53. Vegan Chocolate Mousse Tart
Protein: 7g
Calories: 355cal
Ready in: 30 mins (plus 4 hours setting time)
Recipe by: RainbowNourishments
Bonus: gluten-free, no refined sugar
Vegan chocolate mousse tart made with less than 10 ingredients! The tart features a silky smooth tofu chocolate mousse, a customizable crust, and a tangy layer of raspberry jam.
To-FAQ
What goes well with tofu?
Short answer: everything! Tofu, by itself, doesn’t carry much taste of its own. But it does absorb flavors like a sponge.
As it is traditionally used in Asian cuisines, we see many tofu recipes such as stir fry, noodles, etc. But it can easily be substituted for fish in your vegan fish and chips, or instead of paneer in your Indian recipes such as saag paneer.
What is tofu made of?
Tofu is made from soybeans. Like any other cheese made by curdling milk, tofu is made by curdling soymilk, separating the resultant curds, and pressing them to get rid of moisture. The block that we get at the end of this pressing process is tofu.
Is tofu a good source of protein?
Tofu is a protein powerhouse, thereby making it an excellent protein dish for plant-based eaters to have with their daily meals. A 100-gram serving of tofu can contain as much as 17 grams of protein!
Is tofu pure vegetarian?
Yes. Tofu contains no animal products, making it totally safe for everyone following a plant-based lifestyle, vegetarians and vegans.
So there you have it – our best collection of vegetarian recipes featuring tofu!
Whether it is your first time cooking with tofu or you are looking for new inspiration for dinner or throwing a party, we have delicious recipes for each and every requirement.
So give them a try and tell us how you got on! Leave us a comment below, tell us your favorites, what nifty chef trick you used to tweak a recipe, or even how it turned out.
Dave Bell
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. Lots of veggie protein is my way forward.
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