10+ Tofu Recipes You’ll Love for Easy, Delicious Meals

Tofu’s honestly one of those ingredients that just fits everywhere. It’s super versatile and brings a nice dose of nutrition to the table.

You can cook it so many ways—crispy, saucy, baked, stir-fried—there’s really no end to the possibilities.

You really don’t need to be a pro to whip up tasty tofu dishes. With just a handful of easy recipes, you can start adding tofu to your meals and keep things interesting.

1) Marinated Tofu with Garlic and Soy Sauce

Marinated tofu is such an easy way to get big flavor. Just mix up some soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar.

Let the tofu soak up that marinade for at least half an hour. Trust me, it makes a difference.

After marinating, you can either pan-fry it in a bit of oil until it’s golden and crisp, or toss it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes—flip it once halfway through.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu to get rid of extra water.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Cut tofu into cubes and toss them in the marinade.
4. Let the tofu soak for at least 30 minutes.
5. Pan-fry on medium heat until golden, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

2) Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu

Crispy baked sesame tofu is a breeze. Start by pressing out extra moisture from your tofu.

Toss the cubes with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a bit of cornstarch. The cornstarch makes it extra crisp in the oven.

Bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

You can pair this with veggies or rice if you want a full meal. Here’s an easy crispy baked sesame tofu recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Press tofu for 15 minutes to drain water.
2. Cube the tofu.
3. Mix sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl.
4. Toss tofu cubes in the mixture until coated.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Spread tofu on a baking sheet.
7. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

3) General Tso’s Vegan Tofu

General Tso’s tofu is a fun, plant-based spin on the classic takeout favorite. It’s got that crispy, sticky, sweet-and-spicy thing going on.

You can get this dish on the table in about 30 minutes. Bake or pan-fry the tofu for crunch, then toss it in a sauce with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little heat.

It’s great with rice or steamed veggies. Want to try it? Here’s a good General Tso’s tofu recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube your tofu.
2. Coat tofu in cornstarch.
3. Pan-fry tofu in oil over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes for the sauce.
5. Pour sauce over tofu in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it thickens and coats the tofu.
6. Serve hot with rice or veggies.

4) Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls

If you’re into bold flavors, these spicy peanut tofu bowls hit the spot. Crispy tofu, roasted veggies, and a spicy peanut sauce come together fast.

Bake the tofu until golden. Toss everything with rice and pour on the sauce.

You can turn the heat up or down in the peanut sauce—totally up to you. It’s a solid go-to for a quick dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Press tofu and cut into cubes.
3. Toss tofu with oil, then bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
4. Roast broccoli and bell pepper at the same time for about 20 minutes.
5. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, maple syrup, and garlic for the sauce.
6. Combine tofu, veggies, and rice. Drizzle with sauce.
7. Serve warm.

For more details, check out the Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls recipe.

5) Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu

Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu is a lifesaver for busy nights. Toss tofu with BBQ dry rub, add some veggies, and bake everything on one pan.

The tofu gets a crispy crust and a sticky, smoky flavor from the sauce. You can add broccoli or sweet potatoes if you want to bulk it up.

Serve with quinoa, rice, or salad. It’s all about easy cleanup and big flavor.

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub or spice mix
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
• 1 cup sweet potato cubes (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Press tofu, then cut into cubes.
3. Toss tofu with olive oil and BBQ dry rub.
4. Spread tofu and veggies on a sheet pan in one layer.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping tofu halfway.
6. Brush tofu with BBQ sauce and bake 5 more minutes.
7. Serve warm.

Need more tips? Here’s the Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu Recipe.

6) Coconut Curry Ramen with Tofu

Coconut curry ramen with tofu is comfort in a bowl. The coconut broth is creamy and full of curry flavor.

You get crispy tofu and plenty of veggies in every bite. It comes together fast—usually in under 30 minutes.

Pan-fry the tofu until it’s golden. Sauté fresh garlic and ginger to make the base really pop.

This meal is vegan, filling, and honestly just tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms)
• 200g ramen noodles
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube tofu. Pan-fry in oil until crispy. Set aside.
2. In a pot, sauté garlic and ginger.
3. Add curry paste and cook for a minute.
4. Pour in veggie broth and coconut milk. Simmer.
5. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
6. Cook ramen noodles separately.
7. Stir noodles and tofu into the curry broth.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Get cozy with this one! For more, see Coconut Curry Ramen with Crispy Tofu.

7) Cauliflower Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu

Cauliflower fried rice with crispy tofu is a lighter twist on the classic. Swap out rice for grated cauliflower and you’ve got a low-carb, veggie-packed meal.

Bake the tofu until crunchy. Sauté carrots, onions, and garlic, then mix in the cauliflower.

If you want, scramble in a couple of eggs, or skip them for a fully plant-based dish. Finish with a splash of soy sauce and you’re done.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, grated
• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake tofu cubes on a lined baking sheet for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. In a large pan, heat sesame oil and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots.
4. Add grated cauliflower and cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Push veggies to the side, scramble eggs if using.
6. Mix eggs with veggies, add soy sauce and tofu. Stir well and cook 2 more minutes.

Want more details? Check out a recipe like this one.

8) Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu brings a spicy punch from Sichuan, China. Soft tofu simmers in a bold sauce with ground pork or beef.

Fermented bean paste and chili oil give the dish its signature heat and deep flavor. Want it hotter? Just toss in extra chili.

The tofu turns tender and soaks up all that sauce—honestly, it’s hard to stop eating. I’d say it’s best with plain rice, which helps mellow the spice.

Ingredients

• 1 block medium-firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 200g ground pork or beef
• 2 tablespoons fermented bean paste (doubanjiang)
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and ground meat. Cook until the meat browns.
3. Stir in fermented bean paste, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns. Let it cook for about a minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce, then bring to a simmer.
5. Gently add tofu cubes. Let them cook for five minutes.
6. Slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture so the sauce thickens.
7. Cook for two more minutes, then scatter green onions on top.
8. Serve hot with rice.

For more details, check out this Mapo Tofu recipe.

9) Miso Soup with Silken Tofu

Miso soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Silken tofu makes it extra smooth, and it brings a bit of protein without taking over the flavor.

Start by making dashi broth. Stir in miso paste for that classic, comforting taste.

Add silken tofu cubes at the end so they stay soft. This soup comes together fast—maybe 15 or 20 minutes if you’re not rushing.

Ingredients

• 4-5 cups dashi (broth)
• 4 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1/2 box silken tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• Optional: sliced green onions or wakame seaweed

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the dashi broth over medium heat, but don’t let it boil.
2. Whisk in the miso paste until it dissolves.
3. Gently add silken tofu cubes.
4. Warm for 3-5 minutes, stirring carefully so the tofu stays whole.
5. Serve hot, with green onions or wakame if you’re feeling fancy.

You can find more details at Snixy Kitchen.

10) Tofu Tempura with Mixed Vegetables

Tofu tempura is a fun way to get your crunch fix. Toss in veggies like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or green beans for more color and flavor.

Press the tofu to get rid of extra water. Dip tofu and veggies in tempura batter—just rice flour and cold water, nothing fancy.

Fry everything in hot oil around 350°F (175°C) until golden and crisp. I love it with a quick dipping sauce of soy sauce and ginger.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
• 1 cup sweet potato slices
• 1 cup bell pepper strips
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu for 20-30 minutes. Cut it into cubes.

2. Mix rice flour with cold water to make a batter.

3. Heat oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

4. Dip the tofu and veggies into the batter.

5. Fry them in the hot oil. Wait until they’re golden and crispy—usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

6. Let everything drain on paper towels. Serve right away with your favorite dipping sauce.