45 Best Tofu Recipes to Try. Stir-fries, marinated and baked dishes, curries, pasta, crispy breaded tofu, sandwiches and more. No bland tofu here — many gluten-free options and delicious vegan tofu recipes to explore.
Tofu can be transformative when treated well. Early on in my vegan journey I often disliked tofu because restaurant preparations were bland or simply fried and dropped into dishes without seasoning or thought. Once I started cooking tofu at home and experimenting with marinades, spices and techniques, it became a favorite. Tofu soaks up flavors, crisps beautifully, and adapts to a wide range of cuisines and textures.
Here are some standout recipes to get you started: Indian Butter Tofu, Orange Tofu, Cajun Baked Tofu, Lemon Asparagus Pasta, Chili Garlic Baked Tofu, Tofu Amritsari Masala, and many more below. Most recipes include notes for gluten-free or soy-free alternatives where possible.
What is Tofu?
Tofu, also called bean curd, is made by curdling soy milk and pressing the curds into blocks, much like making cheese from dairy milk. It comes in varying textures from silken to extra-firm, and each type shines in different preparations — silken for creamy sauces and dressings, firm or extra-firm for frying, grilling or baking.
If you avoid soy, many recipes can be adapted using chickpea tofu, cooked chickpeas or other beans, roasted vegetables, seitan, or meat substitutes. Alternatives are often suggested in individual recipes to make dishes soy-free when possible.
Tofu in Stir-fries
Stir-fries are a quick, flavorful way to enjoy tofu. Press and cube firm tofu, marinate briefly or toss with a sauce, then sear until crisp. Serve over rice, noodles or greens.
- Orange Tofu (GF)
- Sticky Ginger Sesame Tofu (GF)
- Hoisin Tofu and Noodles with from-scratch hoisin sauce (GF)
- Cashew Tofu (GF)
- Indian Chilli Sauce Tofu (GF)
- Hoisin Tofu Mushroom Stir Fry (GF)
- Black Pepper Tofu and Celery (GF)
- Tofu in Sunbutter Sauce (GF)
- Crispy Korean Fried Tofu — Rabbits and Wolves
Tofu in Curries
Tofu is ideal in saucy, spiced curries where it soaks up robust flavors. Soft-to-firm cubes simmered in creamy or tangy sauces make excellent mains with rice or flatbreads.
- Butter Tofu — Tofu in Butter Masala Sauce (GF)
- Tofu Lababdar (GF)
- Tofu Amritsari Masala (GF)
- Cauliflower and Tofu in Green Masala Sauce (GF)
- Methi Malai Tofu Paneer (GF)
- Achari Tofu (GF)
- Mango Curry Tofu (GF)
- Palak Tofu — Tofu in Spinach Curry (GF)
- Vegan White Korma with Tofu and Veggies (GF)
Marinates and Baked Tofu
Baked or marinated tofu is perfect for bowls, salads and sandwiches. A good press, a bold marinade and a high oven temperature yield crisp edges and packed flavor.
- Baked Chili Garlic Tofu (GF)
- Tofu and Eggplant Baked with Soy Lime Sauce (GF)
- BBQ Tofu Bowl with Veggies and Quinoa (GF)
- Marinated Baked Tofu over Crunchy Salad (GF)
- Cajun Tofu Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice (GF)
- Peanut Butter Baked Tofu and Cauliflower (GF)
- General Tso’s Tofu (GF option)
- Tofu Short Ribs — Isa Chandra
- Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu — Connoisseurus Veg
Tofu in Pasta, Pizza and Bakes
Tofu makes excellent creamy sauces, ricotta-style fillings and protein-rich toppings for pasta, pizza and bakes. Silken tofu blends into smooth, dairy-free sauces while firm tofu can be crumbled into ricotta-style fillings.
- Lemon Asparagus Pasta (GF option)
- Sriracha BBQ Tofu Pizza with Almond Pepperjack
- Deep Dish Tofu Ricotta Pizza
- Tofu Ricotta Veggie Lasagna
- Sun-dried Tomato, Mushroom and Tofu Quiche — Oh She Glows
Appetizers, Rolls, Wraps and Sandwiches
Tofu is fantastic for handhelds and starters — breaded strips, pinwheels, kebabs and sandwich fillings all benefit from marinated or breaded tofu for texture and flavor.
- Crispy Breaded Tofu
- Deconstructed Summer Rolls (GF)
- Tortilla Roll-ups with Dairy-free Tofu Herb Cream Cheese (GF)
- Breaded Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce
- Curried Tofu Banh Mi (GF option)
- Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burrito (GF option)
- Tofu Veggie Kebabs with Gochugaru (GF)
- Tofu Egg Salad
- Tofu BLT — My Darling Vegan
- Easy Indian Tofu Scramble (Tofu Bhurji) (GF)
- GF Vegan Fried “Chicken” with Tofu — Mary’s Test Kitchen
- Fresh Spring Rolls (GF)
Tofu in Soups
Soft tofu is a classic addition to brothy soups and bowls. It adds protein without weighing down the soup, and melds well with miso, turmeric, lemongrass and warming spices.
- Turmeric Miso Soup (GF)
- Vegan Egg Drop Soup (GF)
- Hot and Sour Soup — Vedged Out
Whether you want crispy cubes, silky blended sauce, or tender pieces in a curry or soup, these recipes show how versatile tofu can be. Press it for extra-firm preparations, pat or press silken varieties for sauces, and always season boldly — tofu rewards bold flavors.