40+ Vegan Tofu Recipes That’ll Make You Fall in Love With Tofu
Amazing Vegan Tofu Recipes are possible. But let’s face it—tofu has a bad rap. Some call it bland, others call it boring… but we call it dinner magic in a block. Whether you’re a tofu skeptic or a soy-loving superstar, this list of 40+ vegan tofu recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert will change how you see this humble plant-based protein.
Vegan Tofu Recipes are a great source of protein and abound in this collection of 40+ delicious vegan recipes you’ll make again and again. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep recipes or yummy recipes for a special occasion, these favorite tofu recipes bring out the best tofu taste.
From a Silken Tofu Scramble to Nashville Hot Tofu Sandwiches, General Tso’s Tofu and Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake; this recipe roundup has it all!
Serve with a side dish like simple brown rice, a chopped salad, vegetable spring rolls or this forbidden rice stir fry and you’ll have a complete meal. But before you make your favorite recipe from this roundup, let’s be sure you know how to prepare and cook tofu using the best well-tested methods.
Best Tips for Cooking Tofu
If this is your first time cooking golden brown tofu, please note the most flavorful tofu dishes start with preparation in the right way. If you cook it without preparing it first, you’ll be sadly disappointed. But never fear, by the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence you need to nail tofu for any vegan recipe, whichever way you cook it.
What is Tofu?
Tofu is a squishy little block of protein made from soybeans. Basically, it’s what happens when soy milk gets curdled, smooshed, and pressed into a pale, jiggly rectangle that, left on it’s own, is pretty bland and boring. But tofu is actually a vegan’s best friend!
Yes, it may start off as a blank canvas, but prepared correctly, it acts like a little sponge that takes on the flavors of whatever you cook it with. The key to the crispiest and most flavorful tofu ever lies in the preparation.
Where Can I Buy Tofu?
Tofu can be found in local grocery stores or you can purchase off Amazon using one of my provided links. The brand of tofu doesn’t matter as mush as the texture, although I tend to stick to organic types.
What type of tofu should I use?
Using the right type of tofu can totally level up your cooking game. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the perfect tofu for different kinds of recipes:
Silken Tofu
- Texture: Smooth, creamy, and delicate soft tofu—like a dairy-free pudding.
- Best For:
- Smoothies and protein shakes
- Vegan cheesecakes, pudding and mousse
- Creamy salad dressings or dips
- Silky soups like miso soup
- Sauces (like vegan Alfredo or mayo)
- Don’t use it: for frying, grilling, or anything where structure matters—it will fall apart faster than your weekend plans.
Firm Tofu
- Pro Tip: Press it first to get rid of extra water for better texture and flavor absorption (see below for instructions).
- Texture: Dense enough to hold its shape but still tender.
- Best For:
- Vegan cheeses
- Stir-fries
- Baking
- Tofu scrambles
- Tofu nuggets or patties
- Curry or noodle bowls
- Not ideal for: stir-fries or grilling—it’s still too fragile.
Extra Firm Tofu
- Bonus: Holds up super well in marinades and gets extra crispy.
- Texture: Very dense and sturdy—like the bodybuilder of the tofu world.
- Best For:
- Grilling or pan-frying
- Skewers or kebabs
- Sheet pan dinners
- Tofu “steaks”
- Air frying
- Pro Tip: Press it first to get rid of extra water for better texture and flavor absorption (see below).
Cooking Tofu with Perfect Flavor and the Best Texture
Follow these simple steps for best results when cooking tofu:
- Press Tofu First – firm or extra-firm tofu comes packed in water—so it’s best to press it for 15–30 minutes (I use A BAMBOO TOFU PRESS like this one). Pressed tofu removes excess liquid and makes it absorb marinades better and crisp up beautifully. No tofu press? Wrap it in a clean dish towel or paper towels and weigh it down with a heavy weight like a stack of books or a heavy pan.
- Freeze for Better Texture – for a denser, spongier, meatier texture, freeze tofu overnight, then thaw and press it in the morning. It’s great for dishes that need extra chew, like stir-fries or vegan BBQ.
- Use High Temperature Heat – whether you’re baking, air frying, or pan-searing, crank up the heat. Tofu loves a hot pan and rewards you with golden edges and a meaty bite.
- Marinate After Pressing – tofu is a blank slate. Marinate it for at least 30 minutes in a flavorful mix (soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, lime juice, etc.) after pressing.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan – when pan-frying tofu, give it space and fry in a single layer! Too many pieces = steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pro tip: add a bit of cornstarch to the marinade to help it crisp when cooked or toss tofu cubes in cornstarch or arrowroot powder before baking or frying.
Introducing the Best Vegan Tofu Recipes
The best part of cooking tofu is the end results! Check out the following recipes for some of my favorite ways to cook tofu for those following vegan diets:
Breakfast Recipes Made with Tofu
This easy Tofu Veggie Scramble is a classic plant-based breakfast to get you through your day! Ready in 30 minutes!
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Your brunch dreams are about to come true with THE best Vegan French Toast ever. It’s soft, sweet & golden and has a texture just like French Toast made with eggs! Made with regular pantry ingredients, in under 15 minutes!
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An easy recipe for breakfast burritos made with roasted potatoes, a delicious tofu scramble, and fresh toppings. The best thing: these burritos can be made in advance and put in the freezer for later!
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Ever wanted to know how to make the perfect Silken Tofu Scramble? It’s so easy that you’ll want to make it every day of the week! This silken
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Multi-Cultural Lunch and Dinner Recipes
This General Tso's Tofu is vegan, low-fat, gluten-free and so much better than takeout, you're going to be amazed. Cooks in less than 15 minutes, this easy tofu recipe marries crispy tofu with a sticky, spicy sweet and sour sauce making this your new GO-TO recipe.
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This Drunken Noodles Recipe (Pad Kee Mao) tops the list of my all-time favorite Thai recipes. Spicy, saucy, with a hint of sweet, and packed with healthy vegetables and fresh basil, these Tofu Drunken Noodles take less than 30 minutes to prepare in one pot, are vegan, gluten-free, non-dairy and meatless.
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This Thai Basil Tofu is loaded with crispy tofu and drenched in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce, then arranged over tender rice noodles that are smothered in coconut milk and fresh garlic.
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Tofu Poke Bowls are loaded with smoked tofu, soba noodles, fresh vegetables and crispy nori then topped with crunchy sesame seeds and a tangy soy sauce dressing. Make this healthy meal for a yummy addition to your weekly or weekend menu.
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Say hello to this Nashville Hot Tofu Sandwich! Inspired by the popular Nashville hot chicken born in Nashville, Tennessee, this crispy hot tofu sandwich is made with extra firm tofu coated with a corn flake base, creamy coleslaw and bread and butter pickles!
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This authentic Vegan Panang Curry with Tofu and Vegetables is a rich and creamy flavorful curry, easy to make in under 30 minutes.
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Kung Pao with tofu makes a wonderful vegan dinner recipe. You are going to love this vegan Kung Pao. It’s so tasty and satisfying.
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This gluten free tofu Thai wrap is delicious! As well as being a vegan and gluten free wrap, it’s easy to make.
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Crispy, golden Nutritional Yeast Tofu! Quick & easy to make in an oven or air fryer. Add to a multitude of dishes or enjoy as a tasty snack!
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Vegan tofu meatballs are packed with flavor and have the prefect texture, no breadcrumbs or eggs needed, and can be made gluten-free. Bake in the oven or air fryer and enjoy with your favorite sauces.
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Spicy gochujang tofu in under 15 minutes! Just a handful of ingredients, packs in the protein and is full of flavour.
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Tofu korma is easy to make and one of the most popular types of curries ever. It’s indulgent and creamy – just like a curry house korma!
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Sticky tofu with a vegan Szechuan sauce makes for an amazing midweek dinner. It only takes 20 minutes to cook and minimal effort!
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Bold, salty and sweet, sticky and completely irresistible! Yes, we are talking about Vegan Tofu Bulgogi! Deliciously plant-based!
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This easy vegan ramen is made with pan-fried spicy tofu, rice noodles, sautéed veggies completed with a sensational shiitake miso broth.
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This Mongolian Tofu is packed with plant protein and has an impressive crunchy exterior that’s coated with a deliciously sweet sauce.
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This Palak Tofu is a vegan version of the popular Indian dish, Palak Paneer, featuring pan-fried cubes of tofu in a vibrant and flavorful spinach gravy.
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Try this vegan Spam recipe for dinner tonight! It’s high in protein, full of hickory-smoked flavor, and entirely plant-based.
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Tofu satay recipe is easy to make with extra firm tofu. Serve tofu skewers and creamy peanut sauce as a delicious appetizer or main dish.
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This low carb and vegetarian-friendly Keto Firecracker Tofu & Fried Cauliflower Rice is the perfect way to spice up your keto life!
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Spice up your dinner routine with this flavor-packed Chinese MaPo Tofu! A vegetarian version of a traditional Sichuan recipe that you can make at home.
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Crispy, tender, and flavorful, these Vegan Schnitzel are actually made from tofu and they’re incredibly delicious.
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Sweet, tangy, and delicious, this easy Sweet and Sour Tofu is better than takeout and healthier too. Make it in just 20 minutes!
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These buffalo tofu tacos are deliciously spicy, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make crispy tofu in the oven. This recipe is perfect for a tasty plant-based taco night!
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Thai Coconut Tofu Red Curry with Oven Roasted Vegetables is bursting with flavor. With a couple of extra steps, this dish is pure perfection.
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Smooth, creamy, spicy peanut noodles with crispy tofu and fresh cucumber. It’s a summer slurper for sure! Go on! Make a mess of that nice t-shirt!
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Sticky sriracha tofu, baked until crispy and glazed in a deliciously sweet, tangy sauce. Top with toasted sesame seeds and Bob’s your uncle!
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You will love this tofu Banh Mi sandwich recipe, which has spicy tofu and is loaded with fresh veggies. You will LOVE it!
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This Vegan Stir-Fry Noodles recipe makes a quick and comforting dinner, easy to throw together in less than 30 minutes.
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This easy vegan chili garlic tofu is made with extra-firm tofu, seared brussels sprouts and a sweet and spicy sauce. Serve with rice or cauliflower rice!
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These vegan arepas are just amazing. The marinated grilled tofu is so flavorful and pairs perfectly with the creamy vegan sauce.
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This copycat recipe of Panda Express Eggplant Tofu combines crispy tofu, fried eggplants, and red peppers with a sweet and spicy sauce!
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Having hearty and warming vegan food is key for those colder days, and we just love a rich, filling and flavourful dish! This delicious
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If chicken parm was your go-to order at restaurants, you will LOVE this vegan chicken parmesan recipe with all the flavor and comfort of the classic dish!
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Desserts Made with Tofu
Easy vegan chocolate cheesecake with just 10 easy-to-find ingredients and 7 simple steps. No-bake, no tofu, and no cashews!
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Creamy vegan baked cheesecake with NO dairy-free cream cheese! No water bath and can be made gluten-free, refined sugar-free and coconut free.
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Easy & quick vegan tiramisu using only 5 core ingredients (no cream cheese)! 20 minutes prep and tastes like the classic Italian dessert!
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Looking for a vegan dessert? This Instant Pot Tofu Pudding is the recipe for you! A delightful and creamy pudding made with soy milk and served with spiced syrup on top. What is tofu pudding?
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To sum it up, cooking with tofu is versatile and delicious, as long as you prepare it in the best way possible. Be sure to leave a comment letting me know which of these vegan tofu recipes is your favorite!
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General Tso’s Tofu Recipe
This General Tso's Tofu is vegan, low-fat, gluten-free and so much better than takeout, you're going to be amazed. Cooks in less than 15 minutes, this easy tofu recipe marries crispy tofu with a sticky, spicy sweet and sour sauce making this your new GO-TO recipe.
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Servings: 2
Calories: 567kcal
Equipment
- small non-stick fry pan
- large non-stick fry pan
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu
- 12 ounce extra firm tofu
- 6 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
For the Sticky Sweet & Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup filtered water to make roux
- 2.5 tbsp corn starch to make roux
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp ginger coarsely grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp dark maple syrup
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Serve With
- jasmine rice
- sesame seeds
- fresh lime wedges
- chopped scallions
Instructions
First, Press the Tofu
- Open the package and drain the tofu. Then, using a tofu press, press it for at least 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can wrap in a clean towel or multiple paper towels and place something heavy over it, like a large textbook.
Then Make the Sauce
- Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Whisk and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn.
- Add maple syrup, tamari, rice vinegar and tomato paste and whisk until ingredients are well-blended.
- Stir roux (cornstarch and water), then add to sauce pan and bring to boil while stirring constantly. Simmer for one minute while continuing to stir, remove from heat and cover. Set aside.
Finally Make the Crispy Tofu
- Once tofu is pressed, cut into cubes.
- Place into large bowl.
- Add cornstarch, olive oil and tamari and combine until tofu is coated evenly.
- Heat tablespoon of oil in large, non-stick fry pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add tofu and fry until your desired level of crispiness is achieved. I fry mine for 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add the sauce. Toss tofu and sauce together with spatula until all pieces of tofu are evenly coated and the dish is piping hot.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, lime wedges and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with jasmine rice or rice noodles.
Notes
- If your tofu isn’t as crispy as you expected, you can increase the amount of time tofu spends in the tofu press and/or increase the amount of frying time, being careful not to burn it.
- Agave, or honey (if you’re non-vegan) can be used instead of maple syrup.
- Ketchup may be substituted for tomato paste.
- Low-sodium soy sauce can be used instead of tamari if you’re not gluten-intolerant.
- Sriracha Hot Chili Paste can be used instead of red pepper flakes.
- To retain it’s crispiness, this recipe is best served immediately after cooking. You may store leftover tofu in a separate, airtight container for up to 3 days and re-heat in microwave, but you should expect it to lose some crispiness during the storing and re-heating process.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a tablespoon of water at a time, while stirring on low heat and before mixing sauce in with the tofu, until it reaches your desired consistency. Another option is to cut the corn starch in half when making the sauce.
- Recipe can be served with white or brown rice, rice noodles or over a bed of greens for an Asian-inspired salad.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 334mg | Potassium: 868mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 663IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 4mg
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Thank you for sharing delicious tofu recipes. I’m going to try a bunch starting with General Tso’s tofu recipe.
Thank you Lathiya. Seems to be the favorite of the bunch!
This tofu recipe collection is wonderful. I have made it few of them. I need to try rest of them.
I started working on trying some new ones too. Thanks Swathi.
So many tasty options. I want to try the General Tso’s Tofu first.
OOh la la, that’s my recipe. Hope you love it like we all do! Thanks Krystle.
Thank you so much for this article and recipes! I’m just starting to eat tofu and I appreciate the run down of all the different types of tofu and the recipes!
So happy it helped! Thanks Bev.