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Looking for some vegan friendly weeknight dinner inspiration? Here are 50+ beginner friendly, easy tofu recipes to make for dinner tonight!

PLUS a few bonus dessert recipes made with tofu at the end if you have a sweet tooth like me. ๐Ÿ™‚

vegan tofu recipes.
easy vegan tofu recipes

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What is Tofu?

Tofu is made from soybeans and has a spongy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Tofu is a traditional and common ingredient in Asian cuisines and has been consumed for over 2000 years! 

Itโ€™s no wonder why itโ€™s so popularโ€ฆtofu is high in protein but low in calories and makes a fantastic meat substitute in a vegetarian and vegan diet. 

Itโ€™s an incredibly versatile ingredient that quite literally soaks up the flavors of whatever you marinate or season it with.

Types of Tofu

The texture of tofu can vary from extra-firm tofu to silken tofu. The type of tofu youโ€™re using will have an impact on how you should prepare it. Each recipe usually calls out a specific type, so important that you use the right kind of tofu for the best results. 

Want to learn more about tofu? I have a complete beginnerโ€™s guide to tofu that explains how to cook it and the different types.

Below are the most common types of tofu and a few of the best ways to prepare it!

  • Extra Firm: as the name suggests, extra firm tofu is wellโ€ฆextra firm. It holds up the best to grilling and pan frying. 
  • Firm: firm tofu has slightly more liquid than extra firm tofu. To achieve a crispy exterior, it should be pressed well to remove excess liquid. Firm tofu can be used for deep frying, air frying, baking and pan frying.
  • Soft: soft tofu works well in applications where you desire some texture, but the tofu needs to be crumbed or broken into smaller pieces. Soft tofu works well in recipes like tofu scrambles, chorizo, or for creating โ€˜meatโ€™ like crumbles.
  • Silken: silken tofu has the most liquid and works the best in puddings, cheesecakes, and other applications where itโ€™s blended. Silken tofu also makes a fabulous vegan egg replacement. 
grilled-tofu-ingredients
tofu marinade ingredients

Tofu Recipes for Dinner

Below are 50+ quick and easy tofu recipes for dinner! These tasty tofu recipes are broken out according to the following categories:

  • Stir Fries, Rice, and Noodles
  • Harvest Bowls, Soups, and Salads
  • Sandwiches and Pasta
  • Other Savory Recipes from Quiches to Chorizo!

Stir Fries, Rice and Noodles

Craving good tofu and noodles? Below are some super delicious firm tofu recipes that are either stir fries, rice dishes or noodle dishes!

Harvest Bowls, Soups & Salads

Below are comforting and nutritious harvest bowls, soups and salads that incorporate soft or firm tofu as a main ingredient!

Sandwiches and Pasta

If you're not in the mood for rice or soup, here are some delicious tofu dinner ideas that are sandwiches or pasta.

Other Savory Recipes

Below are the BEST tofu recipes that don't fit into the categories above. These quick and easy dinner ideas range from vegan quiche to chorizo to grilled tofu steaks!

BONUS: Dessert Recipes

If youโ€™re like me, then you love ending a good meal with a sweet treat. Below are some super delicious vegan desserts made with tofu!ย 


Summary & FAQ

And there you have it! 50+ different ways to prepare one of my favorite ingredients: tofu! Hopefully, this post gave you some ideas for how to make absolutely delicious tofu and/or quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas!

But weโ€™re not done yet! To make the BEST tofu, it needs to be prepared the right way. Below are some tips and tricks for how to prepare tofu, as well as some frequently asked questions!


How to Prepare Tofu

If using extra firm, firm or soft tofu, in most cases, youโ€™ll need to drain and press the tofu block. This removes excess moisture and helps create a crispy coating. The best way (and easiest way) to press tofu to remove excess water is with a kitchen towel or paper towels!

๐Ÿ“Œ My favorite way to prepare tofu is to follow my Flavorful Easy Baked Tofu Recipe. This recipe creates flavor-packed baked tofu, has the absolute best savory marinade and goes well in tons of different recipes, from simple tomato pasta, to stuffed peppers, to soups.

STEP 1: Remove the tofu block from the package and drain the liquid. Then, place it on 3-4 folded paper towels. 

STEP 2: Next, cover the block with more paper towels and gently press down with your hands to remove excess moisture.

STEP 3: To remove even more liquid, you can use a tofu press or you can place a heavy object like a book or plate on the tofu.


๐ŸŒŸ Let me know in the comments below which recipe you want to make or what your favorite way to prepare tofu is! ๐ŸŒŸ

Tofu FAQ

Whatโ€™s the best way to prepare tofu?

The best and easiest way to prepare tofu is by pressing the tofu block, coating it in cornstarch and baking or pan frying. Then, toss the crispy tofu with a savory sauce!ย 

How do I use silken tofu?

Silk tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet or savory recipes. It can be added to smoothies, mousses, puddings, or cheesecakes for a creamy texture and extra protein!

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easy tofu recipes for dinner.

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