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. 🙂
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!
It’s no wonder why it’s so popular…tofu is high in protein but low in calories and makes a fantastic meat substitute in a vegetarian and vegan diet.
It’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 you’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 beginner’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 well…extra 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 ‘meat’ like crumbles.
- Silken: silken tofu has the most liquid and works the best in puddings, cheesecakes, and other applications where it’s blended. Silken tofu also makes a fabulous vegan egg replacement.
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!
Sticky Mongolian Tofu and Broccoli Stir Fry
This Mongolian Tofu Stir Fry has slightly sweet yet savory marinated tofu that is coated in cornstarch, pan-fried, and then tossed in a thick, sticky sauce.
Sweet and Sour Tofu
Make this sweet and sour tofu recipe in under 30 minutes! Crispy tofu and a sticky sweet & sour sauce mimic the classic Chinese takeout dish in this vegetarian friendly meal.
Sticky Sesame Tofu
This quick and easy sesame tofu is coated in cornstarch, pan-fried, and then tossed in a thick, sticky, sweet yet savory, sesame sauce. Serve with rice and top with sesame seeds for a complete easy vegan meal!
Vegan Yakisoba with Tofu
This yakisoba, or Japanese stir-fry noodles, is filling, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. An easy one pan recipe that is ready in 30 minutes!
Sticky Panfried Garlic Lime Tofu
This super easy, 30 minute, garlicky lime flavored tofu is marinated to perfection, panfried until golden brown, and then coated in a zesty sauce.
Easy Vegan Tandoori Tofu
This delicious tandoori tofu is marinated with vegan yogurt and lots of spices.
Kung Pao Tofu Recipe
This Kung Pao Tofu is a Chinese style main which is slightly spicy, sweet and very delicious. Pair with rice and noodles.
Pesto Rice with Balsamic Tofu and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This Pesto Rice is tossed with homemade pesto and topped with toasted pine nuts, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes and balsamic tofu.
Vegan Orange 'Chicken' Tofu
This vegan orange ‘chicken’ tofu recipe is inspired by the classic Americanized-Chinese take out dish- orange chicken.
Crispy Vegan Korean BBQ Tofu
Delicious crispy vegan Korean BBQ tofu with homemade sweet and tangy sauce! The best vegetarian bulgogi comfort food recipe!
Vegan Satay Noodles with Peanut Sauce
These rice noodles are coated in a creamy, flavorful savory peanut sauce, loaded up with lots of veggies like bell peppers, and crispy tofu.
Black Pepper Tofu & Green Beans
An easy Black Pepper Tofu recipe with crispy tofu, green beans, shallots, and a delicious black pepper sauce.
Crispy Vegan Bang Bang Tofu
This vegan bang bang tofu is baked until crispy and tossed in a creamy, homemade spicy mayo sauce.
30 Minute Vegan Tofu Pad Thai
This easy Vegan Pad Thai recipe is made with tofu and a simple sweet and savory peanut sauce.
Vegan Tropical Tofu Skewer with Avocado & Mango
Cubes of tofu and veggies are marinated in a simple soy-lime dressing, and grilled with chunks of mango and avocado.
Grilled Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce
This flavorful tofu satay appetizer is paired with a peanut dipping sauce.
General Tso’s Tofu with Vegetables
This General Tso’s tofu with vegetables is a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Harvest Bowls, Soups & Salads
Below are comforting and nutritious harvest bowls, soups and salads that incorporate soft or firm tofu as a main ingredient!
Lemon Tahini Ancient Grain Bowl with Marinated Baked Tofu
This harvest bowl is full of warm roasted veggies like sweet potatoes and marinated brussel sprouts, plus it’s topped off with crispy flavorful marinated tofu, creamy avocado, and hearty kale.
Crispy BBQ Tofu Salad
This tofu salad recipe features crispy barbecue tofu, vegan ranch dressing and a rainbow of vegetables. This quick salad is ready in less than 30 minutes!
Easy Vegan Miso Ramen with Charred Tofu
This easy vegan miso ramen is packed with umami flavor from the broth and the marinated, charred 5 spice tofu.
Thai Tom Kha Soup
A vegetarian and vegan version of the popular Thai Tom Kha Soup, a creamy and aromatic coconut milk soup with tofu and mushrooms. Use salt instead of fish sauce to make this soup completely vegan!
Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl
This spiced Chickpea Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl with crispy tofu is a nourishing plant-based meal featuring crispy baked vegetables and nutty farro topped with creamy avocado green goddess dressing.
Vegan Tofu Potato Curry
An easy and quick vegan recipe for tofu potato curry with peas. Simple ingredients simmered in a flavorful sauce – this vegan curry makes a really satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner.
Crunchy Thai Tofu Salad with Peanut Dressing
This crunchy Thai-inspired salad has plenty of vegetables, crispy tofu, and a chili peanut dressing.
Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup)
Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup) Recipe makes a perfect nutritious umami-packed savory vegan lunch or light dinner. Comforting, healthy and ready in just 15 minutes!
Easy and Crispy Baked Peanut Tofu Bowls
Simple and delicious, this baked peanut tofu buddha bowl is the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe!
Easy Thai Vegetable Green Curry
This easy thai green curry is packed full of delicious vegetables along with protein rich tofu, then smothered in a spicy green curry paste.
Thai Coconut Zoodle Soup
This vegan coconut zoodle soup has crispy tofu, fresh vegetables and Thai flavors of lemongrass and coconut milk.
Vegan Jamaican Curry Tofu
Jamaican tofu curry is a hearty meal that's sure to become your new favorite! It includes a blend of Caribbean and Indian spices, giving the dish a unique flavor.
Vegan Kimchi Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)
This vegan kimchi soup is an easy version of Korean tofu stew (Sundubu jjigae), and is made with kimchi, tofu and potatoes. Make it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop!
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.
Creamy Tahini Pasta with Garlic and Tofu
This creamy tahini pasta with garlic and kale is topped with crispy savory tofu and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Southwest Tofu Burrito
This flavorful vegan burrito is packed with tofu-based sofritas, avocado and crunchy cabbage.
Easy Charred Tofu Bánh Mì
This plant based Vietnamese-inspired bánh mì features super flavorful, charred tofu and quick pickled carrots and cucumber.
Pesto Pasta with Tofu
This quick and easy pesto pasta with tofu is vegan, nut-free, and delicious.
Vegan Baked Cherry Tomato Feta Pasta
This vegan baked feta pasta is bursting with seasonal flavors like ripe cherry tomatoes and basil. It’s made with a dairy-free tofu feta that when mixed with the roasted tomatoes creates an incredibly creamy pasta sauce!
Smoky Maple Tofu Sandwich
A vegan twist on a classic BLT: smokey tofu, lettuce and tomato make up this easy sandwich.
Grilled Pesto Tofu Sliders (Vegan)
These Grilled Pesto Tofu Sliders have the perfect flavor + texture with tons of fresh flavor.
Whole Grain Tofu Sandwich
Healthy and wholesome, perfectly flavored this tofu sandwich is an awesome lunch box idea or a satisfying dinner idea.
Easy Tofu Tomato Pasta With Vegetables
This tofu tomato pasta sauce has tons of spices, and is packed with veggies, fiber, and plant-based protein.
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!
Marinated Grilled Tofu Steaks with Cilantro Chimichurri
These grilled tofu steaks have so much flavor thanks to the savory olive oil based marinade and the herby, tangy, and slightly spicy cilantro chimichurri.
Watermelon & Marinated Tofu "Feta" Skewers
Sweet watermelon paired with salty tofu "feta" - the perfect combo! A super easy and simple summertime light dinner.
Vegan Egg Rolls with Tofu
These tofu egg rolls are perfectly crispy with a golden brown exterior. They can be deep fried, baked or air fried.
Smoky Tofu Bacon
This smoky tofu recipe calls for thinly sliced, marinated, and baked tofu which makes crispy, savory, and flavorful plant-based bacon slices. Add to sandwiches, salads, waffles and more for a complete dinner!
Vegan Tofu Chorizo
This crumbled vegan chorizo is a tasty filling that can be enjoyed in tacos or burritos, piled onto salads, or mixed into pasta dishes.
Crispy Vegan Chicken Fried Tofu
This air fried tofu recipe is breaded and seasoned to perfection. Thanks to the dairy-free buttermilk breading (made with soy milk or almond milk), they’re a little bit reminiscent of southern fried tofu or chicken fried tofu too!
Vegan Scrambled Tofu with Sweet Potato & Kale Hash
Breakfast for dinner anyone? This tofu scramble is an amazing substitute for scrambled eggs.
5 Minute Silken Tofu with Korean Soy Sauce
This silken tofu with soy sauce can be served hot or cold with a savory Korean soy sauce flavored with green onions, peppers, sesame oil. It’s simple, easy to make, and ready in just 5 minutes!
Vegan Quiche Lorraine (Gluten-free)
This vegan quiche is a savory and satisfying dish that is perfect for any mealtime. It's made with a creamy tofu filling with mushrooms and tomatoes, baked in a tender gluten-free crust.
Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings
This air fried tofu and vegetable filled rice paper dumplings are delicious and easy to make.
Steamed Vegan Hoisin Tofu Bao
These steamed vegan tofu bao buns are filled with slightly spicy marinated hoisin tofu. The wrappers are made with a fluffy yeasted dough. They make an amazing appetizer or main course.
Easy Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl
This vegan egg roll in a bowl has lots of green & red cabbage, marinated tofu, baked egg roll wrapper toppings, with a savory sauce!
Super Easy Cheesy Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Super easy, cheesy vegan stuffed peppers have savory baked tofu cubes and a homemade dairy free pimento cheese. They make for a fast weeknight meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Crispy Hot 'Honey' Tofu with Avocado Mango Salad
This hot honey tofu is spicy, sweet and crispy. Serve it with a mango avocado salad for a refreshing plant based dinner.
Vegan Tofu Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
These vegan summer rolls are filled with crunchy veggies, lots of fresh herbs, savory tofu, and chewy rice noodles.
BONUS: Dessert Recipes
If you’re like me, then you love ending a good meal with a sweet treat. Below are some super delicious vegan desserts made with tofu!
The Best Baked Vegan Cheesecake with Strawberries
This easy eggless baked cheesecake has a sweet, crispy crust made from Golden Oreos and a creamy, dairy-free cheesecake filling
Chinese Tofu Pudding
This Chinese Tofu Pudding has delicious silken tofu in a sweet ginger sugar broth.
Vegan Chocolate Mousse Tart
Vegan chocolate mousse tart made with less than 10 ingredients! The no-bake tart features a silky smooth tofu chocolate mousse, customizable crust and tangy layer of raspberry jam.
Vegan Matcha Coconut Cheesecakes
These mini cheesecakes have an oat based and a creamy coconut matcha filling.
Chocolate No-Bake Vegan Pie
No one will ever believe that this Chocolate No-Bake Vegan Pie is made from tofu, but it is. Only 5 simple ingredients and a blender are required.
Vegan Crème Brûlée
This plant based Crème Brûlée is made with soft tofu and coconut cream for the creamiest texture!
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 we’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, you’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!
📌 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.
🌟 Let me know in the comments below which recipe you want to make or what your favorite way to prepare tofu is! 🌟
Tofu FAQ
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!
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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