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 and vegan options included.
Tofu can be transformative when prepared well. Early on, I avoided it because restaurant versions were often bland or simply fried without seasoning. When I began cooking tofu at home, I experimented with marinades, spices and techniques until it became a favorite protein in many forms: crispy, saucy, baked, curried and more.
If you’re new to tofu, start with bold-flavored recipes like Indian butter tofu, orange tofu, Cajun baked tofu, lemon asparagus pasta, chili garlic baked tofu, or tofu in Amritsari sauce. These highlight how tofu soaks up flavors and provides satisfying texture.
What is Tofu?
Tofu is bean curd made by curdling soy milk and pressing the curds into blocks, much like making cheese from dairy milk. It comes in different textures — silken, soft, firm and extra-firm — each suited to different preparations. Firm and extra-firm tofu are best for stir-fries, baking and grilling, while silken tofu works well in desserts, sauces and creamy dressings.
While transitioning to plant-based eating, many rely on beans, lentils and whole grains for protein, but tofu is convenient and widely available at restaurants and while traveling. Learning a few flavor-forward methods makes it an easy staple.
If you avoid soy, many recipes can be adapted: use chickpea tofu, cooked legumes, roasted vegetables, seitan or other protein alternatives. Where possible, recipes note soy-free substitutions.
Tofu in Stir-fries
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 with Celery — GF
Tofu in Sunbutter Sauce — GF
Crispy Korean Fried Tofu — Rabbits and Wolves
Tofu in Curries
Butter Tofu — tofu in a rich 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 Paneer (tofu in spinach curry) — GF
Vegan White Korma with tofu and veggies (Instant Pot) — GF
Marinades and Baked Tofu
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, Sauces and Pizza
Lemon Asparagus Pasta — GF option
Sriracha BBQ Tofu Pizza with almond pepper jack
Deep-Dish Tofu Ricotta Pizza
Tofu Ricotta Veggie Lasagna
Sundried Tomato, Mushroom and Tofu Quiche — Oh She Glows
Appetizers, Rolls, Wraps and Sandwiches
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 — GF
GF Vegan Fried “Chicken” with Tofu — Mary’s Test Kitchen
Fresh Spring Rolls — GF
Tofu in Soups
Turmeric Miso Soup with Ginger, Garlic and Tofu — GF
Vegan Egg Drop Soup — GF
Restaurant-style Vegan Hot and Sour Soup — Vedged Out
These 45 recipes cover a wide range of flavors and techniques that make tofu exciting and versatile. Whether you prefer bold, spicy sauces, creamy curries, crispy breaded pieces, or silky blended tofu in sauces and dressings, there are plenty of options to suit gluten-free, nut-free and soy-free adaptations where noted. Try a few different methods — pressing and drying tofu before marinating, using acidic or salty marinades, tossing in cornstarch before frying or baking for extra crispiness, and pairing it with vibrant sauces and herbs — and you’ll likely find many new favorite dishes.