The 10 Best Vegan Tofu Recipes For Weeknight Dinners
Fellow tofu fans, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve gathered 10 of the best vegan tofu recipes to satisfy your tofu cravings—stir-fried, scrambled, air-fried , baked, curry, and, of course, pan-fried. Read on for the best tofu recipes.
If you follow a vegan diet, or just really love tofu (hi, it’s me), consider this list your one-stop shop for vegan tofu recipe inspiration.
Prepare some tofu cubes, grab some veggies, and let’s get started. My list of 10 vegan tofu recipes highlights just about every way to cook a block of tofu.
What Is Tofu?
If you are new to tofu, it is fermented soy bean curd that comes in different textures. Silken tofu is very soft and is best used in soups, smoothies, and scrambles. Firm and extra-firm tofu has a stiffer texture and can hold its shape in stir-fries, for example.
Tofu tastes very mild and has a faint green bean flavor. Get creative with the seasonings. I love tofu just as much with spicy tomato chutney as I do with soy sauce and ginger. Tofu takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with so experiment with different spices, herbs, and sauces and think beyond stir-fries. I’ve even swapped it (uncooked and pan-fried) for the ham in this pasta salad recipe.
Tofu is packaged in water and you want to drain it and get rid of the excess liquid. You can use a tofu press or just wrap it in paper towel and place something heavy on top. Press tofu gently so it doesn’t get rid of too much liquid or it will be tough.
Getting crispy tofu can be a challenge. An air fryer is an easy solution or if you don’t have that, try baking it in the oven. To prevent the tofu from sticking when pan-frying it, make sure the pan and oil are very hot before adding the blocks of tofu. You can also try frying it in a wok or cast iron skillet.
If you have leftover, uncooked tofu, store it in an airtight container covered in water. The water will keep it from spoiling too quickly. In water it should last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Have fun! I love tofu. It has such wonderful texture and is healthy and satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try some of the recipes below, I guarantee you will find one or two new favorites.
Looking for more vegan recipes? Try my tomato, basil, and olive vegan bruschetta or this Moroccan grilled eggplant is a personal fave.
10 Vegan Tofu Recipes
1. Tofu and Asparagus Stir-Fry
This easy tofu stir fry is one of my favorite ways to cook firm or extra firm tofu. Pan-fried to a crispy golden brown then tossed with crispy asparagus and an easy stir fry sauce. Just like my Zinfandel Spaghetti, it is a delicious vegan dinner that is ready in under an hour.
2. Tofu Scramble from Camille Styles
This vibrant tofu scramble is bursting with flavor! Curry-spiced tofu (here’s where you’ll use the silken tofu), fluffy and topped with veggies, is piled high on toasted sourdough and topped with a fiery homemade chili sambal. It’s the perfect plant-based breakfast or brunch to spice up your morning.
3. Szechuan Tofu from Feasting At Home
Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and this recipe showcases its versatility. The key to this dish lies in the combination of ingredients like Szechuan peppercorns (substitute black pepper if you can’t find them) ginger, garlic and a touch of tamari for depth. Craving something sweet? Follow this with any of these 17 indulgent vegan dessert recipes!
4. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu from The First Mess
This is one of my favorite tofu recipes and I honestly eat it more like a snack. The air fryer turns the tofu extra crunchy on the outside but still tender on the inside. Using an air fryer is one of the best ways to get even crispier tofu. These make a great topper for a salad or bowl. Try them with these lemon garlic basil veggies or on my kale, cashew, and wild rice salad.
5. Kung Pao Tofu from Woks of Life
To make this great recipe, first coat the tofu pieces in a flavorful slurry by mixing cornstarch with spices and a splash of water. This will help thicken the stir-fry sauce and give it a lovely gloss. Next, pan-fry the tofu pieces until golden, then toss them with crunchy peanuts and a spicy-sweet stir-fry sauce. Don’t be shy with the salt – it helps to bring out all the other flavors in the dish. Serve this flavorful dish over rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture if you’d like. For a complete meal, pair it with my broccolini with caramelized red onions.
6. Crispy Sesame Tofu from Mississippi Vegan
This crispy baked tofu with tahini sauce is a delicious and healthy gluten-free meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tofu gets a flavorful coating from a simple rice vinegar and cornstarch mixture, then it’s rolled in sesame seeds and baked in the oven at medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy. While the tofu bakes, whip up an easy and creamy tahini sauce that perfectly complements the nutty flavor of the sesame seeds. Serve with my simple blanched broccoli with garlic. And the best part? Leftovers are just as delicious, making this a great option for meal prep!
7. General Tso’s Tofu from Tasting Table
This super simple recipe combines sesame oil baked tofu with a quick and fiery sauce that you can whip up on the stovetop in minutes. The tofu is baked until golden brown and crispy, then tossed in a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for those who like a bit of heat. Make this the next time you need a satisfying, healthy meal in under 30 minutes. It’s also great with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Plus, leftovers store well in the refrigerator!
8. Quick Vegetable and Tofu Curry from Alexandra’s Kitchen
This creamy coconut Thai-style green curry calls for cauliflower and kale but you could easily swap for whatever veggies need to get used up in your fridge. Red peppers and green beans would be great substitutes. Serve in a large bowl over brown rice.
9. Pan-Fried Tofu from Short Girl Tall Order
Coated in nutritional yeast this method of cooking tofu makes it taste more like fried polenta than tofu, especially if you fry it in olive oil. Serve with my favorite Jamaican curried cabbage or roasted beet salad with olives.
10. Ginger Hoisin Tofu Stir-Fry
Tender tofu and crisp veggies are coated in a savory ginger hoisin sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and healthy meal.