Tofu is often overlooked due to its mild flavour. But when added to dishes, it truly becomes a culinary superstar. From vegan lasagna and velvety cheesecake to poke bowls and pad Thai, here are some of our favourite recipes starring tofu.
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
A fusion of Eastern and Western flavours, this spicy stew not only has tofu and kimchi, it also includes Spam and bacon. Serve it over cooked rice for a warm, comforting meal any day of the week.
Crispy Tofu Poke Bowls
Bring some Hawaiian sunshine into your home with these fresh poke bowls. Simply add golden, crispy tofu and an assortment of veggies to a bed of fluffy cooked rice and enjoy.
Vegan Tofu and Spinach Scramble
Start your day with a high-protein vegan breakfast scramble made with seasoned tofu, spinach and grape tomatoes. Just add a side of multigrain toast for a complete meal.
Vegan Classic Cheesecake
Delicate silken tofu and vegan cream cheese combine for a dairy-free, egg-free cheesecake without sacrificing any of the creaminess. Top it with fresh, ruby-red raspberries for a burst of colour and flavour. Incorporate more plant-based cuisine into your menu with these vegan desserts even non-vegans will love.
Grilled Tofu With Asiago and Walnut Pesto
Whether you serve this grilled tofu as an appetizer or a side, you might want to make an extra batch because you won’t be able to resist a second (or third) helping. And if you have any leftover pesto, save it for another day as a topping for vegetables or pasta.
Grilled Shiitake and Tofu Banh Mi
This meatless Vietnamese sandwich is made with extra-firm tofu and meaty shiitake mushrooms in a homemade hoisin marinade. To assemble, slather the spicy mayo on a soft sub roll, add the tofu and mushrooms and then top it with a tangy, crunchy carrot-cucumber salad. From banh mi to pho, here are some Vietnamese dishes to make at home today.
Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry
Take your tofu from dull to delectable with a spicy garlic-chili Asian marinade. By using pre-sliced shiitake mushrooms and packaged stir-fry mix, this healthy meal goes from kitchen to table in just 15 minutes.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
This dessert tastes so rich and indulgent that you won’t guess it’s vegan. Silken tofu allows you to make a velvety vegan pumpkin pie filling and unrefined coconut oil helps achieve a flaky crust.
Vegan Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
This dairy-free, meatless lasagna tastes just like the real deal. With the addition of mushrooms, firm tofu, vegan cream cheese and vegan mozzarella, you’ll be looking to make this dish on the regular. Go meatless any day of the week with these high-protein vegan meals that are beyond tasty.
Mapo Tofu
This dish is Szechuan in its roots but is enjoyed around the world. A mixture of ground pork, tofu, chili sauce, garlic and ginger comes together in minutes.
Silken Tofu, Kiwi, Coconut and Florida Orange Juice Smoothie
Silken tofu adds protein and a thick, smooth texture to this delicious dairy-free breakfast smoothie the whole family will love.
Tofu Black Bean Burger With Curry Mayo
A healthy, simple and delicious veggie burger packed with black beans, tofu, mushrooms and bold curry flavour is a great main dish any time of year. Just add your favourite fries or salad.
Vegan Cocoa Silken Pudding
Silken tofu is incredibly soft and creamy, often used in dairy-free desserts like this tasty recipe with cocoa and maple syrup. It’s healthier than your typical pudding so you can enjoy it for breakfast, too.
Vegan Lasagna
Who said lasagna is just for dairy and meat lovers? This innovative dish uses tofu to make a seriously delicious ricotta and béchamel sauce that will have everyone screaming “delizioso!” To make a gluten-free version, use brown rice lasagna noodles.
Baked Tofu Tenders
Crisp on the outside and creamy in the middle, these tasty tofu tenders are best served with a sweet and spicy sauce. Making these can be a fun family activity by letting your kiddies measure and bread the tofu while you make the dipping sauce.
Vegan Quiche Tarts With Red Pepper Relish
The vegan diet doesn’t contain eggs, but you can recreate their protein-packed goodness with tofu. These adorable tarts are perfect bite-size, but can be made larger for a weekend brunch main course.
Vegan “Meatballs” With Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce
Anna Olson makes meatballs for the meatless crowd with TVP (textured vegetable protein), tofu and bulgur for a spot-on “meaty” texture and taste. You’ll be just as satisfied by the familiar, homey aroma of this dish as you will be with the taste. Want to get a head start on weeknight meal prep? Try these freezer-friendly vegan dinner ideas.
Miso Meal in a Bowl
Tofu’s protein is what makes it so satisfying and because it has a neutral taste, you can flavour it with just about anything. Here, an Asian-inspired ramen is made vegan and gluten-free while packing in the produce. Be sure to look for a gluten-free miso for a fully gluten-free dish.
Spicy Garlic Soy Tofu
With 10 grams of protein per half-cup, tofu is a soy-based, low-fat meat alternative and blank canvas that will absorb any flavour you throw at it. Enjoying tofu is a meat and dairy-free way to amp up your iron and calcium intake too.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
These lovely tender pillows of homemade pasta are held together with soft tofu in place of egg, keeping them vegan.
Tofu Lettuce Wraps
If you’re stuck in a chili rut, take it out of the bowl. These deliciously crunchy lettuce wraps are packed with chili-spiced tofu, corn and green onions and finished with sliced avocado for some creamy contrast.
Tofu Patties With Chili Lime Pineapple
What better way to brighten up your veggie burger than with a big, juicy slice of grilled pineapple? If you don’t have a barbecue, use a grill pan on your stovetop to get the perfect sear.
Sesame Tofu Salad
Firm tofu chunks are doused in a sweet-spicy dressing and sautéed until browned and crispy. They are then tossed with mixed greens, tomatoes and mandarin oranges for a delicious salad.