30 Best Tofu Recipes for Meatless Meals

The next time you need a hearty vegetarian meal, try one of these easy tofu recipes!

From stir-fries to burrito bowls, they’re protein-packed and delish.

30 Easy Tofu Recipes Even Picky Eaters Will Devour

If you think you don’t like tofu, I bet you just haven’t found the right tofu recipes yet – or maybe you’re using the wrong kind.

So, before you swear off tofu for life, double-check the recipe, get the right kind of tofu, and give it another shot.

I’ll bet you’ll change your mind after the first bite!

1. Pan-Fried Sesame Garlic Tofu

I mentioned above that you’ll need the “right kind of tofu” to get these recipes just right. And that’s never more true than when making crispy tofu.

You’ll need firm or extra-firm tofu. And you need to press out the excess water so it can cook.

Once you get the hang of it, tofu will quickly become your go-to meat substitute. And this pan-fried tofu is sure to please.

2. Honey Sriracha Tofu

Since this dish calls for honey, it’s not 100% vegan. If you want it to be, just swap the honey for agave or brown sugar. 

Though you could leave it out, I find Sriracha can be overwhelming after a few bites.

While the added sweetness makes this dish balanced and moreish. 

3. Lemon Pepper Baked Tofu Recipe

If you don’t want to fry tofu, try this stunning baked tofu recipe.

Seasoned with zippy lemon pepper, it’ll have you thinking twice before making another batch of lemon pepper wings.

This tofu is just as tasty and just as crispy. Plus, it’s loaded with protein and ideal for everyone at the table.

Feel free to use panko breadcrumbs if you want them extra crunchy.

4. Crispy Tofu Without Deep-Frying

When you eat crispy tofu in a restaurant, more often than not, it’s been deep-fried for maximum texture. 

If you don’t have a deep fryer or don’t want the added calories, try lightly frying in a non-stick pan instead. 

The key to getting a crispy coating? Toss the tofu in cornstarch. It makes all the difference!

5. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Want something even healthier? How about crispy tofu made with minimal oil right in the Air Fryer?

Air Fryers work by rushing hot air around food through convection heat. That hot air makes everything juicy and crispy with very little oil needed. 

So as long as you start with marinated tofu and pat it dry, you’ll have crazy-crispy tofu ready in just 15 minutes.

6. General Tso’s Tofu

General Tso’s is a big favorite in my house.

And while it’s usually full of chicken, this is one of those tofu dinner recipes I know you’ll crave time and again.

Serve it on a bed of rice and I bet you won’t even notice the difference.

7. Sweet and Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour is among my go-to quick tofu recipes. It’s light, flavorful, and even kid-approved.

Believe it or not, the sauce is a quick blend of sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and garlic powder.

And it tastes so authentic, you’ll never buy bottled again.

8. Asian Garlic Tofu

If you need an addictively delicious meat substitute for your next Friday night dinner, try this stunning garlic tofu recipe.

Smothered in umami-rich hoisin sauce, it’ll blow any beef or chicken takeout dish out of the water.

Add some shiitake mushrooms and crunchy broccoli for a complete meal. And keep it low-carb with a generous helping of cauliflower rice.

9. Easy Tofu Tacos

I’ve talked a lot about pressing excess mixture out of tofu, so it holds its shape. But did you know you can crumble it too?

It’s true, and it looks and tastes just like ground beef or pork. Add some taco spices, and nobody will even know these tacos are meat-free!

Top them with guacamole, vegan lime crema, and plenty of crunchy slaw. Yum!

10. Vegan Hot and Sour Soup with Bok Choy

Hot and sour soup is such a treat. And it’s extra special when you’re feeling under the weather.

But instead of calling in an order, why not make it at home for half the price?

It’s infused with garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and bok choy. Plus plenty of firm tofu for protein!

11. Tofu Drunken Noodles

I’m not sure how these got their name, but there’s no alcohol in the mix.

Maybe it’s the fact that these are so good, you’ll feel drunk after a few bites?!

They’re a little spicy, kind of sweet, and loaded with umami goodness. 

If you have one, this is best cooked in a wok. Otherwise, any decent-sized, nonstick pan will do the trick.

12. Vegetable Lo Mein with Tofu

The beauty of lo mein is that you can more or less use any veggies you have on hand.

So long as you slice them thin enough to cook, it’ll work with anything. 

I like carrots and red cabbage for color, plus baby corn and scallions for taste and texture.

But since the tofu is so mild, you can easily toss in asparagus, broccoli, peas, or peppers. 

13. Tofu Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are skinny and made using buckwheat, which gives them an earthy and slightly nutty taste. 

Unlike other noodles, which are full of oils and carbs, these are low in fat and cholesterol.

Add some tofu and a few veggies, and this meatless meal is a surefire winner.

14. Spicy Fried Tofu (Chicken Fried Tofu)

Be honest – you thought that was fried chicken, didn’t you?

I know I did! So I had to make this spicy fried tofu asap.

And since it’s marinated in seasoned buttermilk before getting a nice coating of spiced flour, it tastes like your favorite chicken nuggets.

Don’t believe me? Give it a try and let me know what you think!

15. Veggie Breakfast Tofu Scramble

If you can only eat scrambled eggs when they’re soft and creamy, this might not be for you.

But if you like scrambled eggs firm with lots of veggies, I’ll bet you’ll love this tofu scramble. 

Between the potatoes (use sweet if you like), bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, this is one hearty way to start the day.

16. Ultimate Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burrito Bowls

Tofu is brimming with protein, so not only is it a tasty way to start your day, but it’ll also help to keep you fuller for longer. 

And this Tex-Mex tofu scramble uses hash browns instead of diced potatoes, which I think adds a nice element. 

Tater tots would also be a fun option the kids will love. 

17. Korean Tofu Soup

This is one of the few tofu dinner recipes that doesn’t call for extra-firm tofu, and that’s because you won’t be frying it. 

Instead, you’ll use silken tofu for a softer finish. After all, if you put crispy tofu into a bowl of soup, it would just turn soggy, anyway.

The base for this is kimchi, which means it’s sharp, sweet, spicy, and very strong.

18. Pasta Romesco with Crispy Baked Tofu

You don’t often see tofu served with pasta, but it makes total sense if you think about it.

Italian and Asian cuisines both use noodles with a tasty sauce. It’s just a different mix of herbs and spices. 

And after one bite, I have a feeling this will quickly become your new favorite tofu recipe.

19. Tofu Broccoli Pasta

Here’s another terrific kid-friendly pasta dish that has fewer steps than the one above. 

Instead of making a cornstarch batter and seasoned breadcrumb mix, you’ll just fry it on its own.

After 10 minutes or so, add olive oil, nutritional yeast, granulated garlic, dried herbs, and salt & pepper, stirring until the tofu is coated. 

Easy peasy!

20. BBQ Tofu Pizza

If I could only eat one kind of pizza for the rest of my life, it would have to be BBQ chicken.

I love the tangy sauce and the smokey cheese, plus peppery red onions and juicy chicken. 

But as we now know, you can easily swap the chicken for BBQ tofu in a snap.

Just remember to use vegan cheese if you want this dairy-free. 

21. Vegan Tofu Turkey (Tofurkey)

It’s difficult to replace the grandeur of a giant golden bird glistening in juices and surrounded by yummy stuffing and sides. 

But trust me, your vegan friends and family will be beyond grateful that you tried. 

And when they get a taste of the delicious vegan stuffing with bread crumbs, apples, almonds, and dried cherries, they’ll beg you for the recipe.

22. Crispy Tofu Tortilla Wraps

You have to admit that these look just like chicken wraps, right?

With that golden crust and white, juicy filling, I think you could fool a ton of unsuspecting meat-eaters. 

Use any wrap recipe you like here, be it southwestern with jalapeños and black beans or something more classic with vegan ranch dressing.

23. Cheesy Vegetarian Tofu Enchiladas

Vegan cheese has gotten so much better in recent years. And though it can be pricey, it’s worth every penny if you ask me. 

Cheese is one thing that keeps me from taking the plunge into full vegan eating. Well, that and steak. 

But when you find a brand you love, these tofu enchiladas should be the first thing you make!

24. Tofu Lasagna Recipe

This is another great recipe that calls for silken tofu.

Only this time, you’ll use it to make yummy vegan ricotta with parsley, spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.

I like to add nutritional yeast too, but that’s my cheese addiction showing. Maybe add a little and give it a taste before you go overboard. 

25. Spicy Tofu Chili

Chili is one of those comforting meals you can whip up on a rainy day and enjoy for the whole week. 

Also, since it’s like a stew, you often can’t tell what kind of ground meat goes in. With all the veggies and spices, it’s more there for texture than taste. 

So, why not use ground tofu and boost the protein?

26. Jerk Tofu Grain Bowls with Pineapple and Veggies

The next time you need a quick tofu recipe, give this one a shot.

Jerk tofu grain bowls with pineapple and veggies are just as spicy, sweet, and delicious as they sound.

Use a blend of quinoa and brown rice for the best taste and texture.

And don’t forget to let the tofu sit in the jerk sauce for at least 30 minutes. That marinated tofu is a game-changer!

27. Kimchi Sundubu Jjigae (Spicy Kimchi Tofu Stew)

Even though this is a spicy kimchi tofu stew, it’s not actually vegan – or even vegetarian.

Instead, it’s loaded with tender pork belly! (Sorry, I just had to include it!)

You’ll need gochugaru and kimchi for that delightful kick of heat and a layer of tangy goodness.

And be sure to get soft tofu to give the tofu stew a nice silky finish.

28. Caramelized Onion & Tofu Sandwich

Of all the tofu dishes on this list, I think this is my favorite.

Yes, it’s simple. But oh boy, does it pack a punch of incredible tastes and textures!

If you’ve never had a tofu sandwich before, try this one today. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

29. Vegan Tofu Katsu Curry

Chicken katsu is a popular Japanese dish featuring panko-crusted fried chicken, and it’s often served as a sandwich.

But this tofu katsu curry might just be my new obsession!

You get the same crunchy texture, along with a dreamy vegan curry. It’s super satisfying and gives the OG recipe a run for its money.

30. Dim Sum Bean Curd (Tofu Skin Pork Rolls)

Tofu skin is a by-product of the process of making tofu, and you can buy it in sheets in most Asian grocery stores.

Also known as bean curd sheets, I think they’re best used in recipes like this one.

Make a simple filling, wrap it in the tofu skin, then fry or Air Fry until golden and crispy.

How easy is that?