23 Authentic Chinese Tofu Recipes

Tempted to order takeout? Make one of these Chinese tofu recipes instead!

Not only will you save time and money, but many of these recipes are healthier than the restaurant versions.

Plus, a lot of them are totally plant-based.

So if you think that going vegan means you have to say goodbye to Chinese cuisine, think again.

I’ve included plant-based versions of classic Chinese-American dishes, including sweet and sour and General Tso’s tofu. 

We also showcase more traditional Chinese recipes that let tofu shine, like milky white fish soup and tomato egg stir-fry.

Hungry for more? Keep reading this list of Chinese tofu recipes and start salivating. 

1. Ultimate Braised Tofu

This recipe shows you how to create the most delicious braised tofu.

Every nibble will melt on your palate with savory, spicy goodness.

You create this wonderful recipe by deep frying silken tofu and then sauteeing it in a fragrant sauce. 

It’s salty, sweet, tender, and crispy all at the same time.

You’ll have a hard time finding a more decadent braised tofu recipe.

2. Stinky Tofu

You might not be first in line to try stinky tofu, but don’t be put off by the name.

While this fermented tofu recipe has a fragrant aroma, it’s also bursting with yummy, fermented flavors.

You create this recipe by mixing firm tofu, fermented bean curd, and some seasoning.

If you’re a fan of fermented foods, you’ll have fun with stinky tofu.

3. Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

Salt and pepper tofu might sound basic, but it’s far from bland. 

You season this flavorful dish using many different spices, including Chinese five-spice, chilis, and peppers.

The next time you’re craving takeout and have a spare half hour on your hands, do yourself a favor and make this mouthwatering recipe. 

4. General Tso’s Tofu 

Just because you follow a plant-based diet doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in the Chinese-American favorite, General Tso’s Chicken. 

With this smart rendition, you use tofu as your protein, which arguably soaks up the General Tso’s seasoning even better than poultry.

This recipe goes heavy on the ingredients.

But after tasting the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, it will be well worth it.

5. Milky White Fish and Tofu Soup

This milky white fish soup is delicate, creamy, and oh-so-nourishing. 

It’s the perfect antidote to gray rainy days or winter snowstorms.

Every spoonful will awaken your senses and fill your heart with warmth.

It’s flavorful, silky, and fishy (in a good way). You’ll also appreciate how easily this soup comes together. 

6. Chinese Style Tomato “Egg” Stir-Fry with Silken Tofu 

This recipe transforms the classic Chinese tomato egg stir-fry into an equally delicious vegan alternative.

You replace the egg with silken tofu, which replicates the soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

It’s combined with rich tomato broth and smoky vegan sausages.

This Chinese comfort food will become the ultimate crowd-pleaser in your home.

7. Kung Pao Tofu 

This kung pao tofu recipe is so good that you’ll even prefer it over takeout.

You’ll find a healthy dose of spice thanks to the Sichuan peppercorns.

The sweet and tangy glaze and crispy tofu balance the heat, creating a flavor bomb for your palate. 

Even better, this recipe only takes just over half an hour to whip up, making it ideal for a quick Friday night dinner.

8. Easy Chinese Tofu Pudding

Chinese pudding must be a staple on your dessert menu. 

Not only does it take 10 minutes to whip up, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and sweet.

This 5-ingredient recipe helps you to create this soupy dessert, consisting of silken tofu bathing in a sugary ginger broth. 

It’s sweet, comforting, and vegan!

9. Seafood Tofu

If you’re craving some seafood, you can’t go wrong with this flavorful recipe.

Seafood tofu is a warm, comforting dish.

It combines lightly fried bean curds and ultra-silky tofu bathed in a thick prawn and scallop sauce.

This heavenly soup takes just 30 minutes to cook, and the results are so worth it.

Every spoonful tastes velvety, savory, and scrumptious. 

10. Steamed Tofu 

If you bought silken tofu and are unsure what to do with it, give this delicious recipe a try.

Every bite melts on your tongue and unleashes flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and scallions. 

Did you know you can have this restaurant-worthy recipe ready in just 15 minutes?

Why not make this steamed tofu for dinner this week? 

All you’re missing is a bed of fragrant rice and a ginger side salad. 

11. Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu 

Here’s another insanely delicious tofu recipe that seems plain but couldn’t be further from boring.

These tofu cubes are crispy on the outside, silky on the inside, and wonderfully spiced. 

You create this recipe using tofu, cornstarch, white pepper, salt, and oil. That’s it!

It’s a crave-worthy accompaniment to rice, noodles, and salads. 

12. Sweet and Sour Tofu 

Calling all sweet-and-sour chicken lovers!

Give your favorite Chinese-American staple a plant-based makeover with this incredible recipe. 

Not only is this version healthier than the takeout dish, but it’s also arguably tastier. 

You create the drool-worthy glaze using sugar, tomato paste, vinegar, and soy sauce. 

13. Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic Sauce

This pan-fried tofu is so delectable you’ll always be craving it.

The texture is crispy and chewy, with a soft, silky interior.

Combined with the flavorful garlic sauce, this dish doubles as a flavor bomb for your palate. 

14. Mapo Tofu

Prepare to feel the burn with this sensational mapo tofu recipe.

You add a healthy serving of Sichuan peppercorn to this recipe, which creates a numbing effect on your tongue.

This infamous spice also adds a ton of flavor to this recipe and blends wonderfully with the chilies, ginger, and garlic.

15. Smashed Tofu Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese food that tastes like liquid comfort.

This recipe is even more hearty, thanks to the additional tofu in the soup.

It’s savory, flavorful, and goes down easily.

You can’t go wrong whether you slurp down this soup for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

16. Crispy Sesame Tofu

After one taste of this crispy sesame tofu, you’ll add it to your weekly repertoire of dinners.

Not only is it insanely easy to make, but the taste is unreal.

Expect a robust sweet and savory sesame sauce that enhances the crispy tofu.

Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli and white rice for a complete meal.

17. Chinese Hot and Sour Soup 

The next time the temps dip below freezing, warm up with a bowl of Chinese hot and sour soup.

You can have it ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy school nights.

The savory, tangy flavors will uplift your spirits and nourish you on chilly, dark evenings. 

18. Tofu and Broccoli Stir Fry

This 30-minute recipe is a great vegan recipe that’s hearty and filling.

It’s a simple recipe that’s bursting with so much flavor.

You’ll love how well the ginger and soy sauce enhance each other. 

You cook the tofu and broccoli until it’s perfectly crisp before bathing the mixture in a sweet and tangy sauce.

19. Vegan Chinese Tofu Egg Fried Rice

If you’re looking for a protein-packed lunch, you can’t beat this vegan Chinese fried rice.

You can have this recipe ready in 30 minutes using ingredients probably sitting in your pantry as we speak.

It’s also a great recipe to meal-prep so that you can make a big batch at once for easy work lunches throughout the week.

20. Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry 

Can you believe it only takes 10 minutes to make this delicious dish?

Garlic is the star of this recipe, but you’ll also taste sweet hoisin sauce and spicy bean sauce.

Serve this sensational dish over a bed of braised greens or fried rice for the ultimate dinner. 

21. Tofu Stir-Fry Noodles 

Who doesn’t love stir-fried noodles?

So why not bring the magic of Chinese noodle recipes home and make a batch of stir-fried tofu noodles?

Every bite combines juicy chunks of tofu, sharp garlic, and ginger.

And you’ll tie these components together with a simple, 3-ingredient sauce. Yum!

22. Tofu with Black Bean Sauce 

If you’ve never tried a Chinese black bean sauce, you’re missing out.

It’s an uber-rich gravy that works magic on anything it touches.

This recipe combines the decadent sauce with lightly fried tofu. Can you think of a better combination?

Pair this dish with some greens and rice for a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner.

23. Maple Hoisin Tofu 

This maple hoisin tofu is one of those insanely easy recipes that tastes like it took hours to cook.

In reality, you can have it ready in just over 20 minutes.

You sear your tofu in a delectable sauce consisting of maple syrup, sriracha, garlic, soy, and hoisin sauce.

Each bite is so wonderfully flavorful, you’ll think about this tofu all the time.