Tofu is a common ingredient for vegans to replace meat with, but some vegans still struggle to incorporate this soy protein into meals. Below are a number of delicious and easy vegan tofu recipes you can add to your cooking repertoire. From smoothies to steaks to brownies, tofu can do it all!
1. Vegan Tofu Katsu and Rice By The Viet Vegan
Katsu is a delectable Asian meal that is easy to make with tofu! This recipe from The Viet Vegan serves over cabbage and rice, but tofu katsu works well on vegan soups or curries. The tofu is breaded and fried with hints of Asian spices. To make this meal pop, drizzle some hoisin sauce on top of the katsu and sprinkle some Chinese five-spice to add a kick!
2. BBQ Tofu By Loving It Vegan
Many people think barbecue flavors and meat are made for each other, but you’ll change your tune when you try this barbecue tofu recipe. These crispy barbecue tofu bites are the perfect appetizer or side dish for a picnic or barbecue party. And you can use your favorite vegan barbecue sauce for a delicious flavor!
3. Spicy Adobo Braised Shredded Tofu By Yup, it’s Vegan
This spicy tofu recipe is a copycat of Chipotle’s popular sofritas, which are their vegan protein option. The crumbled and braised tofu is placed with tons of spices and sauces, giving it a rich flavor that will knock your socks off. You can use the sofritas in any Mexican dish, place them on top of a warm bowl of rice, or just eat it by themselves.
4. Southwest Tofu Burrito By Healthy. Happy. Life.
The combination of textures and flavors you find in a classic Mexican burrito work wonderfully with some extra firm tofu. With crumbled spicy tofu, a mixture of Southwest ingredients, and a spicy vegan sauce, you’ll be head over heels for this tofu burrito.
5. Vegan Tofu Parmesan By From My Bowl
Chicken parmesan is one of the most comforting and tasty meals you can make for your family. While eggplant is a beloved substitute, vegans still have to figure out a workaround for all the cheese involved. This recipe utilizes tofu and dairy-free cheese and you’ll be amazed how much this tastes like classic chicken parmesan.
6. The Best Tofu Scramble By Nora Cooks
If you’ve never had tofu for breakfast, you’re missing out. Nora Cooks has the best tofu scramble out there that will make you forget you ever enjoyed eggs. This recipe only uses seven ingredients, and it’s a snap to throw together, whether for a Sunday brunch or a hectic Monday morning.
7. Baked Lemon Garlic Tofu Steaks By Veggies Save The Day
For a lighter tofu recipe, try these lemon garlic tofu steaks that are healthy and yummy. These steaks have a delicate and herby flavor and perfectly utilize the soft bounciness of extra firm tofu. And you can serve them with practically anything, from roasted potatoes to steamed broccoli to a fresh salad.
8. Vegan Chicken Nuggets By Jessica in the Kitchen
One of the hardest meats to say goodbye to as a vegan is chicken nuggets. They’re bite-sized, crispy, and have a nostalgic taste for many. Thanks to Jessica in the Kitchen, you can have those savory little nuggets without any of the meat. It doesn’t get better than this vegan chicken nugget recipe.
9. Korean Tofu Soup By Choosing Chia
Many vegans stick with extra firm tofu, as the flavor and texture are more versatile. However, using soft tofu in a Korean soup like this one offers a silky and smooth texture. The soup has loads of garlic and pungent kimchi, so every bite is teeming with Asian flavors.
10. Spicy Tofu Chili By Connoisseurus Veg
Chili is one of the easiest ways to use crumbled tofu in place of meat. You may even be able to fool your family and friends with this stellar recipe from Connoisseurus Veg. This isn’t the best vegan chili recipe, this is hands down the best chili recipe you’ll ever make.
11. Vegan Gluten-Free Tofu Schnitzel By The Vegan Harvest
Schnitzel is similar to katsu, but this recipe hails from Austria rather than Japan. The breading and tofu preparation is similar, but this dish offers a brighter flavor with hints of lemon. The tofu has a beautiful crunch that will keep you coming back for more, and it’s perfect for an Oktoberfest celebration!
12. Vegan “Egg” Salad with Tofu By The Bojon Gourmet
Missing the savory tastes and softness of a classic egg salad? You can make a delicious and flavorful egg salad using extra firm tofu crumbles. The salad has the springy texture you expect from an egg salad, with all the right flavors. And best of all, tofu salad lasts much longer than egg salad, so it can hang out in your fridge for a while.
13. Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Wings By The Curious Chickpea
If the Superbowl rolls around and you find yourself craving those zesty buffalo wings while you watch touchdowns, don’t worry, The Curious Chickpea has you covered. These tofu buffalo wings are flavorful and crunchy, so you won’t envy your friends who eat the real deal. Get ready for a delicious snack that will clear your sinuses and fill your belly.
14. Vegan Lasagna With Tofu Ricotta By World of Vegan
While tofu originated in China, it works in all kinds of cuisines, including classic Italian dishes. The tofu ricotta is easy to make by just blending a few ingredients, and it will make the lasagna perfectly creamy and delectable. Plus, this recipe kicks lasagna up a notch, adding mushrooms, zucchini, and other vegetables for a robust meal you can freeze for later.
15. Vegan Sushi Rolls with Crispy Tofu By The New Baguette
Sushi typically features fish, but these crispy tofu sushi rolls will be your new favorite snack, and they’re fun to make! The pickled onions and spicy mayo in this recipe tie everything together into a cute and tasty package that combines crunchiness with soft tofu.
16. Vegan Tofu Banh Mi By The Conscientious Eater
Banh Mis are traditional Vietnamese sandwiches that typically come with pork or chicken. But you can easily swap the meat with extra firm tofu and mimic the flavor perfectly. The key to a good banh mi is a fresh baguette and plenty of hoisin sauce!
17. Vegan Ham By The Live-In Kitchen
The taste of ham on Easter or Christmas dinner is tough to replace. But The Live-In Kitchen has the best gluten-free ham recipe that uses tofu instead of meat. Getting the right balance of flavors is hard, but this recipe perfectly captures the sweetness and saltiness everyone expects from a holiday meal.
18. Vegan Indian-Spiced Tofu Casserole By Holy Cow Vegan
This Indian-spiced tofu casserole is a nourishing and comforting meal that delivers a whole lot of flavors and a delicate texture. The entire recipe only uses one pot, making clean-up easy. And this recipe is excellent for feeding large groups or freezing for later.
19. Vegan Mushroom Tofu Burgers By Mindful Avocado
The monotony of bean-based veggie burgers can get old fast. They’re tasty, but they tend to crumble in your hand. Next time you want a burger, give this mushroom and tofu burger recipe a try, as it’s full of umami flavor and has the perfect firm texture you want on a bun.
20. Tofu Mac and Cheese By The Herbeevore
If you need a recipe for silken tofu, it doesn’t get better than this mac and cheese from Herbeevore. It’s gooey and creamy, thanks to the silken tofu cheese sauce. This recipe calls for almond milk, but you can substitute it with any dairy-free milk you prefer if you don’t want a nutty flavor.
21. Vegan Tofu Bolognese By Plant Based Jess
Once again, if you’re not using tofu in classic Italian recipes, it’s time you start. Crumbled tofu is the perfect meat replacement in a bolognese dish. And if you need an easy weeknight meal, you can use a jar of pasta sauce and whip this meal together in less than 30 minutes.
22. Blackened Tofu Steaks By My Darling Vegan
These blackened tofu steaks are chewy and meaty, despite not having any meat! While tofu is a delicate ingredient with an understated flavor, you get a punch of spice when you make this recipe. The blackened tofu has a hard, smokey exterior, but you still get the tender texture of tofu on the inside.
23. Silken Tofu with Korean Soy Sauce By Drive Me Hungry
This recipe also uses silken tofu, as many people struggle to figure out what to do with soft tofu. Be warned, you get the full soy flavor of tofu with this recipe, so if you’re usually trying to mask the soy taste, this meal isn’t for you. It offers a savory and refreshing flavor with a smooth texture, and it can be served hot or cold as a light meal or a big snack.
24. Creamy Vegan Tofu Noodles By NYT Cooking
NYT Cooking has this phenomenal creamy tofu noodle recipe. Like the mac and cheese recipe mentioned above, this uses tofu blended into a silky sauce that coats the noodles completely. The dish is full of garlicky and sesame flavors that are warm and comforting without being overwhelming.
25. Vegan Tofu Meatballs By Healthier Steps
In case you hadn’t caught on by now, tofu is one of the best ground beef substitutes, as it has the ideal texture and the flavors can be easily manipulated. You can find many tofu meatball recipes online, but this one from Healthier Steps is the ultimate tofu meatball recipe with a yummy homemade marinara sauce.
26. Vegan Hot Dogs By The Hidden Veggies
Hot dogs are one of those foods that many vegans think they have to live without. But these vegan hot dogs made with tofu prove that you can enjoy a July 4th hot dog along with everyone else! The vital wheat gluten is the key to forming the classic hot dog shape, as it turns the tofu mixture into a firm dough.
27. Tofu Ribs By VegNews
Many vegans give up on the idea of ever enjoying a meaty, fall-off-the-bone rib again, but with this spectacular tofu ribs recipe, you’ll never miss a beef or pork rib again. The recipe even uses lemongrass stalks to mimic the bone inside a real rib, so you get the full experience.
28. Sriracha BBQ Tofu Pizza By Vegan Richa
When thinking about what to make with your block of tofu, pizza may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But give this spicy BBQ tofu pizza a recipe try, and you’ll wonder why tofu isn’t always on pizza.
29. Vegan Ricotta Calzone By Chickpea Express
Ricotta is one of the loveliest kinds of cheese, with a creamy texture and delicate flavor. And you can easily make a copycat Ricotta using tofu! The combination of nutritional yeast, firm tofu, and soaked cashews gives you the silkiest texture and a rich nutty flavor, and it’s all wrapped in a fluffy and flavorful vegan pizza dough.
30. Vegan Chicken Salad By Eating Bird Food
Chicken salad is a wonderful summer snack you can eat with crackers or pile into a sandwich. Chicken salad has a creamy and rich texture with a balance of sweet and savory flavors. And this tofu chicken salad captures all the tastes and textures you desire in a proper chicken salad.
31. Tofu Stir Fry By Skinnytaste
Tofu stir fry is one of the most obvious uses for tofu. If you’ve tried several tofu stir fry recipes to find the right one, you may think they’re all created equally. But this recipe from Skinnytaste has a distinct and strong flavor that warms the belly and excites your tastebuds!
32. Smokey Tofu Scramble Hash By Avant-Garde Vegan
For another tofu breakfast recipe, this tofu hash is smokey and satisfying, with potatoes, beans, and plenty of spices. This recipe features a diced jalapeno for a pop of heat, but you can skip that if you don’t want it too spicy. Serve it as your main meal or a delicious breakfast side dish.
33. Deviled Tofu By Hell Yes It’s Vegan
Deviled eggs are another tough dish to make vegan, but Hell Yes It’s Vegan nailed the flavors and textures when they created this deviled tofu recipe. The filling uses vegan mayo with spices to accomplish the ideal flavor, plus some Dijon mustard for added taste and the expected yellow color.
The tofu vessel is the perfect texture seasoned with black and white sea salt, so don’t be surprised if your non-vegan friends end up liking these more than real deviled eggs.
34. Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse By As Easy As Apple Pie
Tofu is generally a savory ingredient, but let’s dive into the world of tofu desserts! Vegan desserts can be hit or miss, but when you use silken tofu for a mousse or pudding like this insanely yummy recipe, you get a heavenly texture and delicate flavor. And you won’t taste a strong soy flavor like you might expect because tofu is so versatile in flavor.
35. Vegan Crème Brûlée By Hot For Food
Another vegan recipe for your repertoire is this outstanding vegan creme brulee. Creme brulee is 90% custard, which is just a ton of milk and eggs. But with silken tofu, coconut milk, and pure vanilla, you get a creamy and delicate custard underneath scorched sugar. This recipe is great for fooling non-vegan friends into enjoying tofu.
36. Vegan Tofu and Vegetable Pot Pie By The Kitchn
Few things are more comforting on a chilly autumn day than a chicken pot pie. But you can still have this warm and nostalgic meal without the chicken! Believe it or not, ditching the chicken and substituting it with tofu works seamlessly. And the crust for this recipe uses vegan butter, giving you the flaky, golden crust you deserve.
37. Tofu and Mushroom Pie By Vegan Food and Living
Another savory pie recipe is this scrumptious tofu and mushroom pie. Tofu and mushrooms are a match made in heaven, as the textures work together well, and the mushrooms help bring an umami taste. And this recipe uses a premade vegan crust, so it’s easy to whip together at the last minute.
38. Vegan Coconut Cream Pie Filling By Food.com
Food.com has this fantastic recipe for a coconut cream pie filling using silken tofu. This recipe doesn’t feature a crust, but you can buy a store-bought crust and fill it with this creamy coconut filling that only takes seven ingredients to come together.
39. Fudgy Vegan Tofu Brownies By Plant and Soul
For a more decadent vegan dessert recipe, try this recipe for dense and chocolatey fudge tofu brownies. Tofu is an excellent source of protein, so you can make these brownies to trick your kids or other household members into appreciating how amazing tofu can be!
40. Vegan Ravioli With Tofu And Spinach By Oh My Veggies
The tofu and spinach filling of these ravioli are creamy, salty, and soft. But the star of this recipe may be the homemade ravioli dough seasoned with turmeric for a distinct flavor and interesting color. And while everything in this recipe is made from scratch, you can whip this together in under an hour!
41. Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tofu By Six Hungry Feet
Buddha bowls are a hot trend right now, so this list had to include one. This Buddha bowl recipe from Six Hungry Feet has a decadent peanut sauce and an array of healthy and exquisite ingredients. But the best part of a Buddha bowl is that you can make it your own. Choose your favorite grains and veggies and mix them with whatever textured tofu is your favorite!
42. Vegan Orange Chicken By Detoxinista
This recipe is wildly impressive, making simple chunks of extra firm tofu taste like that juicy and flavorful orange chicken you can get at any Chinese restaurant. The key to this recipe is using fresh orange juice and oranges, so you can get the zesty and sweet flavor of real orange chicken.
43. Kung Pao Tofu By The Modern Proper
Another wonderful Chinese dish you can make with tofu is Kung Pao tofu. Kung Pao chicken is a warm and rich dish, and this Kung Pao tofu lives up to the flavor. With seared tofu and red pepper chili flakes, this dish is robust and has a kick of heat to make it more authentic.
44. Vegan Curry with Tofu By Rainbow Plant Life
Rainbow Plant Life has the best vegan tofu curry, full of spices and a creamy curry sauce that hits the spot every time. The recipe offers a massive bowl of curry that will leave your belly full, but don’t expect there to be any leftovers!
45. Grilled BBQ Tofu Vegetable Kebabs By Vanilla And Bean
Kebabs are a fun dinner idea, whether it’s the middle of summer or winter. And chunks of tofu are the perfect ingredient to skewer and roast on a grill or bake in the oven. The best aspect of this recipe is the bourbon BBQ sauce that brings the warm flavor to a whole new level.
46. Tofu “Egg” Breakfast Sandwich By Tasty By Tasty
If you miss the finger-licking good flavor of a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich in the morning, fear not. Tasty By Tasty has the perfect vegan breakfast sandwich for you to try, with a big chunk of tofu and tasty avocado. The sandwich has a crispy hash brown on the bottom bun, adding even more flavor and texture to this stellar sandwich.
47. Vegan Chowder with Crispy Tofu ‘Bacon’ By Cauldron Foods
This vegan corn chowder is topped with pieces of tofu bacon, making it one of the most flavorful and comforting dishes on this list. The rich corn chowder fills your belly, and the bacon tofu adds another flavor of umami and a sturdy texture. Crumble the bacon into your soup or dip it as you eat.
48. Tofu Shawarma By Vegan Foods
Shawarma is a delicious meal that you can easily incorporate tofu into! The curry powder and other spices bring the tofu to life, making it warm and rich in flavor. This recipe helps you achieve the rich Greek flavors you get from genuine shawarma.
You can wrap up the tofu in a yummy shawarma sandwich, or toss it on top of rice or roasted potatoes and enjoy. Add vegan hummus or vegan tzatziki on top for added texture and flavor.
49. Crunchy Tofu Fish Fillets By Shane and Simple
Fishsticks taste great but they’re not the healthiest option for dinner. For something more nutritious, you can make these crunchy tofu fish filets that have the seafood taste you want without any of the fish. The key for this dish is the Old Bay seasoning, which brings that fishy and warm taste you want when eating fish sticks.
50. Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms By Food52
If you want a unique vegan appetizer, try this tofu-stuffed mushroom cap recipe. As mentioned, tofu and mushrooms work wonderfully together, and this recipe proves it again. Coated with breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and creamy tahini, these mushrooms are a distinct taste that will become everyone’s favorite appetizer.
51. Cozy Winter Salad with Crispy Tofu and Rice By Nourished By Caroline
Who said you can only eat salads in the summer? This winter salad recipe with crispy tofu is an excellent and healthy meal you can enjoy any time of year. Cooking the tofu in a cast-iron pan gives it a crunchy outer texture that compliments the many salad ingredients beautifully.
52. Thai Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce By Cupful of Kale
Satay is a Thai appetizer of skewered meat with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce for dipping. While satay is usually chicken or beef, tofu can step into this recipe seamlessly. While this is traditionally an appetizer, it makes for a great weeknight meal if you serve it with rice or noodles.
53. Strawberry and Banana Smoothie By TofuBud
Another excellent way to use tofu is in a smoothie. Silken tofu blended into a smoothie with fruit makes for a stellar snack. The tofu makes it silky and creamy, so every sip is pure bliss. His smoothie is full of protein and vitamins, and you can toss in any fruit you enjoy. The recipe features bananas and strawberries, but you can add blueberries and other fruits that float your boat.
54. Balsamic Berry Panna Cotta By Go Dairy Free
Tofu and berries may seem like an odd combination, but this vegan dessert of berry panna cotta made with soft tofu is a perfect example of how versatile the flavor of tofu can be. But this recipe isn’t just a creative way to use vegan, it’s one of the best desserts you’ll ever have, and it’s easy to make.
55. Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken By Elle Jay
For any vegans missing the sweet and spicy taste of a Nashville Hot chicken dinner, your struggles are over. This vegan Nashville Hot recipe from Elle Jay uses extra firm tofu, Himalayan pink salt, and liquid smoke for a myriad of intense and mouth-watering flavors.
56. Jamaican Jerk Tofu By Sunwarrior
If you love the flavor of jerk seasoning, don’t hesitate to try this unbelievably flavorful Jamaican jerk tofu recipe. To make this dish, you need coconut milk, a combination of tropical fruit juices, and plenty of spices. When making this recipe, you can make extra jerk seasoning to keep on hand, so the next time you make this, it will take less than 30 minutes.
57. Maple Glazed Jerk Tofu Steaks By Vegan Caribbean Recipes
If you want something with a Caribbean flair, these maple-glazed tofu steaks are a trip to the Bahamas! The tofu steaks are robust and flavorful, with a subtle smokey taste that brings the umami you want from a steak. The recipe is one of the easiest, only requiring a handful of ingredients.
58. Vegan Tofu Caesar Salad Wraps By Upbeet and Kaleing It
Caesar salad is a culinary staple that practically everyone loves. While you can easily skip out on the chicken, caesar dressing uses anchovies, and it can be tough to find vegan caesar dressing. This recipe has a vegan caesar dressing recipe and adds a twist to the classic caesar salad, using arugula instead of romaine!
59. Tofu Philly Cheesesteaks By plvnt food
What’s better than an ooey gooey and oh so meaty Philly cheesesteak? For vegans, this yummy sandwich can be a struggle, as it’s composed of cheese and steak. But with some extra firm tofu and dairy-free cheese, you can enjoy this warm and satisfying sandwich whenever you want!
Easy Vegan Tofu Recipes, Final Thoughts
With tofu, the possibilities are endless. You can make vegan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert with this versatile ingredient. Try a few of these easy vegan tofu recipes to see what suits your taste, but you’ll be surprised how well tofu works in dishes you thought could never be meatless.