If you think tofu is just a bland block of bean curd, think again! We’ve gathered some creative tofu dishes that are anything but dull. These recipes will make you see tofu in a whole new light. Whether you’re a seasoned tofu lover or just tofu-curious, these recipes will soon become favorites.
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
An easy, light, and healthy meal or side dish. This tofu pasta salad is packed with fresh summer vegetables and an easy balsamic dressing, providing a protein-rich way to enjoy pasta salad.
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Sweet and Sour Tofu
Ready in under 30 minutes, this sweet and sour tofu mimics the classic Chinese takeout dish with crispy tofu and a sticky sauce. It’s a vegetarian-friendly meal that’s quick and delicious.
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Tofu Fried Rice
Bringing takeout vibes to your dinner table, this tofu fried rice is a flavorful, easy meal that uses any veggies you have on hand.
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Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu and Vegetables
Baked BBQ tofu combined with broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes, and a BBQ dry rub. This vegetarian sheet pan dinner is convenient and packed with flavor.
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Marinated Tofu
This Thai-inspired tofu marinade features the rich flavor of almond butter. It’s a simple and delicious way to enhance tofu, making it a healthy meal option.
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Tofu Tikka Masala
A spin on the beloved Indian chicken tikka masala. This tofu version features a creamy, flavorful sauce that makes it a standout among creative tofu dishes.
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Sticky Maple Garlic Tofu
Sweet and savory pan-fried tofu with a sticky maple garlic glaze. This quick, flavor-packed dish is ready in just 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with rice and veggies for a speedy dinner.
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Gyros
Tofu is transformed into a flavorful gyros filling, capturing classic Greek-inspired tastes. Enjoy it in a pita wrap or as part of a gyros platter.
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Sweet Chili Tofu
Fried tofu coated in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. This dish is simple, quick, and bursting with flavor, making it an excellent choice for a creative tofu recipe.
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Easy Tofu Sisig Stir-Fry
Bring Filipino flair to your kitchen with this easy tofu sisig stir-fry. This flavorful, friendly dish is perfect for any day and showcases tofu’s versatility.
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Cereal Butter Tofu
Crispy tofu slices coated in a savory, buttery cereal mixture with garlic and spices. This quick and flavorful recipe is a fun twist on a classic dish, perfect for any mealtime.
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Poke Bowl with Marinated Tofu
Bursting with flavor, this poke bowl features marinated tofu, fresh veggies, and a Tamari Ginger Sauce. Prep the components ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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Pad Thai with Tofu
A plant-based version of the classic pad thai, ready in 45 minutes or less. This dish combines rice noodles, tofu, veggies, and a quick sauce for a delicious meal.
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Tofu Shawarma Recipe
A perfectly spiced, high-protein meal that’s easy to make. Wrap this tofu shawarma in a pita with garlic sauce and your favorite veggies for a quick and flavorful plant-based meal.
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Sticky Garlic Tofu Noodles
Crispy tofu, rice noodles, and a sticky sweet garlic sauce come together in this high-protein dinner. This dish is a fantastic option for a creative tofu meal.
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Orange Tofu Recipe
Crispy, oven-baked tofu coated in a sweet and spicy orange glaze. This recipe is easy to make and rivals Chinese takeout, offering a perfect dinner.
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Creamy Tofu Satay Curry
This takeaway-style tofu satay curry can be on your table in less than 20 minutes. Its rich and creamy texture makes it a better-than-restaurant option.
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Kung Pao with Tofu and Cashews
Enjoy the classic Chinese flavors with this kung pao tofu. This dish is a delicious, plant-based alternative to the traditional chicken version, making a wonderful dinner option.
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Gluten Free Tofu Thai Wrap
A tasty gluten-free wrap, featuring tofu and paired with a coconut almond butter dip. This easy-to-make wrap is a perfect lunch option.
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Crispy Baked BBQ Tofu
Easy to make and satisfying, this crispy baked BBQ tofu uses everyday ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for summer BBQ parties.
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Silken Tofu Pasta with Mushroom
A creamy and protein-packed weeknight meal. This silken tofu pasta sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option.
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Panang Curry with Tofu
Rich and creamy with a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this panang curry with tofu and vegetables is ready in under 30 minutes. Serve with jasmine rice for a family-friendly meal.
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Tofu Rice Bowls with Vegetables
A healthy lunch or dinner option, these tofu rice bowls are filled with fresh Asian flavors and vegetables served over rice.
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Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu
Perfectly crispy tofu bites tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, serve it over rice or with steamed veggies for a flavorful main course.
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Tofu Fried Chicken
Buttermilk tofu fried chicken, seasoned and double breaded with panko or cornflakes. This recipe creates a perfectly crispy, satisfying fried chicken alternative.
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.