Tofu always starts with good intentions. You buy it thinking you’ll try something new, then it ends up forgotten behind the almond milk. This list is for finally putting it to use without overcomplicating things. These recipes are practical, easy to pull off and make the most of tofu before it goes bad.
Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables
That block of tofu finally gets to do something useful. Toss it with BBQ sauce, sweet potatoes, peppers, and broccoli, then roast it all on one pan. No real effort, barely any cleanup, and dinner’s done.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
This is a perfect way to make tofu actually worth eating. Tossed with pasta, fresh veggies, and balsamic dressing, it turns your fridge leftovers into a full meal without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Tofu
This is the easiest way to turn tofu from sad to crispy. Just press it, season it, and toss it in the air fryer. It’s perfect for throwing on bowls, salads, or just eating while standing at the counter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu
Sheet Pan Meal Prep Tofu
If you’ve got tofu and zero motivation, this one’s for you. Roast it with cabbage and peppers and call it a meal. It’s great for prepping a few lunches without putting in real work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Meal Prep Tofu
Sweet & Sour Tofu
That forgotten tofu turns into a legit dinner in under 30 minutes. Crispy pieces tossed in a sticky sweet and sour sauce hit the takeout craving without a delivery fee.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu
The Best Tofu Marinade
Mix almond butter, soy sauce, and lime, then let tofu soak it all up. This is how you give it flavor and make it worth eating. Perfect for bowls, wraps, or whatever else is happening in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: The Best Tofu Marinade
Mapo Tofu
A spicy, saucy dinner that comes together fast and uses ingredients you probably already have. It’s bold, filling, and one of the better things you can do with that tofu you keep ignoring.
Get the Recipe: Mapo Tofu
Tofu Fried Rice
This is what you make when your fridge looks like a sad science project. Leftover rice, tofu, and any veggies you’ve got all go into one skillet. Quick, cheap, and better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
Crispy Tofu Buddha Bowl
Roast some tofu, throw it on rice with whatever veggies are left in your fridge, and top it with peanut sauce. It’s a full dinner and a solid way to make that tofu disappear.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Tofu Buddha Bowl
Zucchini Stir-Fry with Tofu
This stir-fry uses zucchini, peppers, and tofu in a garlic-ginger sauce that’s fast, simple, and works any night of the week. Great for when you need something that feels cooked but didn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Stir-Fry with Tofu
Tofu Thai Wrap
Wrap that tofu up with veggies and sauce, and you’ve got a quick lunch that doesn’t feel like leftovers. Great for days when you want something light that still feels like food.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Thai Wrap
Miso Ramen with Chicken, Tofu and Spicy Tahini
This is a great dinner when you’ve got tofu, some broth, and not much else. The spicy tahini and miso make it taste like more effort than it actually is.
Get the Recipe: Miso Ramen with Chicken, Tofu and Spicy Tahini
Eggplant and Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)
Tofu and eggplant get pan-fried and coated in a sticky sauce that’s just the right level of sweet and salty. It’s a solid fakeout takeout dinner.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)
Easy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
These crispy little nuggets are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and way too easy to eat. You can throw them on anything or dip them in everything.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Recipe
General Tso’s Tofu
Crispy tofu coated in sweet-spicy sauce. It’s fast, easy, and way cheaper than ordering out. If you’ve got that tofu block hanging around, this is one of the best ways to use it.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Tofu
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.
