Versatile, protein-rich, plant-based, and inexpensive: few foods can tick all four of these boxes quite like tofu. Made by coagulating soybean milk, this superfood has been around for centuries and is a staple in many vegetarian diets. Tofu is packed with protein, nutrients, and amino acids, so whether you’re looking for hardy, plant-based meals or just want to reach your protein goals without breaking the bank, tofu is the perfect ingredient to have in your fridge.
Tofu itself doesn’t have a strong flavor and it absorbs marinades extremely well. You can crumble it, chop it, grill it, and even blend it—the recipe opportunities are endless. We’ve gathered up Real Simple-approved tofu recipes to try if you’re looking for new easy and nutritious go-to meals.
Crispy Peanut Tofu With Sugar Snap Peas And Peppers
Greg DuPree
Peanut sauce isn’t just for chicken satay—try it with crispy tofu, too. Tofu is cubed and pan-fried for a nice crisp, then covered in a sweet and spicy sauce made with peanut butter, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and Sriracha. This meals comes to together in a flash and is sure to be a weeknight winner.
Za’atar Tofu Skewers with Tomato Salad & Hummus
Jennifer Causey
Celebrate summer any time with these bright za’atar tofu skewers. Cubes of tofu are seasoned with flavorful za’atar and grilled to perfection. Add our simple tomato-olive salad on the side with some pita and a heaping scoop of hummus for a delicious, protein-packed dinner.
Crispy Tofu Noodle Soup
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Noodle soups are the ultimate comfort meals. If you’re looking to branch out chicken noodle soup, look no further than this crispy tofu noodle soup. Strips of tofu are pan-fried then added to a spiced vegetable broth with Swiss chard and rice noodles to make any day better.
Sesame-Crusted Tofu With Spicy Dipping Sauce
In this recipe from the Leung family’s first cookbook, thin slices of tofu are dredged in a mixture of sesame seeds, cornstarch, and five-spice powder then pan-fried to perfection. An irresistible garlic-chili dipping sauce brings the dish to the next level that will even have the tofu skeptics impressed.
Tofu Fried Rice
Fred Hardy
Your kitchen is going to smell like a dream after you whip up this tofu fried rice. Taking flavors from a classic biryani, the rice has notes of garlic, ginger, and turmeric and has tofu crumbled into it for extra crisp and protein, Top with cilantro, lemon juice, and yogurt for a stunning yet simple meal
Tofu & Cabbage Salad with Coconut Dressing
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
We’re convinced this may be the easiest, quickest dinner you’ll make this week. Ready in only 15 minutes, all you have to do is combine coconut cream, lime juice, fish sauce, and sriracha, toss in pre-packaged coleslaw mix, and top with chopped tofu for a colorful, simple meal that’s truly effortless.
Orange-Glazed Crispy Tofu and Broccoli
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Got a craving for takeout? Make this easy orange-glazed crispy tofu instead. Tofu gets chopped and covered in cornstarch to give it a satisfyingly crunchy bite, then slathered in a zest orange glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Nutty Tofu Bowls
Need a healthy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes? These nutty tofu bowls have you covered. Tofu is oven baked and coated with a simple peanut sauce, then topped on a bowl of rice and spicy marinated cucumber to make a perfectly balance bite.
Moroccan Spicy-Sweet Tofu With Couscous
This ultra-quick dinner pairs tofu with traditional Moroccan ingredients like spicy harissa paste, fluffy couscous, fragrant mint, and crunchy almonds. Coming together in just 20 minutes, this easy, fast, and flavorful meal might just become a new staple on lazy days.
Tofu and Mushroom Lettuce Wraps
Fred Hardy
There’s no wrap quite as refreshing as a lettuce wrap, then add in a tofu and mushroom mix for a decadent eating experience. Tofu is grated to act almost like a ground meat, then cooked with mushrooms, scallions, and garlic for a rich umami flavor. It’s then tossed in a hoisin and soy sauce glaze to make for a dinner winner.
Eggplant and Tofu Stir-Fry
Just when you thought stir-fry couldn’t get any easier, in walks this eggplant and tofu version. Cubes of tofu and eggplant are fried up in skillet along with scallions and garlic for a delicious and vegetarian twist on a comfort food classic.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Antonis Achilleos
If you need a dose of autumn, this curried butternut squash soup will surely do the trick. Silken tofu is blended into the soup to give it a silky texture and extra kick of protein.
Miso Chicken Noodle Soup With Kimchi
Linda Pugliese
Combine the best of Japanese and Korean flavors in this miso chicken noodle soup with kimchi. Tofu is cubed and boiled in a miso chicken stock with soy sauce and scallions. To make it plant-based, use vegetable stock instead and skip the egg.
Pho-Inspired Vegetable Noodle Soup
Fred Hardy
Pho is widely known to be one of the most comforting dishes in the world. This Vietnamese soup is usually made with beef, but our vegetarian version uses vegetable broth that’s loaded with tender tofu, sweet carrots, and umami-rich shiitake mushrooms.
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