Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (2024)

Are you new to a plant-based diet and fearing tofu? You’ve heard that it’s bland and think you won’t like it? Perhaps you’ve tried it a couple of times and really didn’t like it. BUT you’d be willing to give it a try if you just knew what to do with it!

This is a question that I’ve seen come up time and time again in vegan social media groups. Those new to veganism want to incorporate tofu into their diets but are unsure about how to prepare tofu, how to cook tofu, or what the difference is between all those different types of tofu!

Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (1)

So Iwrote Tofu For Beginners to give you a brief introduction to the different types of tofu and its preparation. I’ve also compiled a list of more than 50 recipes for your perusal, starting with super easy ones to get you started through to amazing tofu wizardry that will hopefully inspire you to continue experimenting with this versatile ingredient.

You needn’t be nervous about cooking with tofu; a good recipe will tell you which type to buy and how to prepare it. It was really hard impossible to choose just 50 recipes to include in this roundup as there’s so much you can do with tofu!

I’ve tried to include a variety of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert; recipes for appetizers, main dishes, condiments, sauces, sides and snacks; and recipes from a variety of cuisines. These 50+ recipes are very much just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cooking with tofu, if you need even more inspiration, let Google be your guide!

Tofu 101

Silken and regular: these are the two basic categories of tofu. Silken is Japanese style and is usually sold in boxes that do no need to be refrigerated. Regular is Chinese style and is often sold in plastic containers or wrapped in plastic in the refrigerated section of your supermarket.

Silken tofu is the creamiest type of tofu because it is unpressed and it is labeled with different consistencies depending on how much soy protein it contains. Silken tofu is best for blending into sauces, creams, smoothies, baking, mayo and dressings, or in miso soup. You do not press or fry silken tofu.

Regular tofu is also labeled with different consistencies from soft through to extra firm depending on how much water has been pressed out of it. Regular Chinese soft tofu is similar to Japanese silken tofu but not quite as smooth and creamy. You can often use it in the same way as silken tofu.

Medium through extra firm regular tofu are progressively more compact with a lower water content. These types of tofu can be pressed to remove even more of the water. Firm and extra firm are the most common types called for in recipes that involve frying or baking the tofu. Regular extra firm tofu is my personal preference and the type I use most often in my kitchen.

Keep in mind that different brands of tofu can be different in terms of consistency. One brand's medium tofu might be similar in consistency to another brand's soft tofu. If your recipes doesn't seem to work out correctly, it could be because of a difference in brand between you and the recipe developer. Don't despair! Try a couple of different brands to find one that you like and performs the best for the recipes you want to make.

To Freeze Or Not To Freeze?

Firstly, you don’t want to freeze silken or soft tofu. Medium through extra firm tofu can be frozen if you choose to do so, but it’s not necessary. You can use your tofu straight out of the box if you don’t have time to freeze it; however, freezing, thawing and pressing tofu draws out moisture and creates a more spongy texture that will suck up more of your sauce.

Personally, I freeze tofu for convenience because I buy it in bulk at an Asian supermarket downtown for $1.28 for 600 grams. Once home, I cut it into smaller blocks and freeze it in Tupperware containers filled with water. If you buy smaller blocks, just toss them packaged into the freezer, no need to drain or cut. When I want to use it, I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator then cut it into slices to press.

How To Press Tofu

Medium through extra-firm regular tofu can be pressed if you choose (don't try pressing silken or soft tofu). Pressing tofu is very easy and you don’t need a fancy tofu press. You can press a whole block of tofu, but I find that cutting it into slices first helps to press out even more moisture.

First, drain the tofu of its packing water and slice it (how thick will depend on what you’re using it for). Then, find the most absorbent dish towels (or even bath towels) you have. Sandwich the tofu slices between paper towels to avoid any fuzz, and then the dish towels. Place something heavy on top; I use biology textbooks but cans and pots also work well.

15 minutes is usually long enough to get most of the water out of sliced tofu. If you’re pressing a whole block, give it at least 30 minutes. If your recipe calls for diced or cubed tofu, it’s easier to dice it after you’ve pressed the slices rather than trying to press all the little cubes.

What To Do With Leftover Tofu

You can refrigerate or freeze leftover tofu for later. If you’re going to use it within a week, simply place it in a container, cover it with water and refrigerate. Change the water daily.

Freezing silken tofu is a bit dodgy and you may find the thawed texture unpleasant (or not, give it a try!) Freeze leftover medium through extra-firm regular tofu by slicing it at placing it on a pan in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag. Use within three months.

Recipes For Tofu Newbies

  1. How to make crispy baked tofu - Cookie and Kate
  2. Quick & easy crispy tofu - Minimalist Baker
  3. How to make easy vegan mayonnaise - The Kitchn
  4. Creamy vegan herb salad dressing - Joy the Baker
  5. Vegan tofu sour cream - The Blender Girl (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (2)
  6. Tofu, kale & cherry tomatoes in white wine sauce - Food & Wine
  7. Vegan macaroni and cheese - VegKitchen
  8. Strawberry banana tofu smoothie - Well Vegan
  9. Simple tofu miso noodle soup - The Veganista (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (3)
  10. Buffalo tofu wings with creamy ranch dip - Oh My Veggies
  11. Everyday pad Thai - Isa Chandra
  12. Quick and easy tofu sandwich - Vegangela
  13. Orange and ginger glazed tofu - Cilantro and Citronella (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (4)
  14. 5-minute vegan chocolate pudding - Spoon University
  15. Nutella - The Vegan Corner
  16. Vegan tofu fetacheese- Green Evi
  17. 5-minute tofu egg salad sandwich - Vegan Richa
  18. Blender silken tofu pancakes - Connoisseurus Veg (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (5)
  19. 12-minute scrambled tofu fried rice - Kitchen Treaty
  20. Easy vegan tofu tacos - Carrots and Flowers
  21. Crispy baked garlic tofu - Kirbie's Cravings (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (6)

Taking Off The Tofu Training Wheels

  1. How to grill tofu - The Spruce
  2. Sesame ginger tofu and veggie stir fry - Little Spice Jar
  3. Scrambled tofu breakfast bowl - I Love Vegan (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (7)
  4. Tofu waffles with baked banana sauce - Sweet Cannela
  5. Fresh vegetable crunchy rolls with sriracha & soy sauce tofu and peanut sauce - I Love Vegan
  6. Crispy tofu tacos with vegan lime crema - Simply Quinoa (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (8)
  7. Pineapple & smoky baked tofu pizza with spicy hoisin barbecue sauce - Connoisseurus Veg
  8. Sweet potato & kale green curry with tofu - In Pursuit of More
  9. Vegan lunch sandwich with sizzling skillet tofu, avocado and sprouts - Healthy Happy Life
  10. Ramen with grilled vegetables and tofu - Lazy Cat Kitchen (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (9)
  11. Black pepper tofu - Cilantro and Citronella
  12. Simple tofu quiche - Minimalist Baker
  13. Golden chocolate tofu brownies - Pickled Plum (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (10)
  14. Mini vegan frittatas - Dietitian Debbie Dishes
  15. Vegan satay with peanut sauce - Cilantro and Citronella
  16. Tofu "chicken" noodle soup - Making Thyme for Health (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (11)
  17. Lime and vanilla vegan cheesecake - Quite Good Food
  18. Vegan palak paneer- The Wanderlust Kitchen
  19. Spicy braised tofu tostadas - Oh My Veggies (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (12)

Tofu Wizardry

  1. Seaweed tofu beignets with jalepeno and shikuwasa jam paste - Olives for Dinner
  2. Vegan lasagna with spinach and tofu ricotta - The Viet Vegan (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (13)
  3. Super comforting vegan "fish & chips" - The Debrief
  4. Glazed tofu with fiery sriracha pearls - Olives for Dinner (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (14)
  5. Sushi burrito - Cilantro and Citronella
  6. Tofu bolognese - The Veg Life
  7. Tofu banh mi vegan sliders - The Stingy Vegan (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (15)
  8. Ginger glazed tofu meatballs - Connoisseurus Veg
  9. Mexican-inspired tofu tacos with chili-lime slaw and cilantro pepita-cream - Vanilla and Bean
  10. French Silk Pie - Unconventional Baker (pictured)Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (16)
  11. Vegan chocolate cake - The Spruce
  12. Mozzarella - The Vegan Corner
  13. Tofu po boy sandwich - Brewing HappinessTofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (17)

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Tofu for Beginners (with 50+ recipes) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Heat a large oven-safe metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and the seasoned tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes, shaking/flipping occasionally to cook on all sides, until tofu has a slight crust on each side and has begun to brown.

How to eat tofu for the first time? ›

Tofu can be eaten raw, and so cooking it is completely optional and is mostly done for texture or to bind the sauce to the tofu. You can pan-sear the sides and add it to a colorful stir-fry or deep-fry it and coat it in a savory and sweet sauce.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Which tofu is easiest to cook? ›

Firm and extra-firm tofu are most commonly used in Western recipes, as the mostly solid texture is easy to cut, easy to fry, easy to grill and easy to eat.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

What happens if you don't drain tofu before cooking? ›

Here's the thing: even though tofu might be labeled firm or extra-firm, it contains a lot of water. This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture.

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Contains antinutrients

Like most plant foods, tofu contains several antinutrients. These compounds are naturally found in plant foods and lower your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food ( 6 ).

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

Tofu and tempeh.

Studies suggest people who eat soy-based foods have lower odds of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Nuts and legumes, Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, along with peanuts, are rich in unsaturated fats, along with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

What tofu to buy for beginners? ›

Firm Tofu: The most popular firmness for tofu beginners! The curds are tight and visible. Holds up well to frying and grilling.

How to add flavor to tofu? ›

In a medium-size bowl place the pressed and cubed tofu. Add the soy sauce and toss to coat. Add in all of the other marinade ingredients (rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, agave, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika and water) and toss to thoroughly combine.

Are you supposed to wash tofu? ›

After removing the tofu from its package, rinse it and then remove the water. For soft tofu, just drain it and blot it dry; but for medium, firm and extra-firm tofu, simple draining isn't enough—you need to press the water out. Think of it this way: Tofu is porous, like a sponge.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

First, drain and press the tofu.

For the best texture, press the tofu using a tofu press or cast-iron skillet for 20 to 30 minutes. If you're short on time, just drain the tofu and gently press it in a kitchen towel or paper towels over the sink. The tofu won't be as firm this way, but it will still be delicious!

What makes tofu taste better? ›

Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

Do I need to soak tofu before cooking? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

What is the healthiest way to eat tofu? ›

Healthier - For starters, broiling tofu is a healthier method of cooking than frying, and it requires less oil to create crispier cubes. Easy - It's also really easy to make.

References

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