16 Savory Tofu Recipes To Make Your Life Easier

Tofu is the queen of high protein, plant-based eating. It may seem either intimidating or even lack-luster at first, but there are endless (and surprisingly easy!) ways to transform this simple white block of plant protein into deliciously flavorful dishes.

So we’ve brought you a round-up of the best vegan tofu recipes! Get ready to hugely expand your culinary tofu repertoire with lots of easy tofu recipes that make it taste incredible!

What is Tofu?

Tofu is made from soybeans, which are very high in protein. It uses condensed soy milk which is pressed into a cheese-like block. Watch the video below to learn how it’s done!

Tofu can be watery but you can easily get rid of the excess moisture by pressing it either with a tofu press or some heavy objects and a cloth. Learn all about it in our How to Press Tofu Guide!

Tofu is like a sponge and it will absorb whatever delicious flavors you soak it in. Spices, sauces, and veggies can turn the otherwise bland white block of tofu into an amazingly flavorful dish! If you’re new to tofu, don’t miss my Guide to Tofu to get you started on the right foot. But for now, let’s dive in to some of the top vegan tofu recipes!

Tofu Fillets with Tomato Herb Pan Sauce

Italian food lovers, here’s your dish! Tofu Fillets with Tomato Herb Pan Sauce will level-up any pasta with rich, juicy flavors and hearty protein. It’s simple to make but delivers a fancy dish to serve your family on a special occasion or to step up a weeknight dinner.

Stuffed Shells

Continue the Italian tofu vibe with these delicious Stuffed Shells from The Friendly Vegan Cookbook. They are so tasty and easy to prepare! Stuffed with homemade tofu ricotta, these are sure to please everyone in the family, and perfect for a homey Sunday lunch. Check them out on the World of Vegan website.

Lime Tofu with Green Beans

This dish proves a super simple tofu recipe can truly amazing. It’s the perfect dinner for those days you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Packed with protein and healthy veggies like green beans, it can be an ideal companion to white rice or other leftovers you are trying to use up!

Tomato and Silken Tofu Caprese Salad

Looking for something quick and light but decadently flavorful? Replicate the classic Caprese salad, but high-protein and dairy-free to make everyone happy! This one is a delight as a summer lunch, party side to impress, or even treat-yourself snack that’s easy to whip up!

Vegan Butter Chicken

You must try this amazing plant-based take on the classic Indian Butter Chicken by Two Spoons. It is rich, extremely delicious, and flavorful! Spicy and warming, it is perfectly paired with a fluffy white basmati rice and some chopped cilantro on top.

Udon with Spicy Tofu & Greens

This Udon with Spicy Tofu & Greens is a true savory comfort food recipe. It’s clean and healthy, budget-friendly, and quick to pull together, making it the perfect way to break the take-out habit. Besides, once you taste how fresh and flavorful it is, we’ll doubt you’ll want to go back to take out!

Vegan Ground Beef Substitute

Missing the flavor and texture of ground beef as a staple? This tofu-based Vegan Ground Beef Substitute by Plant You is here to save the day! Just as quick, easy, and filling as ground beef, you can prep it ahead to add to a vegan shepherd’s pie or your favorite plant-based Bolognese with spaghetti. You may not even notice a difference!

Crispy Fried Tofu Wontons

Here’s another favorite take-out that we’ve veganized! These Crispy Fried Tofu Wontons are so yummy (and seriously addictive!). Next time you’re craving fast food, but want to save money and choose healthy, take a few extra minutes to throw these together! Best yet, you can adjust salt levels and swap ingredients that might not agree with you.

Sesame Tofu

This juicy and saucy Sesame Tofu by Plantifully Based is must-try. The sweet and sticky sauce is the perfect combination with the nutty sesame flavors, making this tofu seriously delicious. Get your fluffy white rice ready and get on with this amazing tofu recipe!

Orange Ginger Tofu

Switch things up with the decadent flavors of this Orange Ginger Tofu. The sweet and sour tofu marinade and sauce is juicy and full of savory flavors that keep you coming back for more. Plus, these nutritious ingredients boost immunity and help digestion. It’s the perfect simple and satisfying meal with a heaping side of rice or rice noodles.

Peanut Curry with Smoked Tofu

This richly delicious Peanut Curry with Smoked Tofu by Veggiekins is creamy and packed with fantastic flavors. Using smoked tofu, it brings a smoky and nutty flavor while also containing the perfect blend of textures (crunchy, creamy and chunky!). Don’t miss this one!

Pineapple Glazed Tofu

Missing that holiday glazed ham? Then you gotta try this delicious Pineapple Glazed Tofu recipe. It will give you all the childhood family holiday dinners vibes, just without the ham. It’s bursting with flavor and a beautiful presentation for any special occasion. Pin this one onto your holiday recipes Pinterest board!

Oil-Free Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce

Looking for some tofu recipes that are better-enjoyed al fresco? This Oil-Free Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce recipe by MegUnprocessed is an excellent choice. Eaten on a paper plate and with a squeeze of lemon, it gives a food truck by the beach vibe. Perfect for a plant-based BBQ or picnic with friends!

Salt & Pepper Tofu Bites

These incredibly delicious Salt & Pepper Tofu Bites are a must-try for those who want complex flavors and spice. They cook up perfectly crispy and can be served as a snack or appetizer, or tossed with nutritious veggies as part of a hearty bowl with a protein kick.

Tofu Chilaquiles

Mexican food lovers unite! These Tofu Chilaquiles are your perfect plant-based Mexican fix when you don’t have too much time but are craving hearty flavor. It brings the crunchy and creamy together in a satisfying dish that can be breakfast, brunch, or brinner

Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper & Herb Tofu with Asparagus and Tahini Dressing 

Save on time and money, but not flavor, with this super easy recipe by Sweet Simple Vegan. It’s the perfect quick and lazy dinner for a busy weekday! Healthy veggies and high-protein tofu all blended with the healthy fat of tahini to deliver the deliciousness. Serve it as is, or over steamed white rice!

That’s a wrap! If you’ve been feeling intimidated on how to start with tofu, we hope you’re now inspired with how straightforward and simple these amazing dishes can be! Break out of your soy shells and venture into the tofu cooking ride. Once you try one (or a few), let us know which you enjoyed!