12 Tofu Recipes So Crispy and Flavorful Even Meat Lovers Ask for Seconds

If you think tofu is bland and spongy, you probably just have not had it cooked the right way. Pressed, seasoned and seared, it turns golden and crispy outside and tender inside, and it soaks up any sauce you throw at it. These tofu recipes are cheap, packed with plant protein and honestly delicious. Ready to give tofu a second chance..

General Tso Style Crispy Tofu, the King of Tofu Recipes

This is the dish that converts tofu skeptics. Cubes of extra firm tofu are tossed in cornstarch, pan fried until shatteringly crisp, then coated in a sticky sweet, tangy and slightly spicy sauce. Serve it over rice with steamed broccoli and it beats takeout every time. Quick poll: what is your takeout go to? A) General Tso, B) orange chicken, C) lo mein, or D) fried rice?

You will need: 14 oz extra firm tofu pressed and cubed, 3 tbsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar, 1 tbsp hoisin, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, chili flakes, green onions, sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Toss the tofu in cornstarch and fry in oil until crisp on all sides, about 10 minutes. 2. Stir the soy, vinegar, honey, hoisin, garlic, ginger and chili with 1/4 cup water. 3. Pour the sauce into the pan and simmer 1 minute until glossy. 4. Toss the tofu in the sauce and top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Crispy Pan Fried Tofu, the Base of Great Tofu Recipes

Master this and all other tofu recipes get easier. The secret is pressing out the water for 15 minutes, cutting thick slabs and letting them sear in a hot pan without moving them. Finish with soy sauce, a little garlic and lots of green onion. Have you ever pressed tofu, or did you skip that step and wonder why it was soggy?

You will need: 14 oz extra firm tofu, 2 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 garlic clove grated, 1 tsp sesame oil, 3 green onions sliced.

How to make it: 1. Press the tofu between towels under a heavy pan for 15 minutes. 2. Cut into slabs and dust with cornstarch. 3. Fry in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. 4. Splash with soy, garlic and sesame oil and top with green onions.

Crispy Tofu Bites With Sweet Chili Sauce

These little golden cubes are dangerously snackable. Coat them in cornstarch and a pinch of salt, then bake or air fry until crunchy. Dip them in sweet chili sauce for a game day snack that happens to be full of protein. Kids love these tofu recipes too. Would you serve these as a snack or as a main with rice?

You will need: 14 oz extra firm tofu pressed, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, sweet chili sauce for dipping.

How to make it: 1. Cut the pressed tofu into small cubes. 2. Toss with oil, then with cornstarch, garlic powder and salt. 3. Bake at 425 F for 25 minutes or air fry at 400 F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway. 4. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce.

Sizzling Tofu With Vegetables

In many Filipino and Chinese restaurants, tofu arrives on a hot cast iron plate, still sizzling and smelling amazing. At home, a hot skillet does the job. Seared tofu, mushrooms, carrots and peppers get coated in a savory oyster style sauce. Like many tofu recipes, it is a full meal in one pan. Do you have a favorite sizzling plate dish?

You will need: 14 oz firm tofu cubed, 1 cup mushrooms, 1 carrot sliced, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 onion, 2 tbsp oyster or mushroom sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp oil, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Sear the tofu cubes in oil until golden, then set aside. 2. Stir fry the onion, carrot, mushrooms and pepper for 4 minutes. 3. Add the sauces, sugar and a splash of water. 4. Return the tofu, toss well and serve in the hot pan.

Mapo Tofu, One of the Boldest Tofu Recipes

Mapo tofu is a Sichuan classic: soft tofu in a spicy, numbing red sauce made with chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns. Traditionally it has a little ground pork, but mushrooms work great for a meatless version. It is fiery, cozy and perfect over steamed rice. Quick poll: how spicy do you like it? A) mild, B) medium, C) hot, or D) make me cry?

You will need: 16 oz soft or medium tofu cubed, 4 oz ground pork or chopped mushrooms, 2 tbsp doubanjiang (chili bean paste), 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorn, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp ginger, 1 cup broth, 1 tbsp cornstarch, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Gently simmer the tofu in salted water for 2 minutes, then drain. 2. Brown the pork or mushrooms, then add the chili paste, garlic and ginger. 3. Add the broth and tofu and simmer 5 minutes. 4. Thicken with cornstarch slurry and sprinkle with peppercorn and green onions.

Sticky Orange Sesame Tofu

Sweet, tangy and glossy, this tastes like your favorite orange chicken. Fresh orange juice and zest make the sauce bright, while sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. Bake the tofu for an easy hands off method. Serve it with rice and green beans for a complete dinner. Orange or lemon: which citrus sauce do you prefer?

You will need: 14 oz extra firm tofu pressed and cubed, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Toss the tofu with oil and cornstarch and bake at 425 F for 25 minutes. 2. Simmer the orange juice, zest, soy, honey, vinegar and garlic for 4 minutes. 3. Toss the crispy tofu in the sauce. 4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Tofu Power Bowl With Broccoli and Corn

This bowl is built for busy weeks. Marinated tofu, steamed broccoli, sweet corn and carrots sit over brown rice with a peanut lime dressing. It packs about 25 grams of plant protein per bowl, which makes it great after a workout. Make four at once for easy lunches. What would you add to your bowl?

You will need: 14 oz firm tofu cubed, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 cups cooked brown rice, 2 cups broccoli, 1 cup corn, 1 carrot shredded, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Marinate the tofu in soy and sesame oil for 10 minutes, then bake or pan fry. 2. Steam the broccoli and warm the corn. 3. Whisk peanut butter, lime, honey and warm water. 4. Build bowls with rice, veggies and tofu and drizzle the sauce.

Thai Red Curry With Tofu

Creamy coconut milk, red curry paste and crisp vegetables make a cozy curry that comes together in about 25 minutes. Tofu soaks up all that fragrant sauce like a sponge. Add a squeeze of lime and fresh basil right before serving. Have you ever tried making Thai curry at home, or do you always order it?

You will need: 14 oz firm tofu cubed, 1 can coconut milk, 2 to 3 tbsp red curry paste, 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup green beans, 1 small eggplant, 1 tbsp fish or soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, Thai basil, lime, red chili.

How to make it: 1. Fry the curry paste in a splash of coconut cream for 1 minute. 2. Add the rest of the coconut milk, sauce and sugar and bring to a simmer. 3. Add the vegetables and tofu and cook 10 minutes. 4. Finish with basil, chili and lime.

Chilled Silken Tofu With Soy and Scallions

This is a classic Japanese and Chinese side that takes two minutes and zero cooking. A block of silky, custard soft tofu gets drizzled with soy sauce, sesame oil and chili crisp, then topped with scallions. It is cool, creamy and surprisingly satisfying. Would you try tofu straight from the fridge like this?

You will need: 1 block silken tofu, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp chili crisp, 1 green onion sliced, pinch of sesame seeds, bonito flakes (optional).

How to make it: 1. Drain the tofu gently and slide it onto a plate. 2. Mix the soy sauce and sesame oil. 3. Pour over the tofu and spoon on the chili crisp. 4. Top with green onion and sesame seeds.

Spicy Basil Tofu Stir Fry

Inspired by the Thai street food favorite, this stir fry is loaded with garlic, chilies and a big handful of fresh basil. Crumbled or cubed tofu gets crispy edges and soaks up a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Serve it with jasmine rice and a fried egg on top if you like. Quick poll: fried egg on top? A) always, B) sometimes, C) never, or D) two eggs please?

You will need: 14 oz extra firm tofu, 2 tbsp oil, 4 garlic cloves, 2 red chilies, 1 onion sliced, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster or mushroom sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 cup Thai or regular basil.

How to make it: 1. Crumble or cube the tofu and fry until golden. 2. Add the garlic, chilies and onion and cook 2 minutes. 3. Stir in the sauces and sugar. 4. Toss in the basil until just wilted and serve.

Grilled Tofu Skewers

Tofu on the grill gets smoky, charred edges that taste incredible with a sweet soy glaze. Marinate firm tofu for 30 minutes, thread it onto skewers with peppers and onions, and grill until marked. These are perfect for backyard parties where not everyone eats meat. Have you ever tried grilled tofu recipes before?

You will need: 14 oz extra firm tofu pressed and cubed, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp oil, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp smoked paprika, bell peppers, red onion, wooden skewers soaked.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the soy, maple, oil, garlic and paprika and marinate the tofu for 30 minutes. 2. Thread the tofu and vegetables onto skewers. 3. Grill over medium high heat 8 to 10 minutes, turning and brushing with marinade. 4. Serve hot with rice or salad.

Miso Soup, the Easiest of All Tofu Recipes

We end with the simplest comfort in a bowl. Warm dashi or vegetable broth, a spoon of miso, soft tofu cubes, seaweed and green onions. It takes five minutes and feels so nourishing on a cold day. Want more protein packed meals? See our post workout meals. Which of these tofu recipes will you try first?

You will need: 4 cups dashi or vegetable broth, 3 tbsp white miso, 7 oz soft tofu cubed, 1 tbsp dried wakame seaweed, 2 green onions sliced.

How to make it: 1. Heat the broth until hot but not boiling. 2. Soak the wakame in warm water for 5 minutes and drain. 3. Whisk the miso with a ladle of broth, then stir it back into the pot. 4. Add the tofu and wakame, warm through and top with green onions.