Here are a few popular and easy ways to prepare tofu:
1. Crispy Fried Tofu
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this fried tofu is perfect as a snack, salad topper, or as part of a stir-fry.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm or extra-firm tofu
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Press the Tofu: Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top (like a can or a skillet) to press out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes.
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Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes or triangles.
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Coat the Tofu: In a bowl, toss the tofu with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well-coated.
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Fry the Tofu: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
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Optional: For a bit of extra tang, drizzle the fried tofu with rice vinegar before serving.
Serve with a dipping sauce (like soy sauce with a little chili paste), or toss in a stir-fry.
2. Tofu Scramble (Vegan Scrambled Eggs)
A great option for breakfast or brunch, tofu scramble mimics scrambled eggs but with a plant-based twist.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm tofu
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1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
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1/2 onion, diced
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1/2 bell pepper, diced
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1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)
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1/2 tsp turmeric (for color and flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: spinach, tomato, or mushrooms for extra veggies
Instructions:
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Press the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water.
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Crumbled Tofu: After pressing, crumble the tofu into small pieces with your hands or a fork.
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Cook the Veggies: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (and any other veggies you want) and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Scramble the Tofu: Add the crumbled tofu to the pan, followed by turmeric, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 7–10 minutes, until the tofu is heated through and slightly crispy.
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Serve: Serve with toast, avocado, or on a breakfast burrito.
3. Tofu Stir-Fry
A quick and easy way to enjoy tofu with your favorite veggies and sauce. It’s a go-to meal for weeknights!
Ingredients:
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1 block extra-firm tofu
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp ginger powder (or fresh ginger)
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Mixed veggies: broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, etc.
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2 tbsp peanut butter or hoisin sauce (optional, for a creamy sauce)
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Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
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Press and Cube the Tofu: Press the tofu for 15–20 minutes, then cut it into cubes.
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Stir-Fry Tofu: Heat sesame oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
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Add Veggies: Add your choice of vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes.
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Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger. You can also add peanut butter or hoisin sauce for richness.
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Combine: Pour the sauce over the tofu and veggies, stirring well to coat. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
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Serve: Serve over rice or toss with noodles.
4. Tofu in a Soup (Tofu Miso Soup or Hot Pot)
Tofu adds a great texture to soups, like miso soup or Asian hot pots. It soaks up the flavors of the broth while staying tender.
Ingredients:
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1 block silken tofu (for soups)
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4 cups vegetable or miso broth
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp miso paste (if making miso soup)
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1/2 cup seaweed (wakame or nori)
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2–3 green onions, chopped
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Optional: ginger, garlic, or sesame oil
Instructions:
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Cut the Tofu: For a soup, silken tofu works best. Cut it into cubes.
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Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the vegetable or miso broth to a simmer. Add soy sauce, miso paste, and any extra seasonings you like.
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Add the Tofu: Once the broth is simmering, gently add the tofu cubes and allow them to heat through for about 5 minutes.
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Add the Veggies: Stir in the seaweed and green onions. You can also add some grated ginger or a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
5. Tofu and Vegetable Skewers (Grilled Tofu)
Perfect for summer barbecues or grilling on a stovetop.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm tofu, cut into cubes
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp maple syrup or agave (for sweetness)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Vegetables: bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, etc.
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Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers
Instructions:
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Marinate the Tofu: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Add the tofu cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Veggies: Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
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Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated tofu and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between tofu and veggies.
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Grill: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan. Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
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Serve: Serve the skewers with a side of rice or a salad.
Pro Tips:
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Pressing tofu: For a firmer texture, always press tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking. This allows it to absorb more flavors and achieve a crispy texture when frying or baking.
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Flavoring tofu: Tofu by itself doesn’t have much flavor, so make sure to marinate it or cook it with bold seasonings and sauces.
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Cooking methods: If you want tofu that’s crispy all over, try baking it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), coat the tofu with cornstarch, and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tofu is a fantastic, versatile ingredient that can be adapted to suit all sorts of recipes. Whether you’re craving something crispy, creamy, savory, or sweet, there’s a tofu dish for every occasion! What’s your go-to way of preparing tofu? Or is there a particular dish you’ve been wanting to try?
