Looking for tofu meal ideas? In this post I share a big list of ways to cook tofu including video tutorials. Add this cheap healthy protein to your meal plan and enjoy quick and easy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even desserts.
How to cook tofu YouTube videos
Here’s my video for how to make Tofu Fried Rice:
Here’s my video for how to cook tofu in 10 minutes on the stove:
How to make the best tofu scramble:
Subscribe to the Dailey Foods YouTube Channel.
What is tofu?
Tofu is basically pureed soybeans blended with calcium placed into a rectangle container submerged in liquid. It’s a firm block which comes in different densities used for different types of recipes.
Tofu is known for its versatility and ability to absorb any flavor it’s marinated in. On its own, tofu has almost no flavor.
Is tofu good for Daniel Fasting?
Yes, tofu is great for a Daniel Fast! It’s made with plant-based ingredients. Basic tofu just contains soybeans and calcium powder. Some tofu comes already marinated and baked.
Why eat tofu?
There are many reasons to eat tofu while fasting, here’s ten great reasons:
- High protein
- High fiber
- Easy to eat
- Easy to prepare
- Great substitute for meat, especially chicken, in most dishes
- Great for making thick creamy desserts
- Great for people who cannot chew food easily
- Promoted for helping prevent and reverse breast cancer
- It’s delicious
- It’s cheap
Types of tofu
Here’s four of the most popular types of tofu found at most grocery stores in the refrigerator section and also the Asian foods section:
- Silken tofu
- Firm tofu
- Extra firm tofu
- Baked tofu
35 tofu meal ideas
Here’s a big list of uses for tofu:
- Crispy air fryer tofu
- Marinated
- Baked
- Scrambled
- Seasoned
- Sandwiches
- Tofu ricotta
- Pad Thai
- Smoked
- Pulled tofu
- Chocolate pie
- Vegan cheesecake
- Curry
- Vegan paneer cheese
- Stir-fry
- Salad
- Fried rice
- Tikka masala
- Orange tofu
- Tofu feta cheese
- General Tso tofu
- Mapo tofu
- Kung pao tofu
- Butter tofu
- Buffalo tofu
- Tofu stroganoff
- Dumplings
- Breaded
- French toast
- Tofu meat crumbles
- BBQ tofu
- Grilled
- Jerk tofu
- Miso soup
- Tacos
How to cook tofu
Here’s ideas for using each type of tofu:
Silken tofu
Silken tofu is the softest type of tofu. It’s often found in a package that is shelf stable. Look for it in the Asian food section of the grocery store. Sometimes it can be found in the refrigerator section as well.
Here’s ideas for using silken tofu:
- Vegan cheesecake
- Chocolate pie
- Miso soup
- Smoothies
Shop for silken tofu on Amazon.
Firm tofu
Firm tofu is more sturdy than silken tofu but still pretty soft. It’s great for dishes where you want to have tender tofu but not so tender that it falls apart.
Here’s ideas for using firm tofu:
Scrambled tofu
One of the most popular ways to cook tofu for beginners is to make a Tofu Scramble because it’s similar to scrambled eggs and is just as easy to cook.
To prepare basically crumble the tofu into a hot skillet and sauté for 5-10 minutes or until desired consistency. Add one teaspoon ground turmeric powder to make it yellow like scrambled eggs.
Serve with salsa and tortillas to make it a full meal. Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week, or store in the freezer for a quick reheated meal.
Tofu ricotta cheese
If you enjoy a creamy and soft spreadable topping similar to ricotta cheese, make your own tofu-based version in just minutes.
To make a tofu ricotta “cheese”, blend a package of firm tofu with 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon yellow miso paste, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast in a blender. Enjoy this spread over toast, dip or in lasagna.
Vegan paneer cheese
Paneer cheese is a popular cheese for Indian cooking. Tofu can be substituted as is into dishes like Paneer Tofu.
Extra firm tofu
Extra firm tofu has very little water content which means there is more soybeans in each bite. This type of tofu often has the most protein and nutritional content. It’s also the most firm tofu available and perfect for using as a substitute for meat.
Here’s ideas for using extra firm tofu:
- Tofu feta cheese
- Grilled
- Baked
- Tacos
- Tofu meat crumbles
Baked tofu
Baked tofu is often found in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. It’s already marinated and baked which makes it a very easy to add to any dish.
All tofu can be eaten uncooked but baked tofu is especially great for when you’re short on time.
Here’s ideas for using baked tofu:
- Sandwiches
- Salads
Further reading: