Delicious tofu recipes — different types of tofu in a row

Also known as bean curd, tofu is properly versatile and a brilliant carrier of flavour – it’s fantastic in soups, salads, stir-fries, barbecue dishes and even puddings!

Tofu is not only delicious, it’s also high in protein, low in saturated fat and a source of calcium and phosphorus, both of which make for strong and healthy bones. It comes in two different forms – firm or silken – and can be used in so many wonderful ways. If you’re after a bit of inspiration, our favourite tofu recipes are a great place to start. Some are totally vegan and vegetarian, and some also contain meat or seafood – we’ve got something for everyone. 

 

Fancy a vegan tofu dish with a difference? This recipe is everything you love about katsu and more – it’s packed with flavour, but super-straightforward and healthy! With chargrilled pineapple and a crunchy veg salad, this is joy in a bowl. 

Pad Thai has become a favourite in both street-food markets and high-end Thai restaurants, and it’s not hard to see why. Packed with dried shrimps, herbs and a tamarind sauce, it’s fresh and zingy but also hearty and warming – a modern classic.

Inspired by Singapore-style chilli prawns, this easy tofu dish by Dominique Woolf is a brilliantly quick midweek meal. Frying the tofu until crispy and pairing it with the most incredible chilli and tomato sauce brings bags of flavour and texture. A treat for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. 

Vibrant, fragrant and beautifully light, this lip-smacking soup combines chicken thighs and tofu in the most delicious way. It’s a great recipe to batch up – make the broth the day before and, once cool, pop in the fridge overnight. Reheat until piping hot with the cooked noodles, herbs, spring onions, chilli and tofu. 

We love a good veggie stir-fry recipe and this one makes a cracking dinner for two. If you’re vegan, simply swap in maple syrup instead of the honey. What’s more, it’s on the table in 25 minutes, so it’s ideal for midweek cooking. 

Make tofu the star of the show with this easy vegetarian barbecue recipe. Marinated in peppercorns and soy sauce, these skewers are so satisfying, you won’t even miss the meat! 

If you’re vegan or trying to cut down on your meat intake, you need this curry in your repertoire. It’s packed with veg, full of lots of aromatic spices and ready in just 30 minutes. 

With ginger, garlic, chilli and soy, this tofu soup packs a big flavour punch. We’re using silken tofu here, which has a softer texture than firm tofu, making it perfect for soups. Perfect for warming your cockles! 

With roots in Sundanese cooking, this mega salad has now become the typical street food of Jakarta in Indonesia. Gado-gado means medley, which refers to all the different seasonal veg and ingredients used, making it slightly different depending on where you go and the time of year. Tossed with peanut dressing and served with something crunchy on the side, it’s a winning combination.

If you’re after a speedy dinner recipe that’s super-satisfying, this one fits the bill. Fried tofu paired with toasted cashews, wilted greens and the most outrageous mirin sauce, it’s so good. Dinner for two, done!

If you’re after an indulgent vegan dessert, this one is definitely up there. Tofu adds an amazing smooth texture, so there’s no need for eggs here. The pinch of dried chilli flakes give it a little kick, and the rich maple syrup adds even more depth – what a treat. 

Feeling inspired? Find even more tasty ways to use tofu in our collection of tofu recipes, here.