Looking for some delicious ways to add more carrots to your diet? This list of Best Tofu Recipes has a wide variety of tofu recipes to make sure you’re making the most out of the nutrient-dense plant-based, protein.
As an environmental scientist, I am always trying to make more eco-conscious food choices. One simple way to improve your ecological footprint is by finding more ways to add meatless proteins to your diet.
Green tip: Industrial meat production has a huge impact on the environment, especially because of the amount of land it takes to sustain and its high amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Tofu is one of my favorite ingredients for adding protein to any meal. Made from soybeans, tofu has a very mild flavor, making it a blank canvas to manipulate into any flavor you choose! This makes tofu especially versatile.
If you’re new to tofu, don’t fret! These recipes are sure to convince you that it’s as delicious as it is new nutritious. Each recipe will teach you how to add tons of flavor and get a mouthwatering texture on your tofu.
Best Tofu Recipes
- Tofu Fajitas with Onions and Peppers
- Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Strips
- Sticky Orange Tofu
- Easy Vegetarian Ramen with Tofu
- Crispy BBQ Tofu Sandwich
- Creamy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Thai Spicy Peanut Noodles
1. Tofu Fajitas with Onions and Peppers
Tofu Fajitas with Onions and Peppers
2. Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Strips
30 Minute Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Strips
3. Sticky Orange Tofu
Healthy Sticky Orange Tofu
4. Easy Vegetarian Ramen with Tofu
Easy Vegetarian Ramen with Tofu
5. Crispy BBQ Tofu Sandwich
Crispy BBQ Tofu Sandwich
6. Creamy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
7. Thai Spicy Peanut Noodles
Thai Spicy Peanut Noodles
I hope this list of Best Tofu Recipes inspires you to embrace this awesome plant-based protein! If you’re still not sure where to start, I’ve included the recipe for Sticky Orange Tofu that is fried to a crispy golden brown and topped with a sweet, sticky sauce.
Best Tofu Recipes, Including Orange Tofu
Equipment
- Tofu Press (optional)
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Sticky Orange Sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (juice of ½ orange = approx. ¼ cup juice)
- 2 tablespoons tamari (or 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Crispy Tofu
- Drain and press your tofu. Either use a tofu press or place it between two clean kitchen towels and place something heavy (I use a wooden box!) on top of your tofu and press for at least 5 minutes.
- Once most of the liquid is drained from your tofu, cut it in half lengthwise. Then, you can choose to either cube the tofu or cut it into triangles as pictured.
- Coat your tofu pieces in olive oil (I like to use a pastry brush for even coating), then sprinkle cornstarch on both sides.
- Get a large frying pan hot before carefully placing your tofu flat on the pan to fry. Allow your tofu to cook until golden brown on both sides (about 3-5 minutes on each side).
Sticky Orange Sauce
- In the meantime, stir 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into 2 teaspoons of water to form a slurry and set aside.
- Dice your garlic and add it to a small saucepan over medium heat with orange juice, tamari, vinegar, honey, and ground ginger. Bring your sauce up to a boil and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally (cornstarch will start to thicken sauce once it reaches 295°F).
- When you're ready to serve, add the crispy tofu to a large mixing bowl and pour the sauce overtop. Toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Don’t rush your tofu pressing process.
- Make sure to get your pan hot before adding your tofu.
- Only add your sauce just before serving to make sure you keep your tofu crispy.
- Find more delicious meat-free recipes in this collection of my best meatless meals!