What are the best tofu recipes for beginners?

For beginners, start with simple tofu recipes like crispy baked tofu or a basic stir-fry with vegetables and a savory sauce. Both are easy, customizable, and show how tofu absorbs flavors. You can also try marinated tofu slices for sandwiches or wraps, perfect for quick, satisfying meals.

How do I make tofu crispy without frying?

To get crispy tofu without frying, press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then toss it in cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Bake it in the oven at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. An air fryer is another excellent option for a crispy texture without the added oil.

What kind of tofu is best for stir-frying?

Extra-firm or firm tofu is best for stir-frying because it holds its shape well and absorbs sauces without falling apart. Press the tofu first to remove excess moisture, making it even sturdier. Once cubed, it can be sautéed to a perfect golden-brown crisp.

How do I make tofu taste like chicken?

To make tofu taste like chicken, press or freeze extra-firm tofu for a chewier texture. Then, marinate it with seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, paprika, and nutritional yeast to mimic chicken flavors. Finally, bake, pan-fry, or air fry the tofu to get a crispy exterior and meaty bite.

How long should I marinate tofu for the best flavor?

Marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate it for a few hours or overnight. This allows the tofu to absorb the marinade deeply, enhancing its taste. For quicker results, cutting tofu into smaller pieces helps it soak up flavors faster.

Best Tofu Recipes (From Easy Eats To Epic Feasts!)

Name: Easy Weeknight Tofu ( and More Best Tofu Recipe Ideas!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu; 1/2 cup mirin; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon agave; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon grated garlic; 1 teaspoon sriracha; 2 teaspoons cornstarch, whisked with 1 tablespoon cold water; 3 teaspoons sesame seeds

Description

This tofu recipe is a low-effort, high-reward gem—full of savory umami, a hint of heat, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s one of the best tofu recipes for weeknights when you want something bold in flavor but simple enough to whip up in 35 minutes. You’ll be coming back to this tofu dish whenever you need a quick, delicious dinner fix!

Ingredients

1 block firm tofu
1/2 cup mirin
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon agave
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon sriracha
2 teaspoons cornstarch, whisked with 1 tablespoon cold water
3 teaspoons sesame seeds

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Instructions

Slice It Up: Start by cutting the tofu into four slabs, then slice each slab in half to make eight pieces. No need to press the water out—keeping some moisture helps with the texture.
Get Sizzling: Heat a splash of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Toss in those tofu pieces and cover the pan with a lid. Let them sauté for 10-12 minutes. You’ll hear some sputtering, and that’s just the tofu working on getting delicious!
Whip Up the Sauce: While the tofu is cooking, grab a bowl and mix together the mirin, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, agave, grated ginger and garlic, and sriracha . Pour this mix into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat to let those flavors mingle and get cozy.
Flip It: Check on your tofu! If it’s looking nicely browned, flip those pieces over for some more crisping action. Be careful when you lift the lid for any steamy drips. Let it brown for another 10 minutes or so.
Thicken the Sauce: Once your tofu is looking golden, turn the heat on the sauce to medium. When it starts to bubble a bit, add in the cornstarch slurry and whisk it for a minute or two until it thickens up. Then, take it off the heat.
Serve It Up: Pour your awesome sauce over your browned tofu and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Keep any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Perfect for an easy next-day lunch!
Reheating: To reheat, warm the tofu in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if things get sticky. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals until heated through—just be careful not to overdo it.
What’s a Slurry? A slurry is your secret weapon for thickening sauces without the lumps! It’s a simple mix of cornstarch and cold water that you whisk into the sauce once it starts to bubble. The heat activates the cornstarch, transforming your sauce into a silky, velvety coating for the crispy tofu. Pro tip: whisk it in well to avoid any clumps.
Make it Pretty: Garnish your tofu with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a simple finish, or get fancy with chopped green onions, a squirt of sriracha, or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions: This tofu is super versatile! Serve it over noodles or rice, mix it into a ramen bowl, or toss it into a Buddha bowl. It’s also delicious alongside roasted potatoes or fresh greens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéed, Simmered
Cuisine: Asian