10 tasty tofu recipes

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Margo True

Grilled Tofu, Bacon, and Avocado Sandwiches

Charles Phan’s Out the Door in San Francisco serves a non-traditional fried tofu banh mi with grilled zucchini and avocado. Andrea Nguyen, a cookbook author and cooking teacher based in Northern California, likes to change it up by marinating and grilling a slab of tofu and sliding it into a ciabatta roll along with the vegetables and bacon. Sriracha and a drizzle of the ginger-soy marinade add even more complex flavor.

Recipe: Grilled Tofu, Bacon, and Avocado Sandwiches

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Margo True

Pressed Tofu, Roast Duck, and Broccolini Stir-Fry

This recipe from Andrea Nguyen, a cookbook author and cooking teacher based in Northern California, was inspired by a dish at Seattle’s Ba Bar. Usually flavored with five-spice powder, brown-colored pressed tofu is sold at Chinese and Vietnamese markets, which often have a barbecue shop where you can pick up the roast duck, too.

If you'd rather not use duck fat for the stir-frying, substitute it with 2 tbsp. canola oil. Char siu pork can sub for the duck, too.

Recipe: Pressed Tofu, Roast Duck, and Broccolini Stir-Fry

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Margo True

Miso-Glazed Tofu with Parsnips Two Ways

Chef Douglas Keane regularly serves housemade tofu on his tasting menu at Cyrus, a Michelin two-star restaurant in Healdsburg, CA, and uses it in this uncommonly good creation. For her home rendition, cookbook author and teacher Andrea Nguyen likes to roast the parsnips with sesame oil to amplify their sweet earthiness.

Recipe: Miso-Glazed Tofu with Parsnips Two Ways

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Margo True

Fresh Herb and Tofu Curry

Andrea Nguyen, a cookbook author and cooking teacher based in Northern California, based this fragrant, creamy coconut-milk curry on one from James Syhabout's Hawker Fare, in Oakland, CA. Use asparagus or green beans instead of bok choy if you like, and serve it with steamed jasmine rice—or a warm baguette.

Recipe: Fresh Herb and Tofu Curry

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Margo True

Tofu Fries with Gingered Ketchup

At Musha’s, a Tokyo-style izakaya in Santa Monica, classic agedashi (block-fried) tofu gets turned into slender fries served with wasabi mayonnaise and sweet chile sauce. Andrea Nguyen, a cookbook author and cooking teacher based in Northern California, gives the fries an Indian twist—the gingered ketchup.

Recipe: Tofu Fries with Gingered Ketchup

Photo by Leigh Beisch; written by Margo True

Asian Greens and Tofu Soup

A simple, excellent, healthy soup for a weeknight. You'll feel like your mama is cooking for you.

Recipe: Asian Greens and Tofu Soup

Photo by James Carrier; written by Margo True

Spicy Eggplant, Pork, and Tofu Stir-Fry

Spicy garlic sauce gives a big flavor punch to simple stir-fry in this Asian-inspired dish.

Recipe: Spicy Eggplant, Pork, and Tofu Stir-Fry

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Margo True

Spinach Dinner Salad with Sesame Tofu

The excitement in this salad comes from crisp little cubes of tofu, gently fried and crusted with sesame seeds. It's quick and just right for a weeknight.

Recipe: Spinach Dinner Salad with Sesame Tofu

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Margo True

Tofu and Eggplant Hobo Bundles

Here's a fresh new vegetarian main course for a summer night: grill the tofu and eggplant in foil, open up the fragrant bundle, and top it with a spicy salad.

Recipe: Tofu and Eggplant Hobo Bundles

Photo by xx; written by Margo True

Sesame Tofu Dressing

What a way to deliver creamy, bold flavor to a boring salad! Honestly, even plain iceberg tastes great with this dressing spooned on top. More good news: It's low-fat and high-protein.

Recipe: Sesame Tofu Dressing