How to Make Tofu Taste Good

Tofu is a great plant-based source of protein, but it has a terrible reputation when it comes to flavor. Whether you’re frying, sautéing or adding it to chocolate mousse, here are the best ways to make tofu taste delicious.

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Photo By: Antonis Achilleos

Photo By: RYAN DAUSCH

Photo By: Antonis Achilleos

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Photo By: Tara Donne

Tofu Parmesan Subs

Like with most things, frying is a great way to make tofu taste, well, not like tofu. Another way to up the flavor? Place it on a nice loaf of Italian bread and smother it in homemade marinara sauce. Still not totally convinced? Throw some fresh mozzarella cheese on there, place it under the broiler and watch as the cheese melts and bubbles to perfection. Then, mangia!

Get the Recipe: Tofu Parmesan Subs

Vegan Classic Cheesecake

This non-dairy cheesecake is a showstopper. The creamy texture from vegan cream cheese and silken tofu mimic that of a regular cheesecake, so you vegans will be satisfied, and non-vegans need never know! If anyone says tofu is boring, this cheesecake is the best rebuttal.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Classic Cheesecake

Tofu Tacos

These tofu tacos are a must for taco night. They're easy to make, full of flavor and so much fun to customize. Invite your friends over for taco night and fry up some tofu to top with their choice of extras. It’s a meat-free fiesta!

Get the Recipe: Tofu Tacos

Sesame Tofu Salad

It’s time to start a petition to make entrée salads a thing. No more sad side salads; the leafy little guys need to take center stage and this Sesame Tofu Salad is the first step in their big break. With sweet, spicy, salty and umami notes, this Asian-inspired tofu dish elevates your average salad to one satisfying enough for a family dinner, light enough for a weeknight meal and fun enough for a summertime lunch. The best part? It’s great leftover so you make the most of it, enjoying for dinner one night and lunch the next day.

Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu Salad

Tofu-Potato Scramble

Just because you’re vegan or vegetarian doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a great breakfast scramble! And just because you aren’t vegan or vegetarian doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy tofu! Whatever your dietary preferences or restrictions, try this Tofu-Potato Scramble for a balanced, hash-like mix of tofu, potato, bell pepper and scallion. If you’re leaning more towards a breakfast taco vibe, pile the scramble into tortillas and top with halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce and maybe even a sprinkle of cheese.

Get the Recipe: Tofu-Potato Scramble

Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Lo Mein

Vegetable Lo Mein doesn’t typically contain tofu, but, if you’re looking to vary the dish’s flavor and texture, add it! By itself, tofu has a rather plain flavor, but, once seasoned and cooked properly (like in this Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Lo Mein dish!), it develops an earthy profile that highlights the soy bean or edamame from which it’s made.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Lo Mein

Eggplant and Tofu Curry

When you’re looking for a heartier dinner, turn to this Eggplant and Tofu Curry. Serving as a platform for the vibrant flavors of the curry, the eggplant and tofu absorb the ginger, jalapeno and coconut notes, each developing a depth of flavor and tender texture. Pair the dish with rice if you’re looking for a full meal or sandwich it between two pieces of bread for a flavorful alternative.

Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Tofu Curry

Kids Can Make: Baked Tofu Tenders

If you’re looking for a way to get your kids into the kitchen, start with tofu! This Baked Tofu Tenders recipe is simple, yet engaging and will show kids all different cooking techniques from preheating an oven to elementary knife skills.

Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu Tenders

Grilled Tofu and Chicken Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of the most-popular Thai dishes at restaurants, but it’s not difficult to make at home. This Pad Thai has a complex flavor profile developed through sweet notes from peanut butter, savory notes from fish sauce, spice from ancho chile powder and a sour kick from fresh lime.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Tofu and Chicken Pad Thai

Carrot-Ginger Soup with Tofu

Sweetness from the frozen carrots and carrot juice is complemented by the bite of the fresh ginger and floral notes from the anise pod. The soup is also topped with extra firm tofu that gets fried and scattered atop each serving, acting as that crouton crunch every great bowl of soup needs.

Get the Recipe: Carrot-Ginger Soup with Tofu

Lettuce Cups with Tofu and Beef

Tofu is a great option for vegetarians, but it also augments meat dishes, adding texture, like with these Lettuce Cups with Tofu and Beef. Full of a depth of flavor from the integration of ingredients like chile-garlic sauce, minced ginger and hoisin sauce, this stir fry look alike is great in lettuce cups, as seen in this recipe, but also atop rice or paired with a nice flatbread. Another bonus is the incorporation of water chestnuts, a universally loved, often underutilized texture enhancer.

Get the Recipe: Lettuce Cups with Tofu and Beef

Dark Chocolate Mousse

There's nothing better than a great chocolate mousse, especially when it’s made from silken tofu. Hot take, sure, but hear us out. The tofu, once blended to incorporate air and a develop a bit of body for the mousse, takes on a super sleek and smooth texture. Once combined with the dark chocolate, cocoa powder and brandy, the tofu absorbs the flavors of each, creating an integrated, flavorful dessert. You may be a bit apprehensive about trying this recipe if you aren’t a tofu lover, but once you try it, you’ll never go back to your old mousse recipe again.

Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Mousse