A block of tofu can go a long way when dinner needs a plan. Cut it into thick slabs for peppery steaks, tear it into nuggets for the air fryer, or crumble it onto a sheet pan for burrito bowls. These firm tofu recipes cover both firm and extra-firm blocks, so check the individual recipe before you start.
If you’re in the mood for noodles, try the tamarind pad Thai or the basil stir fry. For a meal with plenty of sauce to spoon over rice, start with coconut tofu or one of the two braises. There’s even creamy gnocchi for a change of pace.
1. Marinated Tofu
Light soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and agave give these tofu pieces a balance of salt, tang, and sweetness. Smoked paprika adds a warm note. After pan-frying the pieces until the edges brown, thicken the reserved marinade with a little cornstarch and turn it into a light glaze for the browned tofu.
Start with this pan-fried marinated tofu.
2. Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu
A thin dusting of cornstarch gives these extra-firm tofu cubes a crisp shell in the oven. While they bake, make a teriyaki glaze with ginger and garlic. Toss the cubes in the sauce right before serving so the edges keep their crunch. Fluffy rice and steamed vegetables round out the dinner plate.
Make this crispy baked teriyaki tofu for dinner.
3. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Tear extra-firm tofu into chunks so the batter and seasoned panko have rough edges to grab. Smoked paprika and garlic flavor the crumbs, which turn golden in the air fryer. Leave a little extra room around each nugget as it cooks, then serve the batch with a creamy maple-mustard dip on the side.
Try these crispy air fryer tofu nuggets.
4. Tofu Pad Thai
Tamarind gives the sauce a fruity tang that runs through the chewy rice noodles. Golden tofu, scrambled eggs, and bean sprouts make this a full skillet dinner. Chop the peanuts and cut the lime before you start cooking so the toppings are ready to go as soon as the rice noodles are done cooking.
Get the tofu pad Thai recipe.
5. Crispy Sesame Tofu
Toasted sesame flavor makes this tofu an easy match for plain rice or noodles. The tofu browns in a skillet for crisp edges around a tender center, and a sweet soy sauce adds a salty finish. Add a pile of steamed greens to make it dinner or serve smaller portions as a warm starter.
Cook this crispy sesame tofu next.
6. Stir-Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Creamy peanut butter and rice vinegar give the sauce body and a little tang. The tofu gets a quick fry before joining snap peas, bell pepper, and shredded carrots in the pan. Keep the vegetables slightly crisp, then scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top just before serving it.
Spoon this peanut tofu stir fry over rice.
7. Kung Pao Tofu
Dried red chilies bring heat to this skillet of crisp tofu, red and green bell peppers, and peanuts. Hoisin gives the sauce sweetness and body, while rice vinegar adds a tangy edge. Stir in the peanuts near the end for crunch and serve with plain rice to catch the glossy sauce.
Reach for this Kung Pao tofu on stir-fry night.
8. Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Crumbling extra-firm tofu before baking gives it plenty of edges to toast. Smoked paprika and cumin season the crumbles, which go over fluffy rice with seasoned black beans, corn, and tomatoes. Add avocado and lime crema at the table. For packed lunches, keep the fresh toppings separate until you are ready to eat.
Build your own baked tofu burrito bowl.
9. Black Pepper Tofu “Chicken” Steaks
Thick tofu slabs pick up browned ridges in a hot grill pan and stay tender in the middle. Freshly ground black pepper gives the soy glaze a warm bite, and a little tomato paste deepens the flavor. Serve each slab as a main dish with potatoes and broccoli or slice it over rice.
Slice into these black pepper tofu steaks.
10. Tofu Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Tofu)
Thin slices of firm tofu soak in a sweet soy marinade with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. A light cornstarch coating helps the slices turn golden in the skillet. Finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then tuck the tofu into lettuce leaves or pile it over warm rice with crisp vegetables.
Fill lettuce wraps with this tofu bulgogi.
11. Vegan Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry
Thai basil goes into the wok at the end, where the heat releases its sweet scent. Golden tofu cubes, red bell pepper, and cashews give the dish a mix of soft and crunchy bites. A little chili paste warms up the soy sauce glaze. Serve the stir fry over soba noodles.
Follow this vegan Thai basil tofu stir fry recipe.
12. Spicy Tofu with Coconut Sauce
Thai red curry paste, garlic, and ginger give the coconut milk sauce a fragrant base. Brown the starch-coated tofu first, then return it to the skillet once the sauce comes together. Lime brightens the creamy finish, and basmati rice soaks up the extra sauce. Go easy on the sriracha if you prefer a milder bowl.
Make this spicy coconut tofu.
13. Crispy Baked Tofu Sticks
Panko, smoked paprika, and garlic powder give these oven-baked tofu sticks a seasoned crust. Dip each piece in flour and plant milk before rolling it through the crumbs. The long shape makes them easy to pick up and dip. Use Parmesan in the coating or choose nutritional yeast for a fully vegan batch.
Bake a tray of crispy tofu sticks.
14. Black Pepper Tofu Green Bean Stir Fry
Black pepper gives the sauce its kick, and ginger adds a softer note underneath. Brown the tofu first, then cook the green beans until they turn bright green and still have a little snap. Toss everything together just before serving. Rice makes a simple base for the glossy pepper sauce.
Try the black pepper tofu and green bean stir fry.
15. Tofu Broccoli Stir Fry with Garlic Ginger Sauce
Broccoli takes a quick steam in the skillet so the florets stay bright and keep a little bite. The tofu gets a light cornstarch coating and browns before it meets the vegetables. Fresh garlic and ginger flavor the soy sauce glaze, with a touch of maple syrup to balance the salt.
Serve this garlic ginger tofu and broccoli over noodles.
16. Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi
Soft potato gnocchi and golden tofu cubes meet in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Oat milk and vegan cheese give the sauce its body. Crisp the tofu first and fold it in at the end with the gnocchi, then bring the skillet to the table while everything is still warm.
Try this Marry Me tofu with gnocchi.
17. Braised Tofu with Scallions
Firm tofu gets a golden sear before a short simmer in a brown sauce made with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Scallions soften in the pan and give the gravy a gentle sweetness. Serve it as a shared side or spoon it over warm rice with cooked greens.
Make a skillet of braised tofu with scallions.
18. Spicy Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)
Gochugaru adds fruity heat to the soy and garlic sauce in this Korean braise. Sear the tofu slices on both sides, then let them simmer just long enough to pick up the seasoning and stay tender. Finish with toasted sesame oil and seeds. Serve warm over rice or chilled as a savory side.
Add dubu jorim to your next meal.
Final Thoughts
The next time you bring home a block, pick one of these firm tofu recipes by the texture you want. For a crisp snack, go with panko-coated sticks or nuggets and put the dip on the side. For tender slices and a sauce you can spoon over rice, try the scallion braise or dubu jorim.
A few small steps make a difference. Give the tofu room to brown, have stir-fry sauces ready before the pan gets hot, and wait until serving to glaze anything you want to keep crisp. Once you find a favorite, keep it handy for the next block.