What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (2024)

By: Allie Petersen · · ·This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. ·

Not sure what to serve with your tofu? There's lot of different sides that go well with tofu. Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls.

You can combine different sides to create a balanced meal of a protein, grain, and vegetable.

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (1)
Jump to:
  • Tofu Recipes
  • ❓Quick FAQs
  • Grains
  • Pasta
  • Veggies
  • Salad
  • Buddha Bowls
  • Top Tofu Recipes:
  • Comments
Our Favorite

Tofu Recipes

Want some tasty ways to cook tofu? Try out these recipes

  • The Best Sticky Tofu
  • Crispy Asian Air Fried Tofu
  • Teriyaki Tofu
  • Buffalo Tofu Bites
  • Lemon Pepper Tofu

❓Quick FAQs

What is the best way to eat tofu?

Tofu can be eaten in many ways such as raw, pan-fried, baked, air-fried, or boiled. Cooking your tofu is a popular method to obtain a crispy exterior. A common practice is to press your tofu to remove excess moisture and improve the texture. Coat your tofu in a small amount of cornstarch, air fry or pan-fry until crispy, then coat in a delicious sauce.

Is tofu good for you?

Tofu is a popular plant-based protein source made from soybeans that has a lot of nutritional and health benefits. Tofu is an excellent source of protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids. It is also rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and B-vitamins (some are fortified with Vitamin B12). Tofu is low in saturated fat and may help lower your cholesterol.
However, it's important to note that like any food, moderation and variety are key. While tofu has many benefits, relying solely on tofu for all your nutritional needs may not provide the necessary variety of nutrients your body requires.

What to not serve with tofu?

According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones. If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, you should avoid soy products like tofu or spinach.

Grains

There are lots of options for grains to serve with tofu. For faster cooking, try using an Instant Pot.

  • Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Barley
  • Bulgar
  • Farro
  • Millet

Try out some of these tasty recipes:

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (2)

Mango Fried Rice

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (3)

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (4)

Cauliflower Rice

Total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (5)

Quinoa Risotto with Butternut Squash and Greens

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (6)

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (8)

Garlic Fried Rice

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (9)

Forbidden Rice

Total time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (10)

Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8

Pasta

Tofu is a delicious addition to pasta. It adds more protein to your dish and the tofu absorbs the sauce well.

  • Asian noodle dishes
  • Cold pasta salads
  • Thai noodles dishes
  • And more!

Try out some of these amazing pasta recipes:

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (11)

Miso Peanut Noodles

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (12)

Noodle Bowl

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (13)

Udon Stir Fry

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (14)

Vegan Drunk Noodles

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (15)

Vegan Peanut Noodles

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (16)

Pad Woon Sen (Glass Noodles)

Total time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Veggies

One of the best sides with tofu is a delicious, crisp veggie. You can use stir fried, roasted, or air-fried veggies.

Some of the best veggies with tofu include:

  • Broccoli
  • Red Pepper
  • Onion
  • Green Beans
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Asparagus
  • Zucchini
  • Carrots
  • Bok Choy
  • and many more!

Try out one of these delicious vegetable sides:

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (17)

Total time: 27 minutes

Servings: 2-3

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (18)

Stir Fry Veggies

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (19)

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (20)

Vegan Steamer Recipes (lots of veggie recipes)

Total time: Various times

Servings: Various servings

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (21)

Crispy Thai Brussel Sprouts

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (22)

Zesty Zucchini Stir Fry

Total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (23)

Easy Green Beans & Broccoli Stir Fry

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (24)

Bok Choy Stir Fry

Total time: 18 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (25)

Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus

Total time: 22 minutes

Servings: 4

Salad

Tofu is a great addition on top of a salad or mixed into a refreshing pasta or quinoa salad. It adds a lot of protein with 22g per serving!

  • Cold pasta salad
  • Cold grain salad
  • Green salad

Try one of these healthy, delicious salads:

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (26)

Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (27)

Bright Spring Mix Salad

Total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (28)

Chik-Fil-A Kale Krunch Salad

Total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (29)

Pesto Orzo Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (30)

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (31)

Superfood Crunch Salad

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (32)

Asian Pasta Salad

Total time: 18 minutes

Servings: 6-8

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (33)

Chopped Vegetable Salad with Peanut Dressing

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Buddha Bowls

A buddha bowl is a balanced nutritious bowl often composed of a grain, vegetable, protein, and often a yummy sauce. Tofu is a great addition to a buddha bowl and can be transformed into many different flavors.

Try out one of these mouthwatering buddha bowl recipes:

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (34)

Korean Tofu Noodle Bowl

Total time: 35 minutes

Servings: 3

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (35)

Crispy Asian Tofu Buddha Bowl

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (36)

Vegan Poke Bowl

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (37)

Vegan Mediterranean Bowl

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2

What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (38)

Buffalo Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Top Tofu Recipes:

  • Mouthwatering Sticky Tofu
  • Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites
  • Crispy Asian Tofu (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)
  • Buffalo Tofu Wrap with Easy Vegan Ranch
  • Tofu Black Bean Tacos
  • Teriyaki Tofu
  • Crispy Lemon Pepper Tofu (Air Fryer)
  • Thai Peanut Tofu Wrap

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What to Serve With Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What side dishes go well with tofu? ›

Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls. What is this? You can combine different sides to create a balanced meal of a protein, grain, and vegetable.

What flavors go well with tofu? ›

Tofu can take on the flavors of Japanese cooking, which include miso, sake, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin or sweet rice wine, ginger, sesame seed oil, sesame seeds and wasabi.

What meat pairs well with tofu? ›

Tender beef, soft tofu, some scallions, and just the right amount of sauce over a bed of white or brown rice is a quick, and totally satisfying meal for any day of the week!

What happens if you don't drain tofu before cooking? ›

Here's the thing: even though tofu might be labeled firm or extra-firm, it contains a lot of water. This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture.

How to make tofu more tasty? ›

It tastes best when marinated, just not with oil.

If you don't marinate it, it won't taste like anything. Tofu has a lot of water in it — even after you press it — and oil and water don't mix. Using oil in your marinade will actually create an oil slick on the tofu, meaning the flavors will never absorb.

How many times a week should I eat tofu? ›

"For the vast majority of people, it should be reasonable to incorporate tofu in their daily diet without any issues," Sun said. He and his family eat "probably three servings per week," Sun said. He likes using soft tofu in soups and firm tofu – frozen and cut up – in a traditional Chinese hot pot.

What seasoning is good on tofu? ›

Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky profundity, just the ticket for a barbecue-style tofu escapade. Cumin Powder: Delivers an earthy warmth, a star in spice rubs or marinades. Garlic Powder: The universal maestro of flavor, perfect for a savory twist.

What is the aftertaste of tofu? ›

How do I get the aftertaste of tofu out of my mouth? Check your ingredients and make something different, buy tofu from a different source, silken might be firmed with a different substance than you are used to.

Should tofu be eaten hot or cold? ›

Shelf life of an unopened aseptic box is up to 10 months. Tofu can be eaten hot or cold, by itself or in recipes.

What is a good side for tofu? ›

Super Easy Side Dishes with Grilled or Baked Tofu

Buckwheat (soba or udon) or rice noodles with fresh napa cabbage, broccoli, green onions, and/or mushrooms and rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or sesame teriyaki sauce. Steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.

How long does leftover tofu last in the fridge? ›

In general, opened, uncooked tofu is good for up to five days when stored correctly. As for cooked tofu (including tofu integrated into dishes), you'll have four to five days to eat it when it's stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is tofu good for dinner for weight loss? ›

Some people on a low-carb diet even eat tofu stir-fry on its own. Just the tofu and veggies without the rice or noodles will still fill you up. This is an excellent meal if you want to lose weight, because it's packed with fiber-rich veggies and low-fat protein in the form of tofu.

Is it OK to eat eggs with tofu? ›

Quick, easy, and healthy, Tofu and Eggs is the perfect meal for any weeknight dinner!

What is a good side dish for mapo tofu? ›

Serve mapo tofu with plain steamed rice and enjoy it by the spoonful! You can also round out your meal with a small salad and miso soup, or check out some of these side dishes.

Is it good to eat tofu for dinner? ›

Compounds in tofu appear to protect against illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. In addition, this soy food may promote brain and bone health and have several other benefits. As such, tofu makes a great addition to a well-rounded diet.

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