Tofu is a very popular ingredient in many Asian countries - it's not a surprise, there's so many ways you can prepare it! That's why I put together this round up of delicious Asian tofu recipes to try at home - including Chinese mapo tofu, Thai curry tofu, Korean tofu soup, Japanese teriyaki tofu, and more!
Jump to:
- What is tofu?
- What type of tofu to use?
- Pin for later
- 30+ Delicious Asian Tofu Recipes
- Chinese Mapo Tofu
- Napa Cabbage & Tofu Dumplings
- 15 Minute Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry (Pad Krapow)
- Kung Pao Tofu
- Kimchi Tofu Soup (Kimchi-jjigae)
- Sweet Potato and Tofu Thai Red Curry
- Creamy Indian Tofu Curry
- Crispy Teriyaki Tofu
- Green Curry Tofu With Vegetables
- Chinese Tomato Tofu Stir Fry
- Sticky Tofu
- General Tso’s Tofu with Vegetables
- Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant
- Easy Sticky Orange Tofu
- Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
- Spicy Stir Fried Tofu with Bok Choy
- Crispy Szechuan Tofu
- Sweet and Sour Tofu
- Sticky Sesame Tofu With Broccoli
- Thai Pineapple Scrambled Tofu Fried Rice
- Hunan Tofu And Vegetable Stir Fry
- Stuffed Tofu in Black Bean Sauce
- Sesame Ginger Tofu
- Steamed Tofu with Ground Pork
- Shrimp Stuffed Tofu Soup
- Vegan Tofu Pad Thai (30 Minutes)
- Tofu Pudding Dessert or Douhua
- Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu Triangles
- Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup)
- Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu-Jorim)
- Cold Tofu Noodles
- Salted Egg Tofu (Fried tofu & salted egg yolk sauce)
- Vegetable Tofu Soup
- Stir Fry Shredded Meat Celery and Dried Tofu (Dougan)
- Soba Noodles with Glazed Tofu and Stir Fried Veggies (Gluten Free and Vegan)
What is tofu?
First things frist, tofu which is also known as bean curd, made from soy bean curds. It is pressed in to solid white blocks.
I like to think of it in the following analogy: Cheese is to Dairy Milk as Tofu is to Soy Milk!
This is because cheese is made when milk separates into curds and whey, and tofu is made when soy milk separates into curds and whey.
Why Eat Tofu?
- Soaks up flavor - Tofu acts like a sponge for marinades and sauces (hello, mapo tofu magic)
- Budget-friendly - One of the most affordable protein options out there
- Plant-based protein - Satisfying and nourishing without the meat
- Super versatile - Pan-fry it, steam it, toss it in soup, or stuff it into dumplings
- Freezer-friendly - Great for meal prep or stocking up
- Light on the planet - Lower environmental impact than animal-based proteins
What type of tofu to use?
Tofu is categorized by how soft or firm they are. There's silken, regular, firm, extra firm, and super firm.
To provide an idea of how soft/firm they are, silken is the softest type of tofu, and so you will want to be gentle when cooking with this type of tofu as to not break it all apart. Some say it is about the same softness as young white cheese.
Firm tofu is most commonly used and it has about the same firmness as feta cheese. Super firm tofu can sometimes be compared to meat in terms of firmness.
So when you are cooking tofu, make sure to get the right type of tofu (usually mentioned in the recipe.)
Pin for later
So many delicious Asian tofu recipes, which one to try? ALL of them! Pin this recipe round up to try it all later!
30+ Delicious Asian Tofu Recipes
Chinese Mapo Tofu
I’m actually not the biggest fan of tofu, yet I absolutely love Mapo Tofu. Soft cubed tofu cooked in a flavorful spicy meaty sauce? It’s basically a Chinese comfort food! Especially when you eat it with rice!
Napa Cabbage & Tofu Dumplings
Discover your new favorite vegetarian dumplings! These Napa Cabbage & Tofu Dumplings are packed with savory umami from vegetarian oyster sauce. The best part? No pre-cooking the filling needed – just mix, wrap, and cook!
15 Minute Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry (Pad Krapow)
This Thai basil tofu is made with stir fried ground tofu with garlic, ginger, and vegetables in a spicy, savory soy sauce! It’s ready in just 15 minutes and makes an excellent weeknight meal!
Kung Pao Tofu
Kimchi Tofu Soup (Kimchi-jjigae)
Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개) or kimchi stew is a popular Korean cuisine. It is a stew or soup like dish. This Korean kimchi tofu stew or soup recipe is full of umami flavor, a little spicy and the tofu is soft.
Sweet Potato and Tofu Thai Red Curry
A quick, easy and delicious Thai Red Curry with crispy fried tofu, caramelly roast sweet potato, juicy pineapple, and red peppers.
Creamy Indian Tofu Curry
This Indian tofu curry is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavours. A simple cold weather meal that is fuss-free and ready in 30 minutes.
Crispy Teriyaki Tofu
Crispy pan fried tofu tastes amazing with Japanese homemade teriyaki sauce! You can make this as a side or appetizer!
Green Curry Tofu With Vegetables
This green curry tofu is a simplified version inspired by authentic Thai green curry recipes. Made with ingredients you can find at the grocery store, this easy tofu curry comes together in one pan in just 30 minutes.
Chinese Tomato Tofu Stir Fry
Tomato Tofu Stir Fry is a common Chinese household dish, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s easy to make, and a very yummy dish that goes well with rice too! Perfect as a side dish to any meat or seafood entrée, or even as a vegetarian or vegan entrée!
Sticky Tofu
This Sticky Tofu recipe is simple to follow and tastes incredible! Firm tofu is sautéed until crispy, then coated with an Asian-inspired sticky sauce. Serve over rice, veggies, or your favorite noodles for an easy and tasty meal!
General Tso’s Tofu with Vegetables
General Tso's Tofu with Vegetables combines sweet and savory flavors with crispy yet tender tofu. You'll want to make this over and over!
Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant
Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant is a flavor-rich dish featuring crispy tofu and tender eggplant smothered in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Make this delicious dish in a few easy steps in 30 minutes and enjoy it as a side or main course donburi-style!
Easy Sticky Orange Tofu
This easy sticky orange tofu is a tasty version of the classic Chinese takeout dish! Crispy tofu made with a simple marinade and tangy orange sauce.
Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
This air fryer tofu nuggets recipe uses rice four, soy sauce, firm tofu and more! Easy to make and delicious - pair with your favorite dipping sauce!
Spicy Stir Fried Tofu with Bok Choy
This Spicy Stir Fried Tofu with Bok Choy is the perfect healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love! Made with tofu, bok choy, garlic, and sesame oil, this spicy tofu is a fun way to enjoy stir fried tofu.
Crispy Szechuan Tofu
This Szechuan tofu is a classic Chinese dish, made vegan. Spicy, crispy and coated in a sticky sauce, this is one tofu dish you'll return to again and again.
Sweet and Sour Tofu
Sticky Sesame Tofu With Broccoli
This easy sesame tofu with broccoli comes together in 30 minutes and tastes better than take-out! From tofu-lovers to tofu-skeptics, this healthy sesame tofu with broccoli is always a hit!
Thai Pineapple Scrambled Tofu Fried Rice
If your looking for a delicious way to use leftover rice fry this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice recipe. It is sweet and savory, aromatic and packed with lots of veggies and tofu!
Hunan Tofu And Vegetable Stir Fry
Hunan tofu is a classic Chinese dish that's easy to prepare at home. Salty, spicy and full of healthy veg, it's best served with a side of rice.
Stuffed Tofu in Black Bean Sauce
Stuffed Tofu in Black Bean Sauce is a filling main dish to serve with rice. Tofu is fried until golden, then stuffed and simmered in a savory sauce.
Sesame Ginger Tofu
This sesame ginger tofu is super crispy on the outside, with a creamy smooth inside, and it is easy to make too! It is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and healthy.
Steamed Tofu with Ground Pork
Steamed Tofu with Ground Pork features smooth silken tofu and juicy ground pork. This light and healthy dish is packed with savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Shrimp Stuffed Tofu Soup
Shrimp Stuffed Tofu Soup is made with a nourishing Asian gingered broth and tofu packet triangles stuffed with garlic cilantro shrimps for a delicious delicate bite.
Vegan Tofu Pad Thai (30 Minutes)
Tofu Pudding Dessert or Douhua
Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu Triangles
With a combination of salty, sweet, slightly spicy, and umami-rich flavors, this pan-fried garlic tofu is packed with flavor and perfect with grains, stir-fries, and more.
Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup)
Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup) Recipe makes a perfect nutritious umami-packed savory vegan lunch. Comforting, healthy and ready in just 15 minutes!
Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu-Jorim)
Dubu Jorim is an amazing little Korean treasure – Tofu is fried until crisp on the outside and soft inside and then lightly braised in a flavourful sauce made from soy, sesame and gochugaru chilli flakes
Cold Tofu Noodles
Cold Tofu Noodles is one of classic Chinese tofu dish, usually served as a side dish. It’s accidentally happened to be vegan, low-calorie, high protein, as well as gluten-free.
Salted Egg Tofu (Fried tofu & salted egg yolk sauce)
Coated in a buttery, creamy sauce that is simply umamilicious, this salted egg tofu is shockingly addictive! Pairs beautifully with white rice.
Vegetable Tofu Soup
Vegetable Tofu Soup is a popular light soup in Chinese home cooking. One of the things I really like about it is that it is super easy to make and also a very healthy soup!
Stir Fry Shredded Meat Celery and Dried Tofu (Dougan)
Shredded Meat Celery and Dried Tofu Stir Fry – The name is a mouthful but it’s a popular dish in Chinese cuisine! Marinated shredded beef or pork, stir fried with dry pressed tofu (aka dougan) along with julienned celery.
Soba Noodles with Glazed Tofu and Stir Fried Veggies (Gluten Free and Vegan)
This meatless soba noodles dish is packed with flavor! The glazed tofu and stir fry veggies make this a tasty meal for any day of the week!
If you love these recipe round ups, check out my other recipe round ups:
Delicious Chinese Chicken Recipes
Delicious Chinese Pork Recipes
Delicious Chinese Beef Recipes
Got questions or comments? Drop them below!