Tofu Archives - Vegetarian Mamma

Easy Tofu Tacos — Vegan, Gluten-Free + Ready in 25 Minutes

Alysen — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:35:37 +0000

Tofu Tacos are an easy vegan dinner made with crumbled extra-firm tofu, homemade taco seasoning, and all your favorite taco toppings. This simple tofu taco meat cooks in a skillet until golden, flavorful, and perfect for filling crunchy taco shells.

If you are looking for a quick meatless taco night recipe, these tofu tacos are ready in just 25 minutes. They are hearty, family-friendly, and easy to make gluten-free when you use hard taco shells that are labeled gluten-free.

This recipe uses simple ingredients like extra-firm tofu, chili powder, liquid smoke, paprika, cumin, and garlic salt to create a smoky, savory tofu taco filling that works perfectly in hard taco shells with lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and vegan sour cream.

🌮Tofu Tacos Recipe

The amount of flavor packed into these tofu tacos is stunning! I alternate these easy vegan tacos with my tofu sofritas recipe every Taco Tuesday because both recipes are simple, satisfying, and packed with plant-based protein.

You do not need a store-bought plant-based meat substitute to make delicious vegetarian tacos. Extra-firm tofu makes a great taco filling because it crumbles easily, browns in a skillet, and soaks up bold taco seasoning.

The key to the best tofu taco meat is using extra-firm tofu, pressing out the excess moisture, crumbling it in the skillet, and letting it cook until the edges turn golden. Once the tofu is mixed with the homemade taco seasoning paste, it becomes a smoky, savory filling that is perfect for taco night.

I make tofu all the time now that I have an EZ Tofu Press! It takes the hard work out of draining tofu and makes this recipe easier from start to finish.

This post is sponsored by the EZ Tofu Press. All opinions are my own.

❤Why You’ll Love These Tofu Tacos

These tofu tacos are quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

They are made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

The crumbled tofu creates a hearty taco-meat texture without meat.

This recipe is vegan and can be made gluten-free with gluten-free hard taco shells.

The tofu taco filling cooks in one skillet and is ready in about 25 minutes.

Everyone can build their own tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and vegan sour cream.

🛒Ingredients in Tofu Tacos

Tofu: You'll want firm or extra-firm tofu for the crispiest ground tofu. While silken tofu breaks up easily, it turns to mush pretty quickly.

Oil: You need a little neutral oil to make the best ground tofu. Choose your favorite!

Chili powder: This is the main base for my taco seasoning! It's so smoky and helps add that brown color, too. You can use store-bought or make your own. I can't wait to use garden-fresh peppers this year.

Liquid smoke: This brings that perfect flavor to the taco seasoning. I use this for so many recipes for an extra grilled flavor.

Paprika: Add a subtle spice to your taco seasoning! If you want a spicier tofu taco, add a little cayenne pepper, too.

Cumin: If there's something off with your Mexican recipes, it's probably a lack of cumin. This earthy spice adds depth to any dish.

Garlic salt: Dehydrated garlic powder is so much sweeter than raw garlic. Garlic salt is just garlic powder mixed with salt, so 2-in-1!

Taco shells: I use hard taco shells, but soft tacos are great too! Read ingredients to keep gluten-free.

Taco toppings: I like to top these tofu tacos with lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and vegan sour cream. These simple toppings keep the tacos fresh, crunchy, and flavorful.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, and I will get back to you ASAP!

Best Tofu for Tacos

The best tofu for tacos is firm or extra-firm tofu. These types of tofu hold up well in the skillet and create the best crumbled tofu taco meat texture.

Extra-firm tofu works especially well because it has less moisture than softer tofu. Once it is pressed, cubed, and mashed in the skillet, it turns into small crumbles that brown around the edges and absorb the taco seasoning.

For this recipe, avoid silken tofu. It is too soft and will not give you the hearty taco filling texture you want.

How to Press Tofu

There are two ways to press tofu. You can use an EZ Tofu Press, or you can press your tofu by balancing heavy objects on top of it.

I prefer the tofu press method. I have been using the EZ Tofu Press for almost a decade. I use it weekly, and it continues to do an amazing job!

The EZ Tofu Press easily, quickly, and with less mess removes liquid from firm or extra-firm tofu. It uses simple mechanics and high-quality materials, making it long-lasting and easy to use.

How Long to Press Tofu

I press my tofu with the EZ Tofu Press for 12 to 15 minutes. I turn the knobs tighter every 3 to 4 minutes as the tofu releases liquid.

Pressing tofu is important for tofu tacos because it removes extra moisture. Less moisture helps the tofu brown better in the skillet and gives the taco filling a better texture.

HOW TO MAKE TOFU TACOS

First, press your tofu! Put the firm tofu between the EZ Tofu Press plates and tighten the knob every few minutes.
Then, chop the tofu into cubes and sauté. To make "ground" tofu, mash it with a fork until it's perfectly crumbled.
While the tofu cooks, whisk together chili powder, liquid smoke, paprika, cumin, and garlic salt. It will be thick like a paste.
Once the tofu is golden brown on all sides, add the taco seasoning paste. Stir it all up.
Now, set up your taco bar! I usually use lettuce, tomato, salsa, and vegan sour cream. Use your favorites!
The best part of taco night is that everyone gets to make their own!

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.

Tips for Crispy Tofu Taco Meat

For the best texture in tofu taco meat, press the tofu before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the tofu brown rather than steam.

Once the tofu is in the skillet, mash it into crumbles with a fork. Let the tofu cook long enough to turn golden before adding the taco seasoning paste.

Do not stir the tofu constantly. Letting it sit in the skillet for short periods helps the edges brown and gives the filling a better texture.

Add the taco seasoning paste after the tofu has started to turn golden. This helps the tofu develop texture first, then soak up all the smoky taco flavor.

Can You Make Tofu Like Ground Beef?

Yes, tofu can be cooked into a plant-based taco filling with a texture similar to ground taco meat.

To make tofu like ground beef, start with firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu, cut it into pieces, and sauté it in a skillet. As it cooks, mash it with a fork until it becomes small crumbles.

The tofu will not taste exactly like beef, but it does create a hearty, savory, plant-based taco meat texture when cooked with taco seasoning.

I make this crumbled tofu almost every morning for my tofu scramble, and it works just as well in these easy tofu tacos.

How to Remove Liquid From Tofu

All firm tofu recipes start with pressing the tofu. But what does that really mean?

Tofu is packed in water, so firm and extra-firm tofu still holds moisture. For tofu tacos, removing some of that liquid helps the tofu brown better and keeps the taco filling from becoming too soft.

Start with a block of firm or extra-firm tofu. Place the tofu block between the EZ Tofu Press plates and tighten the knobs until you feel resistance.

As the tofu drains, tighten the knobs every few minutes to keep the pressure on. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Are Tofu Tacos Gluten-Free?

Tofu itself is naturally gluten-free, but the full taco recipe depends on the taco shells and toppings you use.

To keep these tofu tacos gluten-free, use hard taco shells that are labeled gluten-free. Also, check your salsa, vegan sour cream, and seasonings to make sure they are gluten-free.

This is an easy recipe to keep gluten-free because the tofu taco meat is made with simple ingredients and homemade taco seasoning.

What to Serve with Tofu Tacos

Simple meals go best with simple side dishes. Keep taco night easy with Spanish rice and black beans.

Save some time on clean-up next Taco Tuesday with elote in the air fryer! It is so delicious even without all that dairy.

Mexican tater tot casserole is hearty enough for a main dish but easy enough for a side.

These tofu tacos also work well for a build-your-own taco night. Set out the tofu taco meat, hard taco shells, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and vegan sour cream so everyone can make their own plate.

How to Store and Reheat Tofu Taco Filling

Store leftover tofu taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For best results, store the tofu taco meat separately from the taco shells and toppings. This keeps the shells crunchy and the toppings fresh.

To reheat, warm the tofu taco filling in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If the tofu seems dry, add a tiny splash of water while reheating.

Tofu Tacos FAQs

Do you have to press tofu for tacos?

Yes, pressing tofu gives you the best texture for tofu tacos. Pressing removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu brown in the skillet and creates a better, crumbly taco-meat texture.

What kind of tofu is best for tofu tacos?

Extra-firm tofu is best for tofu tacos because it holds its shape, crumbles well, and browns better than softer tofu. Firm tofu can also work, but avoid silken tofu for this recipe.

Can tofu taste like taco meat?

Tofu can make delicious plant-based taco meat when it is pressed, crumbled, cooked until golden, and well-seasoned. It will not taste exactly like beef, but it creates a hearty taco filling with great flavor and texture.

Are tofu tacos vegan?

Yes, these tofu tacos are vegan when served with vegan toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and vegan sour cream.

Are tofu tacos gluten-free?

These tofu tacos can be gluten-free when you use hard taco shells that are labeled gluten-free and make sure your toppings and seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I make tofu taco meat ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tofu taco filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet before serving for the best texture.

How do you keep tofu taco meat from getting mushy?

Use extra-firm tofu, press it before cooking, and give it enough time to brown in the skillet. Do not add the taco seasoning paste too early. Let the tofu cook first so it can develop texture.

More Amazing Tofu Recipes

No matter how you like to make tofu, it's always amazing.

Cauliflower taco bowls in the air fryer are another great way to celebrate Taco Tuesday without meat. Add your favorite toppings for a simple meal your family will love.

Keep it light and plant-based with these amazing Thai lettuce cups. I love this nut-free Thai recipe with crispy tofu, sriracha, and sesame seeds.

Kick off your morning with these super-easy tofu scramble breakfast burritos. They're easy to customize and even easier to make!

Trying to get your kids to eat more tofu? These kid-approved tofu bites are just like vegan chicken nuggets with a sweet dipping sauce.

Tofu Pad Thai is an easy-to-make favorite for a quick weeknight dinner.

Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! If you make this recipe, I'd love for you to give it a quick review and star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, too!

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Tofu Tacos

These easy tofu tacos are made with crumbled extra-firm tofu, homemade taco seasoning, and your favorite toppings. A quick vegan taco dinner that can be made gluten-free with gluten-free hard taco shells and is ready in just 25 minutes.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican American

Keyword tofu tacos, vegan tacos, vegetarian tacos

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings tacos

Calories 103kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
1 block extra firm tofu

Taco Seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic salt

Taco Toppings

Lettuce
Tomatoes diced
Salsa
Vegan sour cream
8 hard taco shells

US Customary - Metric

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Press the tofu with EZ Tofu Press for 12 to 15 minutes. Put extra firm tofu between plates, and tighten the knobs until there's resistance. Keep tightening the knobs every 3 to 4 minutes.
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté tofu cubes, and mash them with a fork to make crumbled tofu.
While the tofu cooks, whisk together all taco seasoning ingredients. It will form a thick paste.
After about 10 minutes when the tofu cubes begin to turn golden brown, add taco seasonings to the pan. Stir to combine.
Serve with lettuce, tomato, salsa, and vegan sour cream in hard taco shells. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional facts do not include toppings.
To keep this recipe gluten-free, use hard taco shells that are labeled gluten-free and check that your salsa, vegan sour cream, and seasonings are gluten-free.

Nutrition

The post Easy Tofu Tacos — Vegan, Gluten-Free + Ready in 25 Minutes appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Pineapple Tofu (Sweet & Savory, Gluten-Free + Easy Dinner Recipe)

Alysen — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:21:00 +0000

This pineapple tofu is a sweet-and-savory Asian-inspired tofu recipe tossed in a bold ginger-garlic sauce with juicy pineapple chunks. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors—all in one easy, gluten-free dinner.

If you love sweet-and-sour tofu, this recipe delivers the same sticky, flavorful sauce with tender tofu and caramelized pineapple. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this plant-based meal is high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for busy weeknights.

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PINEAPPLE TOFU

Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor
Better than takeout tofu at home
Ready in under 30 minutes
Packed with plant-based protein
Easy to customize with veggies or spice
Add the sauce to Kid Friendly Tofu Bites (tofu for kids)
Create Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls ( think meal prep!).

🧠 TOFU BASICS

What is tofu?

Tofu is a plant-based protein made from soybeans. It’s naturally gluten-free and absorbs the flavors of sauces and seasonings, making it perfect for recipes like pineapple ginger tofu.

Tofu is generally made by:

Soaking soybeans in water, then blending them up.
Straining out the pulp leaves you with soy milk.
Adding a coagulant (lemon juice works well) to curdle the milk and create curds.
Straining again and keeping the solids.
Pressing the curds to create a block of tofu.

What type of tofu should I use?

For this recipe, extra-firm tofu works best. It holds its shape when frying and creates a better texture when coated in sauce.

There are many types of tofu, but here are the ones that you will probably see at the store.

Silken Tofu -Silken tofu is made differently than block tofu, in that the soy milk is coagulated, but without curds forming. This means the end product is smooth, with no lumps or bumps. These tofu styles require delicate handling to avoid turning it to mush.
Firm Block Tofu - Slightly softer than extra-firm, firm block tofu is a very versatile style that will hold up to most types of cooking. Try it fried, stuffed, boiled, or pan-fried in any savory dish.
Extra Firm Block Tofu -This tofu is, as its name suggests, the firmest and heartiest of the block tofu varieties. The curds are tightly pressed together, and the tofu is chewy and dense. Extra-firm tofu is the best choice if you’d like to make crispy, fried tofu, or for any meal that requires a hearty bite.

How do you prepare tofu?

To prepare tofu:

Remove excess moisture by pressing it
Cut into even cubes
Cook until lightly golden before adding the sauce

This helps the tofu absorb flavor and improve texture.

Pressing Your Tofu

Press your tofu block, regardless of how you choose to cook it.
Start with firm or extra-firm block tofu, and before adding heat, remove some of the liquid.
If the tofu is too liquidy, you won’t get good browning or any crispiness – and you definitely want both in your final dish!
This step takes about 15 minutes if you’re using a tofu press.

I use an EZ Tofu Press to press my tofu before I cook it. I’ve had mine for years, and it is by far my favorite kitchen tool. This press is unique in that it is made from BPA-free plastic and stainless steel, so it won’t rust and will keep pressing for years to come.

Reasons WHY I LOVE my EZ Tofu Press:

It can press virtually all sizes of firm and extra-firm tofu.
The pressing can be achieved in 15 minutes or less. (Talk about a huge time saver!)
The press is substantially faster than spring-based tofu presses.
The press is easy to clean!

You can pick up your own on Amazon. I promise you’ll love it! ❤

🛒 INGREDIENTS

Extra firm tofu – best for holding its shape after pressing and frying
Coconut aminos – gives the sauce savory depth while keeping it gluten-free
Pineapple juice and pineapple chunks – add fruity sweetness and bright flavor
Maple syrup – balances the savory and tangy notes
Fresh ginger – adds the bold ginger flavor that defines the dish
Gluten-free flour or cornstarch – thickens the sauce
Cooked rice – makes this a complete gluten-free dinner
Option for toppings: Cilantro, Sesame Seeds and Diced Green Onion

The sauce on this pineapple ginger tofu is delicious. It is simple to make and just might bring back some memories from your meat-eating days. (If you used to consume meat: Think pineapple ginger chicken, but a vegan way!)

👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE GINGER TOFU

1. Press the tofu

Press extra-firm tofu for 10–12 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Make the pineapple ginger sauce

Blend together until smooth in a blender:

water
coconut aminos
pineapple juice
pineapple chunks
maple syrup
fresh ginger

3. Cook the tofu

Cut tofu into cubes and cook in oil until lightly golden on all sides.

4. Thicken the sauce

Heat the sauce in a pan, then whisk in cornstarch until thickened.

5. Combine

Add tofu to the sauce and toss until fully coated.

6. Serve

Serve warm over cooked rice and add toppings as desired.

🔥 TEXTURE TIP

For better texture, cook tofu in a single layer so it browns evenly before adding the sauce.

🍍Pineapple Ginger Tofu Tips

The exact amount of juice and pineapple chunks equals one snack-sized (pre-made) cup of pineapple. Think kid snacks!
Learn more about how tofu is made (even try it at home if you like!) and what the different types of tofu mean. Understanding Tofu – a beginner's guide
Read about the health benefits of adding tofu to your meal plan. Benefits of Tofu
Tofu is gluten-free. Tofu is made from soy. You need to always read ingredient labels just to double-check. If you are purchasing tofu with added flavorings, you might find some hidden gluten! Just be a label-reading watchdog, and you should be fine! As always, shoot me a message if you need help!

Pin this pineapple ginger tofu for later:

🍽️ WHAT TO SERVE WITH PINEAPPLE GINGER TOFU

This gluten-free tofu dinner pairs perfectly with:

White or brown rice
Quinoa
Simple vegetables

❓ FAQ

Is pineapple ginger tofu gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free when made with coconut aminos.

What type of tofu works best?

Extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape during cooking.

How do you thicken the sauce?

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks and juice work well in this recipe.

How do I improve tofu texture?

Pressing the tofu and cooking it until lightly golden helps improve texture.

⁉Check out these easy tofu recipes:

Orange Tofu
Sweet and Sour Tofu
Sweet Thai Chili Tofu Bowls (think meal prep!)
Buffalo Tofu Bites
BBQ Tofu Marinade
Kid Friendly Tofu Bites (tofu for kids)
Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls ( think meal prep!)

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Pineapple Ginger Tofu

Pineapple Ginger Tofu is a vegan play on a pineapple ginger chicken recipe. This tofu recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword pineapple ginger tofu

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings people

Calories 141kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

1 EZ Tofu Press

Ingredients

block tofu extra firm
2 T oil for frying
½ c water
½ c coconut aminos
¼ c pineapple juice
¼ c pineapple chunks
1 T maple syrup
1 T flour gluten free or cornstarch
3 c rice cooked
1 inch fresh ginger peeled

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Press your tofu using the tofu press for 10-12 minutes. Turning the knobs tighter every 4 minutes.
Place the water, coconut aminos, pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, maple syrup and ginger (peeled) into a blender. Blend until smooth.
Once tofu has been pressed, cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Heat over in pan over medium heat and fry until golden brown on each side.
Using a new pan heat sauce ingredients, whisk in flour (or cornstarch) until smooth. Heat until sauce thickens.
Place cooked tofu cubes into the sauce pan. Toss gently to coat.
Divide cooked rice into 4 plates, then divide tofu onto plates. Top with optional toppings if you wish. ENJOY

Notes

Pineapple Ginger Tofu Tips

The exact amount of juice and pineapple chunks is equal to ONE snack sized (pre-made) cup of pineapples. Think kid snacks!
Learn more about how tofu is made (even try it at home if you like!) and what the different types of tofu mean. Understanding Tofu – a beginners guide
Read about the health benefits of adding tofu into your meal plan. Benefits of Tofu
Tofu is gluten-free. Tofu is made from soy. You need to always read ingredient labels just to double check. If you are purchasing a tofu that has added flavorings, you might find some hidden gluten! Just be a label reading watch dog and you should be fine! As always, shoot me a message if you need help!

Nutrition

Let's talk! Drop me a comment below to let me know if you've had pineapple ginger sauce before.

The post Pineapple Tofu (Sweet & Savory, Gluten-Free + Easy Dinner Recipe) appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (15-Min Easy + Gluten-Free Marinade Ideas)

Alysen — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:41:57 +0000

Want perfectly crispy air fryer tofu in just 15 minutes? This easy method gives you golden, crunchy tofu with a tender center—without deep frying.

Made with extra-firm tofu, simple seasonings, and optional cornstarch for extra crunch, this air fryer tofu recipe is a fast gluten-free vegan protein for bowls, salads, wraps, rice dishes, and meal prep.

✔ Ready in 15 minutes
✔ Crispy outside, tender inside
✔ Gluten-free + vegan
✔ Great for bowls, salads, wraps, and snacks

If you’ve ever wondered how to make tofu crispy in the air fryer, this foolproof method is the one to keep on repeat.

⁉How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Quick overview:

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture.
Cut into bite-sized cubes.
Toss with cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 370°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serve as-is or toss with sauce after cooking.

🍙Why This Air Fryer Tofu Gets Crispy

The secret comes down to three things:

1. Pressing out the moisture
Removing excess water helps the tofu crisp rather than steam.

2. A light cornstarch coating
Cornstarch creates a dry outer layer that turns golden and crunchy in the air fryer.

3. Hot circulating air
The air fryer crisps the tofu on all sides much faster than oven baking, giving you that crisp outside and tender inside.

🛒Ingredients You Need

Extra Firm Tofu - Pressed to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes.

Cornstarch is what helps the tofu cubes crisp up with a beautiful crust.

Smoked Paprika - The flavor of this spice is so good on everything. I love the barbecue vibes I get from it.

Salt and Pepper - to season your tofu properly

Oil - This is optional, but a little spray oil can help with crispiness.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, and I will get back to you ASAP!

How to Press Tofu(Don’t Skip This)

Pressing tofu removes excess water so it can crisp instead of steaming.

Method with EZ Tofu Press:

Place the tofu block in the press.
Tighten gently to release moisture.
Let it press for about 10 minutes.

Method without an EZ Tofu Press:

Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Place a heavy skillet, plate, or book on top.
Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes.

Shortcut: Pre-pressed tofu works too, but extra-firm tofu still gives the best crispy texture.

Best Temperature for Air Fryer Tofu

The ideal temperature for crispy tofu is 370°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

The exact time may vary slightly depending on:

the size of your tofu cubes
how much moisture was removed during pressing
your air fryer model

If you want extra-crispy edges, add 1 to 2 more minutes and watch closely toward the end.

Do You Need Cornstarch for Air Fryer Tofu?

No, but it definitely helps.

With cornstarch:

crispier exterior
more golden color
best texture for bowls, wraps, and salads

Without cornstarch:

still tasty
slightly lighter texture
less crunch on the outside

If you skip the cornstarch, lightly spray the tofu with oil and add a little extra cooking time.

Best Marinades and Sauces for Air Fryer Tofu

For the crispiest air-fryer tofu, cook the tofu first, then toss it with sauce. If you want to marinate before air frying, use just a light coating so the tofu still crisps well.

1. Lemon Garlic Aioli - may be used as a dipping sauce, or you can toss the fried tofu to coat.

2. Buffalo Sauce - coat the tofu after frying. Add a side of celery and blue cheese for a great snack.

3. BBQ Marinade - add before frying or toss after. Add a side of green beans and mashed potatoes for a great dinner.

4. Dragon sauce - add a bit of Asian flavor to your tofu. Add some fried rice for a great lunch.

5. Cilantro Garlic Sauce - drizzle this yummy sauce after the tofu is fried or use it as a dipping sauce.

This is only five options, but the sky is the limit. If you have a favorite marinade or sauce, please drop it in the chat. I would love to hear from you.

If you want to marinate tofu before cooking, keep the marinade light and pat off excess moisture before adding the tofu to the air fryer.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Always press your tofu!
Don't overcrowd the basket
Check in on your tofu while it's cooking. Adjust cook time as needed. This is not a set-and-forget recipe.
Use oil to crisp up your tofu!
Spray oil directly on tofu chunks when you "shake" the basket midway through cooking.
Use high heat (at least 375°F)
Add sauce AFTER cooking for best texture
Want more flavor? Crank up the spice measurements and add in additional spices!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Tofu

Vegetarian Instant Pot Baked Beans go well with the smoked paprika flavors of this tofu, as well as this delicious Summer Squash Zucchini Mac and Cheese.

Air Fryer Green Beans or Air Fryer Broccoli would be a perfect veggie side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the pressing step – Too much moisture keeps tofu from crisping.
Overcrowding the basket – The tofu needs space for the hot air to circulate.
Adding too much marinade before cooking – Extra moisture can soften the outside.
Not shaking the basket – This can lead to uneven browning and texture.

How to Store and Reheat Tofu

Store leftover air fryer tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the tofu back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until hot and re-crisped.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the tofu and removes its crispy texture.

Air Fryer Tofu FAQs

Why is my tofu not crispy?

Usually, the tofu is still too moist, the basket is overcrowded, or the tofu needs a few more minutes in the air fryer.

Do I need to press tofu?

Yes. Pressing tofu removes excess moisture and helps it become crispy rather than soft.

Do I need to press tofu before air frying?

Yes. Pressing tofu removes excess moisture and helps it become crispy rather than soft.

Can I make air fryer tofu without cornstarch?

Yes. The tofu will still cook well, but the outside will be a little less crunchy.

Can I air fry frozen tofu?

Yes. Frozen and thawed tofu can work well and often has a chewier, meatier texture.

What type of tofu works best in the air fryer?

Extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and crisps up more easily.

Final Thoughts

This crispy air fryer tofu is one of the easiest ways to make flavorful plant-based protein at home. With a golden outside and tender center, it’s perfect for bowls, salads, wraps, meal prep, or simple weeknight dinners.

Once you learn this easy air-fryer tofu method, you’ll have a quick, gluten-free, vegan protein recipe you can use again and again.

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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

How do you air fry tofu? Tofu can be tricky to cook, but don't let that stop you! Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a delicious recipe and a simple method for getting a crunchy outside and a soft inside for all your air fryer tofu bites.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer tofu, air fryer tofu crispy, easy air fryer tofu recipe, gluten free tofu air fryer, tofu marinade air fryer

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings people

Calories 74kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

1 Tofu press If your tofu is not already pressed.

Ingredients

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Press your tofu to help remove extra liquid.
After pressing the tofu, cut into squares or little bite sized pieces.
Mix the cornstarch and smoked paprika together then sprinkle over tofu.
Season with salt and pepper. Put into Air Fryer basket.
Set temperature for 370 Degrees F. Turn on the Air Fryer for 12 minutes. (You may need to add a few minutes if you like crisper tofu) Your air fryer tofu is almost ready!
Add a small amount of oil to the tofu square to give an extra crisp. I love to use the Avocado Spray. (Some air fryers may not need this - mine does!)
Every 4 minutes remove the air fryer basket and "shake" to stir up the tofu. Every air fryer is different, be sure to monitor how it is cooking.
Enjoy your crispy air fryer tofu!

Notes

Based upon reader comment it seems that Air Fryers out there are varying widely and that is affecting this recipe.

*If your tofu is not crisping, consider adding time to your cook time. Just add in small amounts and remember to shake*
*If you are getting a chalky feeling to your tofu, be sure you are pressing the tofu for at least 10 minutes before hand in a tofu press. Then you can also lessen the amount of corn starch :)*
*You can also SPRAY a small amount of oil onto the tofu when you are shaking it mid-way through. This will HELP your tofu to crisp up and get rid of any extra corn starch! *

Pro Tip: If you feel that your tofu is not crispy enough OR if the cornstarch is powdery you can spray the tofu with a spray oil in the that minute and that will fix the problem!

Side note: If you are in the market for an air fryer, I recently created a post about the best air fryers on the market. The post is based off of reviews from friends, family and online consumers! Be sure to check out the best air fryers on the market!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Tips:

Be sure to press your tofu before adding your cornstarch and paprika.
Be sure to coat your tofu on all sides so it cooks evenly.
Be sure that you are using a firm or extra firm tofu for this recipe.
Be sure to "shake" your air fryer basket during the cooking so that your tofu turns and cooks on all sides.

Nutrition

The post Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (15-Min Easy + Gluten-Free Marinade Ideas) appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Easy Crispy Sesame Tofu – Gluten-Free + Vegan Option

Alysen — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:33:43 +0000

Crispy Sesame Tofu is a simple Asian-inspired vegetarian dish is sticky, saucy, and tastes better than takeout. Crispy pan-fried tofu is covered in a soy, honey, and sweet Thai chili sauce, then topped with sesame seeds. You can make this recipe in 30 minutes.

Easy Crispy Sesame Tofu (30-Min Better Than Takeout)

Tofu is the most versatile protein! You can add this flavor-absorbing protein to any cuisine.

This Sesame Tofu is my favorite Asian-inspired tofu recipe, with super crispy tofu covered in a sweet-and-savory sauce made with honey, gluten-free soy sauce, and sweet Thai chili sauce.

Serve this simple main dish over fluffy white rice to make the most of the delicious sauce. You'll want to smother your veggies in it, too!

Add this yummy vegan recipe to your monthly meal planning to skip the takeout. Your family won't believe you made this at home!

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE, CRISPY SESAME TOFU

Tofu: I use extra-firm tofu for the crispiest pan-fried tofu! Make sure you press it well before dicing and frying it. I like to use EZ Tofu Press.

Sesame oil: I love this nutty oil! It makes a super crispy tofu with a light flavor, too.

Gluten-free soy sauce: You can use regular soy sauce, too, but I like to keep my dishes gluten-free when I can.

Honey: Swap maple syrup for it if you're looking for a vegan sesame tofu recipe. You need a little sugar for the sticky sauce.

Sweet Thai chili sauce: Bring a little heat to the yummy honey-soy sauce with a touch of chili sauce. You won't regret it!

Rice wine vinegar: For the most balanced sauce, you need a touch of acid, too. Rice wine vinegar brings a delicate flavor with that tang, too.

Cornstarch: To get your sauce perfectly thickened, you'll need just a touch of cornstarch. It helps the sauce cling to the fried tofu bites.

Green onions: There's no better garnish than green onions! They're colorful, crunchy, and add a great light oniony flavor to the mix.

Sesame seeds: I love the little pop of sesame seeds as I eat them. They also pair well with the sesame oil, obviously, since they're related!

Rice: I like to serve this over fluffy white rice, but you could use brown rice, black rice, or even quinoa if you'd rather! Just cook as you normally would.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, and I will get back to you ASAP!

HOW TO MAKE SESAME TOFU

After pressing the tofu with your EZ Tofu Press, dice the extra-firm tofu and sauté the cubes in sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
While the tofu is frying, whisk together the gluten-free soy sauce, honey, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch.
Once the tofu is golden brown on all sides, add the honey soy sauce and increase the heat. Keep stirring!
When it starts to boil, remove it from the heat and stir for a few more seconds until the bubbling stops. Serve the tofu and yummy, sticky sauce over white rice, garnished with green onion and sesame seeds.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.

WHY DOES THE CRISPY SESAME TOFU RECIPE WORK?

There are three items that are a must when working with tofu to get the ultimate crisp and flavor.

First, you must press the tofu block. Even if the block says "extra firm," you must press it to squeeze out any liquid that could make it squishy. No matter how you are preparing - baking, frying, air-frying- the liquid must be pressed out prior to preparing the tofu. Otherwise, you could end up with a glob of tofu in a pan.

Second, cornstarch is a must. Adding a dash of cornstarch prior to cooking gives tofu structure. Coating the cut squares of tofu can prevent them from sticking to the pan. It is not 100%, but it helps.

Third, the sticky tofu sauce is what makes the sesame tofu recipe so good. It is sweet and sticky, all combined. The sauce is my favorite part of the recipe. This recipe could change with just the sauce; try Orange Tofu or BBQ Tofu. The sauce makes the dish!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CRISPY SESAME TOFU

If you don't want to make white rice, spice it up with this simple air fryer fried rice! There's no better Asian-inspired side dish packed with veggies and flavor.

You don't need hibachi dinners to have edamame! Enjoy this classic appetizer before or during dinner. You'll love it and the nutritional value, too!

If you're not a broccoli fan, try crispy Air-fryer Brussels sprouts or Air-fryer green beans on the side. They go great with this sweet-and-savory sauce and add some green to the mix.

Throw your favorite frozen egg rolls in the air fryer while you're cooking the tofu.

HOW TO PRESS TOFU

I love tofu. It's such a versatile protein and so easy to make!

I've been obsessed with the EZ Tofu Press for years. It gives me perfectly pressed tofu every time while I finish prepping other ingredients.

To press extra-firm tofu,

Place the tofu block between the press plates
Tighten the knob.
Every 3 to 4 minutes, tighten the knob again. I usually do 3 to 4 rounds of tightening before it's done.
As you tighten, the excess moisture will vanish, leaving you with perfectly firm. Forget the soggy squares!
Dice tofu into perfect squares.

HOW TO GET CRISPY TOFU EVERY TIME WITH CORNSTARCH

Pressing Tofu for 10 to 15 minutes removes excess moisture.
Creates a dry coating - Tofu holds a lot of moisture. When you toss it in cornstarch, it forms a thin, dry layer on the outside. That coating helps absorb surface moisture so the tofu can actually crisp instead of steaming.
Forms a crunchy crust - when heated (especially when frying or baking), cornstarch gelatinizes and then dries out into a light, crackly shell. That's what gives you that golden, crispy exterior.
Prevents sticking - cornstarch acts as a barrier between the tofu and the pan, reducing sticking and helping it brown more evenly.
Enhances browning - it helps create a more uniform surface, which means better contact with heat, thus, more consistent crispiness.
Never crowd the pan - it is better to fry in batches so the tofu has room to cook.

CAN I BAKE THE SESAME TOFU WITHOUT DEEP FRYING?

I love the crispy texture of pan-fried tofu in just a little oil. But you can totally opt for a hands-off option and bake it!

For a baked tofu version, toss the pressed tofu in sesame oil and spread it out on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet.

Bake it for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway through.

Make the sticky sesame sauce as directed and simmer it in a saucepan. You can add the tofu to the saucepan or pour the sauce over it to cover it, too!

You can also serve the sauce on the side this way for the best Asian-inspired dipping sauce for tofu, veggies, and anything on your plate.

COMMON MISTAKES

Soggy tofu (not pressed) - it cannot be emphasized enough that you must press the tofu prior to cooking/baking.
Sauce too thin - the sauce should be sticky and thick enough to coat. If your sauce is too thin, you may need to add a touch more cornstarch.
Flipping too early - each side of the tofu needs to have a good crust. If you flip it and it does not turn golden brown, the tofu needs more time.
Low heat - check your stove for temperatures. If you have it too low, then it will take too long to pan-fry.

MORE YUMMY ASIAN RECIPES

If you love this Sesame Tofu recipe, you'll love the side-dish companion: air fryer honey sriracha cauliflower! This saucy cauliflower is crisped in the air fryer and perfectly spicy and sweet.

It's just as yummy as this simple honey sriracha tofu with a little broccoli and white rice.

Warm up with a big bowl of Instant Pot ramen. Add all your favorite veggies and garnishes so everyone's happy.

Skip the delivery tonight and make this General Tso tofu takeout fakeout in less than half an hour! You'll be done before you can say Uber Eats.

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Easy Crispy Sesame Tofu – Gluten-Free + Vegan Option

This pan-fried tofu recipe is covered with a sticky sweet honey soy sauce. Serve it over white rice for the best takeout fakeout dish you've ever made!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Keyword Asian-inspired recipe, gluten-free crispy tofu, pan-fried Asian tofu recipe, sesame tofu, sticky tofu

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings people

Calories 140kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

Ingredients

1 block extra firm tofu
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the sauce

½ cup gluten-free soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for vegan diet
2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
½ teaspoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked white rice for serving, optional

US Customary - Metric

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Press the extra firm tofu with the EZ Tofu Press. Turn the knobs every 3 to 4 minutes for 10 to 12 minutes total.
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it in a skillet with sesame oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
While the tofu is frying, whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
When the tofu is golden brown, add the sauce to the skillet and increase the heat until it boils. Keep stirring the entire time. When it begins to boil, remove from heat and continue stirring.
Serve over cooked white rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Other easy tofu recipes to try:

The post Easy Crispy Sesame Tofu – Gluten-Free + Vegan Option appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Vegetarian Thai Lettuce Wraps

Alysen — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:20:55 +0000

Indulge in the delightful experience of Vegan Thai Lettuce Cups, often referred to as Vegan Thai Lettuce Wraps, which are sure to become your new favorite appetizer. Filled with vibrant, fresh ingredients and bursting with authentic Thai flavors, this vegetarian recipe is an irresistible treat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

VEGETARIAN THAI LETTUCE WRAPS RECIPE

This recipe checks off so many items on my foodie list!

This recipe is quick and uses minimal ingredients.
These lettuce cups are gluten-free and vegan.
This recipe tastes SOOOOO good, you won’t have leftovers.

That about sums it up! Seriously, though, I have always craved lettuce cups, or as the world seems to know, lettuce wraps.

I would see these on a menu when I dine out, but there was never a vegan or vegetarian option. I also have to be mindful of nuts when dining out.

While we have reintroduced peanuts into our lives, we will have to be vigilant with almonds! So for this dish, we decided to recreate it at home! You seriously can’t resist a quick and easy vegan appetizer!

No need to worry about whether your food is safe when you are dining at home! We know the ingredients we use in our recipes, and we can easily create our own nut-free Thai food!

While this might not be authentically Thai, it is most certainly Thai-inspired. It is said that Thai flavorsinclude: sweet, sour, salty, creamy, and spicy. This recipe hits them all!

If you are looking for a sweet treat to pair with this meal, I would try this Vegan Key Lime Pie.

Ingredients For This Vegan Thai Lettuce Wrap Recipe

Tofu- Crumbled tofu makes up the bulk of the lettuce cup filling and soaks up all of the Thai inspired flavors

SunButter - We love SunButter at our house. It's a fabulous allergy-friendly replacement for nut butter.

Honey - Honey adds sweetness without being too sugary.

Sriracha - Spicy sriracha gives us some heat! Add more or less to your own preference.

Sesame Oil - This warm, nutty flavored oil is perfect for all Asian dishes.

Avocado Oil - This is my favorite oil for sautéing, which we'll do with the tofu.

Sesame Seeds - For a bit of crunchy texture.

Bibb Lettuce - These big soft leaves are beautiful and tasty as our wraps. Substitute ice berg if you can't find Bibb.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you ASAP!

How To Make These Vegetarian Thai Lettuce Wraps

In a bowl, combine seed butter, honey, sriracha and sesame oil.
Whisk until smooth and set aside.
In a hot skillet, crumble pressed tofu and fry until golden brown. Add sauce to tofu and stir until combined and warmed through.
Divide tofu mixture into lettuce leaves, top with green onion and sunflower seeds for garnish if you have them.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ve seen that we talk about and use SunButter a lot. Whether we are cooking in the kitchen, on vacation or just snacking on the go. SunButter is a trusted brand with my family.

SunButter is free from the TOP 8 allergens. So we are talking about: peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, eggs, wheat, fish, and crustacean shellfish. It is FREE FROM all those allergens! This product is extremely friendly allergy wise, extremely tasty and school safe!

I was actually lucky enough to head to the SunButter headquarters to see the entire process of "Seed to Sunbutter". It was amazing. We went to the fields, the elevators, the processing area, the packing area and more. There is SO much love and so much safety that goes into this product!

TOFU FOR THAI LETTUCE WRAPS

This Thai lettuce wrap recipe is vegan. We used tofu to make it vegan. If you are not vegan or tofu isn’t your favorite I still urge you to try this!

Let’s talk about tofu for a while. Tofu is generally made by:

Soaking soybeans in water, then blending them up.
Straining out the pulp, leaving you with soy milk.
Adding a coagulant (lemon juice works well) to curdle the milk and create curds.
Straining again and keeping the solids.
Pressing the curds to create a block of tofu.

For this thai lettuce cup recipe, I used an Extra Firm Block Tofu. This tofu is, as its name suggests, is the firmest and heartiest of the block tofu varieties. The curds have been pressed tightly together and the tofu is chewy and dense. Extra firm tofu is the best choice if you’d like to make crispy, fried tofu, or for any meal that requires a hearty bite.

I use an EZ Tofu Press to press my tofu before I cook it. I’ve had mine for years, and it is by far my favorite kitchen tool. (right next to my air fryer!)

If you are going to cook tofu it is essential that you have a tofu press! You can pick up your own on Amazon. I promise you’ll love it!

So this recipe is suitable for vegans and suitable for vegetarian diets too. Are you vegetarian? Or maybe wondering more about vegetarian life or meatless cooking? There are several different types of vegetarians.

Basic types of vegetarians are:

If you want to read more about the different types of vegetarians, you can visit our vegetarian educational posts. You can also find lots of easy vegetarian recipeson our site.

Maybe you are wondering about vegan vs vegetarian? In a nutshell, vegans do not consume any animal products. So we are talking about dairy (milk, cheese), eggs and meat. Most vegans also do not consume honey!

Is tofu only for vegans?

Tofu isn’t only for vegans. This ingredient is for everybody! It is an acceptable part of your diet whether you are a vegan, meat eater or vegetarian.

Can I add meat to this Vegetarian Thai Lettuce Wrap recipe?

That’s totally fine, you can use the same recipe but sub out the tofu and sub in some chicken for your protein. Cook your chicken as you normally would. Dice the cooked chicken and add to the sauce. Then put into your lettuce wraps. It is an easy sub!

Topping your Vegan Lettuce Cups

We made a simple dressing for these, but you might also like this Thai Salad Dressing recipe as well.

These cups are topped with sunflower seeds. If you cannot easily digest sunflower seeds as a whole, you are welcome to sub them off.

More easy tofu recipes:

Kid Friendly Tofu Bites (tofu for kids)
Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls ( think meal prep!)

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Thai Lettuce Cups (aka Thai Lettuce Wraps)

Thai Lettuce Cups aka Thai Lettuce Wraps will be your new favorite appetizer. You will swoon over this vegan and nut free recipe!

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Thai

Keyword thai lettuce cups, thai lettuce wraps

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings people

Calories 609kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

1 Tofu EZ Press

Ingredients

1 block of extra firm tofu
6 T SunButter
2 T honey
2 T Sriracha
4 t sesame seed oil or avocado oil
1 T avocado oil for frying
3 green onions white and greens diced
Sunflower seeds optional
1 head Bib Lettuce removed from head

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Press the tofu for 10 minutes.
While tofu is pressing, make your sauce. In a bowl combine seed butter, honey, sriracha and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Warm 1 T of oil in a skillet. Crumble tofu into skillet. Fry until golden brown. Add sauce to tofu, stir until well combined.
Divide tofu mixture into lettuce leaves, top with green onion and sunflower seeds.
ENJOY!

Notes

Can I add meat to this Vegetarian Thai Lettuce Wrap recipe?
- That’s totally fine, you can use the same recipe but sub out the tofu and sub in some chicken for your protein. Cook your chicken as you normally would. Dice the cooked chicken and add to the sauce. Then put into your lettuce wraps. It is an easy sub!
Topping your Vegan Lettuce Cups
- These cups are topped with sunflower seeds. If you cannot easily digest sunflower seeds as a whole, you are welcome to sub them off.

Nutrition

The post Vegetarian Thai Lettuce Wraps appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

Alysen — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Canned jackfruit is the perfect swap for shredded chicken in this Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe!

Hot Vegan Buffalo Wing Dip has a cheesy, spicy flavor that will be irresistible on tortilla chips, celery sticks, or seed crackers.

Why This Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is So Good

Shredded canned jackfruit has a very similar texture to shredded chicken so that nobody will miss the meat in this recipe.
All the delicious flavors of buffalo chicken wings are in this dip, including spicy buffalo sauce. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor, and onion and garlic powder add the right amount of savory ranch flavor. (You could also add in dried herbs or ranch seasoning to make this even more flavorful!)
This recipe is super simple! Mix up the dip in your food processor and bake it for 25 minutes until it's hot and ready.

Tips and Tricks for Making Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

If your grocery store doesn't carry canned jackfruit, look for it at your local Asian supermarket, or order jackfruit online.
I love having extra cans of jackfruit on hand to make vegan chicken salad, sloppy joes, and casseroles, too!
You can also make this recipe with chopped canned artichokes. The texture isn't quite as close to real chicken as shredded jackfruit, but it's still tasty.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat the whole dish in the oven or warm up individual servings in the microwave.
As written, this recipe is completely vegan, but if you do eat cheese, you can use regular cream cheese in place of the vegan cream cheese and tofu and parmesan cheese instead of the nutritional yeast.

More Homemade Vegan Dip Recipes

Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey, if you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review and star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, too!

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

Canned jackfruit is the perfect swap for shredded chicken in this Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe! It's cheesy, spicy, and perfect for dipping.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword vegan buffalo chicken dip

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 164kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

Ingredients

30 oz canned jackfruit 2 15-oz cans, well drained
8 oz vegan cream cheese
8 oz silken tofu
⅔ cup Frank's Red Hot Original hot sauce or other buffalo-style hot sauce
¼ cup nutritional yeast
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
Juice of a lemon
Salt to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Shred the jackfruit and place in the bottom of a baking dish.
Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and blitz until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese and silken tofu mixture over the jackfruit and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until a crust has formed on the top. Serve warm with tortilla chips or veggies.

Notes

If your grocery store doesn't carry canned jackfruit, look for it at your local Asian supermarket, or order jackfruit online.
I love having extra cans of jackfruit on hand to make vegan chicken salad, sloppy joe's, and casseroles too!
You can also make this recipe with chopped canned artichokes. The texture isn't quite as close to real chicken as shredded jackfruit, but it's still tasty.
As written, this recipe is completely vegan, but if you do eat cheese you can use regular cream cheese in place of the vegan cream cheese and tofu and parmesan cheese instead of the nutritional yeast.
To Store: Keep covered and in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

The post Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Sofritas

Alysen — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 08:09:00 +0000

Skip the restaurant and make easy Sofritas at home! This easy vegan recipe for copycat sofritas is the perfect filling for bowls, burritos, tacos, nachos, and more!

WHAT MAKES THIS SOFRITAS RECIPE SO GOOD?

We LOVE a good CopyCat Recipe! Chipotle has helped make eating out as a vegetarian or vegan much easier, but I don't always love their prices when I know I can make something similar myself.
Quick and Easy! These Sofritas are the perfect substitute for busy weeknights. They are quick and easy to make and filled with soy sauce, tomatoes, salsa, bell peppers, and onions!
Customizable and KID friendly! We LOVE LOVE LOVE that you can easily make this your own. It provides the perfect BASE for dinner! Don't like a certain ingredient typically in a sofritas bowl? Leave it out? This makes for an easy way to feed the most picky families!
Works for all meals of the day. We love to eat these sofritas all day long! Toss the sofritas with some scrambled eggs and make a breakfast burrito or have a traditional bowl for lunch or dinner!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SOFRITAS

Double batch this recipe! We like to double batch this recipe and use it for a meal prepped option all week long!
Be creative in how your use your sofritas! Think beyond the bowl! Think breakfast burrito, nachos and more! If you really want to cook up a storm make these Tortilla Chips in the Air Fryer then toss your sofritas on top with other toppings! YUM!
Be sure to press your tofu! We like firm or extra firm tofu. Pressing the tofu will get rid of the extra water and it will cook up faster and absorb the flavors better!
Reheating: Put your sofritas into a sauce pan and cover for about 5 minutes and stir. If still not heated through enough, cook another few minutes and check again. The reheat time will depend on how many servings you are reheating at once!

INGREDIENTS IN TOFU SOFRITAS

Oil - Saute the ingredients in your favorite mild flavored oil. Olive oil or avocado oil works well for this.
Red Onion - I love the bit of red onion in cooked dishes, but you could use any type of cooking onion.
Bell Pepper - any color bell pepper would work in this recipe. Red and orange peppers tend to be sweeter than green ones.
Extra Firm Tofu - Press your tofu block using the instructions below.
Soy Sauce - Add salt, umami flavor and richness with soy sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Use vinegar to add extra flavor and brightness to your sofritas.
Garlic Salt - I add garlic to almost everything. It's perfect in this dish.
Liquid Smoke - Liquid smoke adds a grilled flavor without having to grill anything.
Tomato Sauce - Use your favorite tomato sauce here, but avoid pizza or marinara that has extra seasonings in it.
Salsa - As hot or as mild as you like, pick whichever you like.

MORE DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN RECIPES

Make Tofu Fried Rice using leftover rice and veggies in your fridge.
Air Fryer Mushroom Tacos are an amazing Mexican dish and so easy to make in the air fryer.
Let me show you how I make Air Fryer Tofu. It's so crispy!
Crispy Orange Tofu takes crispy tofu to the next level with a sweet and savory orange sauce.

Tofu Sofritas

Skip the restaurant and make easy Tofu Sofritas at home! This easy vegan recipe is the perfect filling for bowls, burritos, tacos, nachos, and more!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword sofritas

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings people

Calories 158kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

Ingredients

Tofu Sofritas

2 tablespoons oil
1 cup red onion
1 bell pepper any color
1 block extra firm tofu
2 tablespoons soy sauce gluten free, or coconut aminos
1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon tomato sauce
½ cup salsa

Burrito Bowl

rice or quinoa
black beans
lettuce
tomatoes
guacamole
cilantro

US Customary - Metric

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the oil, onions, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Press the tofu using the EZ Tofu Press, for 10 minutes. Tighten the knobs every 2 to 3 minutes. Then, place the tofu in the saucepan and mash with a fork
Add the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic salt, liquid smoke, tomato sauce, and salsa. Stir to combine and continue to cook until all ingredients are heated through.
Serve your sofritas in a bowl with rice, black beans, lettuce, and cilantro. Enjoy!

Video

https://youtu.be/yt2pd7flIzY

Nutrition

The post Sofritas appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Sweet Potato Sauce

Alysen — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

A creamy and flavorful Sweet Potato Sauce is so easy to make in the food processor or blender! It's perfect with pasta, as a dip with pita bread or veggies, or mixed into your favorite recipes in new and different ways.

Why This Sweet Potato Sauce Recipe is So Good

A Tomato Sauce Alternative - Whether tomatoes don't agree with you, or you're looking for something new and exciting to eat on your pasta, I think you'll agree that this creamy and flavorful sauce is an excellent alternative to pasta sauces.
Simple Ingredients - Fresh veggies, a few spices, and a bit of silken tofu is all you need to make this delicious pureed sweet potato sauce.
Ready in a Flash - I use the microwave to quickly cook the sweet potatoes. It works for me! You can also bake them in the oven, or boil them if you prefer.
Kid Friendly - Babies love this stuff! It's sweet and savory at the same time, so I can understand why. For older kids who might not want to eat their veggies, serving pasta with sweet potato sauce could be just the trick to changing their minds.
Versatile and Customizable - You can adjust the recipe to include different flavors if you'd like. Sweet potato pairs wonderfully with spicy, warm, and other sweet things.

Tips and Tricks for Making The Best Sweet Potato Sauce

Tumeric is the perfect spice for this sauce. Not only does it have a bold, warm flavor that is so tasty with sweet potatoes, but it's also packed with health benefits. Check out my Turmeric Shots recipe to learn more about why I love it so much.
Cook the sweet potatoes however you like! Again, I think microwaving is fast and easy. You can roast the potatoes whole in the oven, make them in the instant pot, or cut them up and roast them in olive oil to get even more flavor.
Don't forget to make holes in the potatoes! If you're cooking whole potatoes in any way, it's important to use a fork or a knife to add some air vents to them first, otherwise, you may end up with a small "boom!" that you weren't planning on.
If you are wanting this recipe to be vegan, be sure to use a plant-based milk and nutritional yeast. If that's not a concern, you can also use regular milk and parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Sauce

You are going to want to put this sauce on a hot bowl of pasta, ASAP! The creaminess is perfect. If you need a simple recipe, see how I make Sweet Potato Pasta using this sauce, pasta, and some extra veggies.

It's also delicious when stirred into rice, quinoa, lentils, or your favorite grains.

Try sweet potato sauce as a dip! Treat it like hummus, and dip your pita bread, veggie slices, or crackers into it.

If you love sweet potatoes, you might enjoy this recipe for smoked sweet potatoes!

More Recipes You'll Enjoy

Pumpkin Pasta
Vegan Carbonara
Learn how to make a Vegan Parmesan Cheese with cashews.
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Tumeric Latte

Sweet Potato Sauce

A creamy and flavorful Sweet Potato Sauce is so easy to make in the food processor or blender! It's perfect with pasta, or as a dip with pita bread or veggies.

Course sauce

Cuisine American

Keyword sweet potato sauce

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 216kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

Microwave
Frying Pan
Food processor

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic crushed
14 ounces silken tofu
¼ teaspoon tumeric
1 cup milk or dairy free alternative
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
salt and pepper to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Pierce the skin of the sweet potatoes a few times with a knife and microwave them on full power for 15 minutes or until completely cooked through. Slice the potatoes in half and carefully scoop out the flesh, discarding the skins.
Add a little oil to a frying pan and cook the onion on a medium heat until softened – about 5 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the sweet potato flesh, cooked onion and garlic, and all remaining ingredients to the bowl of a food processor.
Process until completely smooth.
Transfer to a bowl or storage jar to be used in your dish of choice.

Video

https://youtube.com/shorts/vatzefXoLzY?feature=share

Notes

Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave is very simple, but you can also roast them in the oven, or peel, dice, and boil them if you prefer.
This sauce is the main ingredient in our Sweet Potato Pasta recipe.

Nutrition

The post Sweet Potato Sauce appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Easy Tofu Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout + Gluten-Free Option)

Alysen — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:04:00 +0000

Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe is a hearty Asian-inspired dish filled with protein and veggies, and it's vegetarian and gluten-free. A takeout-style recipe that is fun to make and so flavorful!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS EASY TOFU FRIED RICE RECIPE

The Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe is an easy, delicious way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout fried rice right at home! I love making internationally inspired tofu recipes like Tofu with Spanish Rice and Beans, and my favorite Curry Tofu with Broccoli and Rice.
Making takeout-style tofu at home is easier than you might think, and I love knowing exactly which ingredients are going into the recipe.
This vegetable fried rice recipe has crispy tofu, soft and tender rice, and brightly colored veggies, all pan-fried and tossed in a sesame-soy-sriracha sauce.

TIPS FOR EASY TOFU FRIED RICE

If your ingredients start to stick to the pan, you can add a tablespoon or two of water. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the fried rice is no longer sticking and no water remains in the pan.
Best rice for fried rice. You can use fresh rice, but day-old rice is even better to get the best non-sticky fried rice consistency.
Use a light-flavored, high-smoke-point cooking oil. To get that authentic Chinese fried rice taste, you could try vegetable oil, soybean oil, or even peanut oil if you're not nut-free.
Traditional stir-fry recipes typically contain peas, carrots, and corn. I prefer to use frozen veggies to save time and to keep them slightly firm while cooking.
If desired, you can add onions, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could also add edamame if you're making it vegan, but want more protein. Consider garnishing with sliced green onion or cilantro for an extra kick of flavor!
Cook your rice ahead of time using a rice cooker!
Looking for a different way to make crispy tofu? Try air-frying tofu!

TRY THESE OTHER YUMMY ASIAN INSPIRED RECIPES

Crispy Orange Tofu is like takeout, but way better.
Sweet and Sour Tofu Bowls make the perfect make-ahead meal for meal prep.
Sweet Thai Chili Tofu Bowls are another really awesome meal prep option with a little bit of spice.
If you are still hungry, give this tomato fried rice recipe a try!
If you love tofu, you will love this New recipe! Crispy tofu with balsamic tomatoes.
Looking for something fun to try? Give a look at this onigiri. Delicious to eat and beautiful to look at!

Easy Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu fried rice is hearty Asian-inspired dish that is filled with hearty protein and veggies. This tofu recipe is fun to make and so flavorful!

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian, Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Keyword tofu fried rice, vegetarian fried rice

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 472kcal

Author Alysen

Ingredients

1 package package of firm tofu
2 tbsp corn starch optional
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 eggs whisked
3 cups cooked rice
1 bag frozen corn
10 oz frozen peas and carrots

For the sauce

1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Sriracha

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Press the tofu for 10-12 minutes, turning the press every 3-4 minutes to remove excess liquid.
Dice the tofu into small, bite-sized cubes.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss to coat. This step is optional, but it helps to crisp up the tofu.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil.
Add the tofu to the skillet and cook, flipping every couple of minutes, until heated through and browned on all sides.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the soy sauce. Place the tofu in a bowl and set aside.
Place the skillet back onto the stove over low heat, then add the whisked eggs to the pan and scramble until fully cooked.
Add the cooked rice and frozen vegetables to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For the Sauce

While the fried rice is cooking, add the sesame oil, soy sauce, and sriracha to a bowl and mix to combine.
Pour the sauce over the fried rice and stir to combine.
Add the cooked tofu back to the pan, then gently toss everything to combine, taking care no to break up the tofu.
Serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Don't skimp on pressing the tofu! Tofu is packed in liquid and if there's too much moisture left, it won't crisp up nicely.
If you find that your fried rice is sticking to the skillet while cooking, you can add 2 tablespoons of water to loosen things up. Continue cooking until the mixture is heated through and no more water remains in the pan.

Nutrition

The post Easy Tofu Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout + Gluten-Free Option) appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Tofu Soup

Alysen — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 17:46:21 +0000

Tofu Soup is so warm and comforting with an Asian-inspired broth and all your favorite veggies! Add this crispy marinated tofu for a delicious vegan soup that's ready in minutes instead of hours.

The EZ Tofu Press sponsors this post.

TOFU SOUP RECIPE

I love a slow-simmered soup recipe, but I do not always love waiting. This Tofu Soup is so easy and ready as fast as you can chop and boil! If you love crispy tofu with an Asian-inspired marinade, try this recipe.

I use fresh noodles, but you can always use ramen, rice, or no noodles! My favorite soup vegetables are cremini mushrooms, bok choy, and fresh sprouts. Add whatever is in your fridge for an easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor!

INGREDIENTS IN TOFU SOUP

Tofu: You want to use a firm tofu or extra firm tofu for this vegan soup recipe. Softer tofu is great, but it won't stay cubed and crispy.

Ginger powder: You can always use raw ginger for this Asian marinade recipe. I think the powdered spices like ground ginger penetrate the tofu better.

Garlic powder: This has a slightly sweeter taste than raw garlic but still adds all that gorgeous garlic flavor.

Soy sauce: You need light soy sauce for the marinade and the yummy broth.

Sriracha: I love this spicy chili sauce! You can add more or leave it out if you don't like spicy food.

Vegetable oil: For the crispiest tofu, you need a little oil in your sauté pan.

Sesame oil: I love the subtle nuttiness of sesame oil! A must add.

Garlic: Everything is better with garlic. I use raw and powdered garlic in this recipe for extra flavor.

Ginger: The strong flavor and slight spiciness of raw ginger is essential in this Asian-inspired recipe. Pro-tip: Keep your ginger in the freezer, and use a microplane to grate it. So easy!

Vegetable broth: I keep this soup vegan with a tasty vegetable broth. You could always use chicken broth or even mushroom broth.

Mushrooms: I will add mushrooms to almost anything! They have a great umami flavor and so many nutrients, too.

Bok choy: This is a great crunchy, leafy vegetable. It is mild like cabbage and goes great in soups.

Sprouts: Sprouts are a must for that extra crunch with the wilted bok choy and softened mushrooms. Grated carrots are great here, too!

Noodles: I use fresh noodles for this tofu soup recipe. They do not need to be cooked beforehand, just add to the hot soup and they will warm through in seconds. If you choose to use dried noodles, like ramen noodles, cook them according to the directions before adding to the soup.

Green onion: Garnish with some sliced green onions for an extra crunch on top. You can always add sesame seeds, too.

If you have any questions about tofu soup, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you ASAP!

HOW TO MAKE TOFU SOUP

First, press and drain the firm tofu with the EZ Tofu Press to remove all the excess water. Don't skip this step — it helps get the tofu perfectly crispy!
Then, mix the ginger powder, garlic powder, soy sauce, and sriracha together for the tofu marinade.
Now, cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces and toss them gently in the marinade bowl. Let sit so the tofu can absorb the liquid.
When it is time to cook, heat some vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet. Cook the tofu cubes on all sides until golden brown and crispy.
Next, warm up a small saucepan of sesame oil. Sauté the minced ginger and garlic until fragrant, just a few seconds, then add the veggie broth and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and continue cooking for a few minutes.
To build the tofu soup bowls, first add the noodles to the bowl, followed by the broth, vegetables, and crispy tofu. Enjoy with chop sticks or a spoon.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions for the best tofu soup, please see the recipe below.

How to Press Tofu

There are two ways to press tofu. You can use an EZ Tofu Press, or you can press your tofu by balancing heavy objects on top of it.

I prefer the tofu press method. I have been using the EZ Tofu Press for almost a decade. I use it weekly, and it continues to do an amazing job!

The EZ Tofu Press easily, quickly, and with less mess removes liquid from firm or extra-firm tofu. It uses simple mechanics and high-quality materials, making it long-lasting and easy to use.

How Long to Press Tofu

I press my tofu with the EZ Tofu Press for 12 to 15 minutes. I turn the knobs tighter every 3 to 4 minutes as the tofu releases liquid.

Pressing tofu is important for tofu tacos because it removes extra moisture. Less moisture helps the tofu brown better in the skillet and gives the taco filling a better texture.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOFU SOUP

With tofu, veggies, noodles, and broth, this tofu soup is a meal in a bowl! While you wait for it to simmer, munch on some air fryer egg rolls and keep the stove clear.

Make it a soup and salad night with this fall-inspired Tofu Salad. Packed with apples, quinoa, dried cranberries, and the bitter bite of kale, add your favorite dressing or use coconut aminos to keep it gluten free!

SHOULD TOFU BE COOKED BEFORE ADDING TO SOUP?

Tofu is technically already cooked, so it can be used in raw preparations. But for this crispy tofu soup recipe, I always cook the tofu first.

For the crispiest tofu, be sure to press all the excess water out of the block before marinating. This gives the tofu a firm, crunchy outside but a soft, pillowy inside. Best of both worlds!

DOES TOFU MELT IN SOUP?

While I love all types of tofu, they are not created equally. Soft tofu is great, but it is not a good option for this tofu soup recipe.

If you use a softer tofu, it will begin to melt into the soup once it warms up. It is also impossible to sauté soft tofu like the crispy cubes I used.

WHAT KIND OF TOFU IS BEST FOR SOUP?

For the best tofu soup, be sure to use firm or extra firm tofu. I use firm tofu for many of my recipes, so I always have some on hand.

You can also make this tofu in the air fryer!

MORE AMAZING RECIPES

Hearty, flavorful, and packed with veggies, this simple Tofu Noodle Soup aka Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect pot of delicious comfort on any day!

Did you know you can make fried rice in the air fryer? Seriously! Forget the takeout this weekend and make the best fried rice recipe with whatever you have in the fridge.

Tofu Manchurian is a super saucy Asian-inspired meal straight from the air fryer! Toss this crispy tofu in homemade Manchurian sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner at home.

If you love this tofu soup recipe, try this delicious miso soup with tofu and kale! It's so delicate and flavorful, perfect for an Asian-inspired dinner!

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Tofu Soup

This delicious vegan soup is so easy to make and full of Asian flavors! The crispy tofu is marinated in just 30 minutes for a soup that takes minutes, not hours.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Asian, Vegan

Keyword crispy tofu soup, tofu soup

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Marinade Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings

Calories 617kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

Ingredients

Tofu Marinade Ingredients

1 block firm tofu
½ teaspoon ginger powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Broth Ingredients

½ teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ teaspoon ginger minced
4 cups vegetable broth low sodium
2 teaspoons soy sauce

Toppings and Noodles

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
8 ounces cremini mushrooms washed and sliced
1 bunch bok choy chopped
1 cup sprouts washed and drained
1 12-ounce pack fresh noodles or 2 packs dried ramen noodles
2 to 3 tablespoons green onions chopped, for garnish

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Drain and press tofu using EZ Tofu Press to remove any excess water.
In a medium bowl, mix ginger powder, garlic powder, soy sauce, and sriracha together.
Cut tofu into medium cubes, and place in marinade. Toss gently. Leave aside for 30 minutes.
When ready to cook, heat nonstick skillet over medium heat with vegetable oil. Cook marinated tofu on each side until golden and crispy.
Heat a saucepan over medium heat with sesame oil. Cook garlic and ginger for a few seconds. Add broth and soy sauce. Increase to high heat, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Heat a nonstick skillet with oil. Cook mushrooms and boy choy until tender. Divide noodles
To assemble the soup, add noodles to the bowl, and top with broth. Add crispy tofu, and all your veggies.

Notes

If using dried ramen noodles, boil according to the package directions before adding to broth.

Nutrition

The post Tofu Soup appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Easy Tofu Recipes

Alysen — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 16:34:00 +0000

Easy Tofu Recipes can make your weeknight dinners easy to prepare. Read on to find 35+ easy tofu recipes you can start to make this week!

Welcome to Easy Tofu Recipes

Are you new to tofu? We are so happy you are here! Tofu might first appear to be bland and have an odd texture but we are here to change your mind! If you prepare tofu correctly, it an be mouthwatering, we promise! We also have a whole meatless community just waiting to welcome you and share recipes with you too!

Tofu is a staple of vegan and vegetarian diets for a reason - it’s delicious and and an excellent source of non-meat protein. Whether you are a seasoned tofu eater or a beginner, we have got some delicious and easy tofu recipes to share with you today! We will also share our TOP tofu preparation tips with you as well!

Tips for Success When Making Easy Tofu Recipes

Press the tofu. This is probably the MOST important step when making tofu. And many people don't know about, so let's discuss! Pressing tofu helps to remove excess moisture from the tofu block. You would only press tofu if you are using a block of tofu, do not try to press silken tofu. It simply doesn't work and will make a giant mess. The best way to press your tofu is to use a tofu press. It takes 10-12 minutes to press a block of tofu. You will tighten the knobs every 3-4 minutes and the moisture will drain from the tofu block.

Season to taste. Tofu certainly needs a little help in the seasoning department. Think of tofu as a blank canvas. Tofu will absorb the flavors around it. So you need to add seasoning to tofu, so it is not bland. A basic seasoning you can add to your tofu or any easy tofu recipe is a marinade. When making easy tofu recipes we sometimes like to elevate the taste by adding in Everything Bagel Seasoning (Super YUM!) or garlic salt. Just taste as you go, add in a little bit of spice at a time until you reach your desired taste! Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

Add some heat with spices. Similar to seasoning the easy tofu recipes, you can upgrade the taste by adding some spice. If you want to add a little bit of spice or heat to your tofu, we suggest red pepper flakes. You know, red pepper flakes aren’t just for pizza!? They taste amazing on your tofu too! If you are making an easy tofu recipe recipe that already calls for spice you may need to taste as you cook and adjust the flavors along the way to make the recipe perfect for your taste buds. Don't be afraid to over season. Tofu needs a lot of seasoning!

Leftovers. Save your leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day! Even better, double the easy tofu recipes that you are making for dinner, so that you can use it for easy lunches for the entire week! Some of the easy tofu recipes we are going to share taste even better the next day, like tofu manchurian or sweet and sour tofu, but some easy tofu recipes, like air fryer tofu, will become super dry. That's no good. If you want to use an easy tofu recipe to make left overs make sure it is a recipe that is saucy or has moisture.

When it comes to freezing your easy tofu recipes, I would caution you. I’ve found that freezing cooked tofu, doesn't always work out. Unless you are freezing a tofu chili or some tofu taco meat, then I would avoid freezing the recipes, but they work great for leftovers!

Tasty Air Fryer Tofu Recipes

If you love your air fryer raise your hand! Our hand is raised! Air Fryer Tofu Recipes fall at the top of easy tofu recipes! We have found that using our air fryer, gets the tofu ever so crispy! Whether you just make breaded tofu, sauced tofu or throw it in with some noodles, these air fryer tofu recipes are delicious!

Air Fryer Tofu - If you like your tofu with a crunchy outside and a soft, light inside, this easy tofu recipe is for you! If you have an air fryer, you need to try this air fryer tofu!

Tofu Manchurian - Tofu Manchurian is a super saucy Asian-inspired meal straight from the air fryer! Toss this crispy tofu in homemade Manchurian sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner at home.

Crispy Tofu in the air fryer - This Crispy Tofu is such a tasty dish and has great texture. You’ll love having this fried tofu as an addition to any stir fry or as a gluten-free option to eat on its own.

Tofu Noodle Bowls - Tofu noodle bowls are a delicious and easy lunch prep recipe. You can make these tofu noodle bowls at the start of your week and have a tasty lunch all week long!

Favorite Baked Tofu Recipes

When you are searching for easy tofu recipes, often baked tofu recipes will come up in your search. After all, being able to toss something into the oven, set it and forget about it certainly does rank up there on the easy scale! We have some different ideas listed here for easy tofu recipes. Enchiladas, "meatballs", "bacon" and more!

Tofu Enchiladas - Vegetarian Enchiladas are a hearty and comforting weeknight meal! These tortillas are stuffed with tofu, rice, and beans and smothered in a smooth enchilada sauce.

Tofu Meatballs - Vegan Meatballs are glazed in a sweet sauce and perfect for parties! These tofu "meatballs" are packed with red onion, parsley, oregano, and a little liquid smoke and baked for half an hour for a tender and delicious vegetarian appetizer.

Balsamic Tofu - Balsamic Tofu and Mushrooms is a beautiful dish that brings a satisfying earthy flavor to your dinner table. This is an easy weeknight meal.

Baked BBQ Tofu - If you're on the hunt for a creative vegetarian dinner recipe, look no further! This BBQ tofu marinade is easy to make and full of sweet and savory flavor!

Tofu Bacon - This Tofu Bacon recipe will make you think you're eating the real thing! All the flavor is mixed into a deliciously savory and sweet marinade that fills the tofu with the salty bacon taste!

Baked Tofu - Baked Tofu is a quick and simple vegan protein seasoned with smoked paprika and salt that's ready to eat in less than an hour! Add it to your favorite main dish or serve it alone for the easiest tofu lunch or dinner.

Sheet Pan Lemon Tofu - Lemon Tofu and Beans is a one-pan meal that the entire family will enjoy. The tofu is baked to the perfect tenderness and lightly seasoned with fresh lemon juice.

Yummy Fried Tofu Recipes

When it comes to flavor these yummy fried tofu recipes make their mark. Flavors from game day buffalo, sesame, sweet and sour and honey sriracha. Trust us, your taste buds will not know what happened, these will taste so good. And of course all of these are easy tofu recipes. They are great for tofu beginners or tofu experts!

Buffalo Tofu - Buffalo Tofu Bites will take your game day watching up a notch. These spicy vegetarian bites will have your mouth watering for more!

Sweet and Sour Tofu - Sweet and Sour Tofu is a dish that will keep you coming back for more. The dish carries the perfect level of sweet and tart!

Sesame Tofu - Sesame Tofu is the easiest Asian-inspired vegetarian dish ever! Crispy pan-fried tofu is covered in a soy, honey, and sweet Thai chili sauce and garnished with sesame seeds.

Tofu Fried Rice - Tofu fried rice is hearty Asian-inspired dish that is filled with hearty protein and veggies. This tofu recipe is fun to make and so flavorful!

Honey Sriracha Tofu - Honey Sriracha Tofu is a delicious spicy fried tofu recipe topped off with a sweet and spicy Sriracha sauce. This easy tofu recipe is a winner for game day!

Kid Friendly Tofu Bites - These crispy little tofu bites are covered in crushed crackers for the ultimate crisp. They are easy to make and very kid friendly.

Pan Fried Tofu - Pan fried tofu, is a simple way to prepare tofu. The end result gives you a golden, slightly crispy tofu bites that will keep you coming back for second servings.

Best Tofu Recipes

Grouped in this section of easy tofu recipes is what we consider some of the BEST tofu recipes around! Tofu recipes aren't just for dinner, you know. They make great breakfast and lunch options too. Our Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burritos are simply delicious and oh so easy to make! Here is a tofu fun fact for you, did you know about 12,672 blocks of tofu lined up end-to-end lengthwise equals about one mile? Cool, huh?

Tofu Pad Thai - A vegetarian Tofu Pad Thai Recipe with extra vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs. This Pad Thai sauce is sweet and savory and packed with Thai flavors.

Tofu Sofritas - Skip the restaurant and make easy Tofu Sofritas at home! This easy vegan recipe is the perfect filling for bowls, burritos, tacos, nachos, and more!

Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burritos - Want to reinvent your lack luster breakfast? Try these Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burritos to jump start your day with some flavor!

Pineapple Ginger Tofu - Pineapple Ginger Tofu is a vegan play on a pineapple ginger chicken recipe. This tofu recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Sweet Thai Chili Tofu Bowl - Sweet Thai Chili Tofu Bowls are the perfect balance of sweet and spice! These delicious bowls are great for meal prep!

General Tso Tofu - General Tso’s Tofu is ready in less than 25 minutes. This vegan tofu recipe is an at-home twist on the classic Chinese tofu recipe, and is becoming one of my favorite firm tofu recipes.

Vegan Tofu Recipes

There are lots of vegan tofu recipes in our giant list of easy tofu recipes. Have fun with classic meat dishes but veganize them by removing the meat and adding tofu. For example, our Vegan Orange Chicken is a delicious take on the meat version at Panda Express. If you are feeling up for an adventure, try a different vegan tofu recipes each day of the week, this week! We have enough for you! Of course, you can always switch it up with other easy tofu recipes!

Tofu Tacos - Tofu Tacos are so easy to make with a homemade taco seasoning! Crumbled tofu is the best taco "meat" made in less than half an hour with all your favorite toppings.

Vegan Orange Chicken - Vegan Orange Chicken is a delicious take on Panda Express Orange Chicken. It is an easy tofu recipe that your entire family will love!

Tofu Salad - Tofu Salad is full of delicious fall flavors! Packed with apples, quinoa, dried cranberries, and the bitter bite of kale, add your favorite dressing or use coconut aminos to keep it gluten free!

Vegan Spanish Rice - Vegan Spanish Rice recipe - This double protein dish (tofu + beans) packs a fun punch of flavor with smoked paprika as the seasoning.

Curry Tofu - Curry Tofu with Broccoli and Rice is a quick and easy dinner that will keep your tasting buds asking for more! You can adjust the curry flavor to your liking.

Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls - Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls are loaded with delicious flavor. They are easy to make and have the perfect balance between sweet and salty!

Pineapple BBQ Tofu - This simple recipe for Pineapple BBQ Tofu does not require a grill, but the use of your broiler. It is a great dish that can be made year round.

Vegan Thai Lettuce Wraps - Vegan Thai Lettuce Cups aka Vegan Thai Lettuce Wraps will be your new favorite appetizer. You will swoon over this vegetarian Thai lettuce wrap recipe!

Delicious Tofu Soups or Tofu Chili

When it comes to easy tofu recipes, you probably aren't thinking about tofu soups and tofu chili. But that is just our guess. Believe it or not, tofu is a great addition into soups and chilis! It can be an easy meat replacement if you are looking to go that route. Toss in some sauteed tofu into your chili to add even more protein. Cube your tofu and add into noodle soup to make the most delicious version of vegan chicken noodle soup you have ever tasted!

Tofu Chili - Hearty Tofu Chili is the best vegan comfort food. You can make this chili recipe in less than an hour with tons of succulent veggies and protein-packed beans.

Tofu Noodle Soup - Hearty, flavorful, and packed with veggies, this simple Tofu Noodle Soup aka Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect pot of delicious comfort on any day!

Vegetarian Coconut Curry Soup - This vegetarian coconut curry soup is perfect for the weekend or a busy week night. This family friendly soup curry is also gluten-free and vegan. You are going to love the tofu and Thai flavors in this soup!

Easy Tofu Recipes: Air Fryer Tofu Tacos

Did you know that tofu takes on whatever flavor you are cooking with? It is true! So we are going to teach you how to flavor your tofu with some easy tofu recipes! Easy Tofu Recipes can make your weeknight dinners easy to prepare. Read on to find 35+ easy tofu recipes you can start to make this week! Let's start you off with these Air Fryer Tofu Tacos

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Keyword easy tofu recipes

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 14

Total Time 29

Servings people

Calories 787kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 block extra firm tofu
1 T oil (for tofu prep)
2 t chili powder
1 t cumin
6 T sunbutter (or any nut butter, such as peanut butter)
2 T maple syrup
2 T sriracha
4 t oil (I like avocado oil)
6 corn tortillas
1 c red cabbage diced
3 green onions diced
4 T parsley diced (fresh)

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

The first step to make your air fryer tofu tacos is to prepare your tofu. You are going to want to press your tofu for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to tighten the knobs about every 3-4 minutes.
Once your tofu has been pressed, you are going to want to cube your tofu.
Place the tofu into a gallon sized baggie. Then add in the oil and spices. Gently shake the baggie to help coat the tofu.
Once the tofu is coated you, will gently place the tofu taco meat into the air fryer basket. Cook the tofu taco meat in your air fryer at 380 degrees F for 12-14 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket in the middle of the time to help prevent the tofu from sticking.
While the tofu taco meat is cooking in the air fryer you can diced up the cabbage, green onions and parsley. Then set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sunbutter, maple syrup, sriracha and oil. This will be the sauce you use to top your air fryer tofu tacos!
Divide the corn tortillas onto two plates. Divide red cabbage onto plates, followed by the tofu, the sauce, green onions and parsley.
Enjoy those air fryer tofu tacos! Sit back and relax!

Notes

**Don't have an air fryer? No problem, you can saute your tofu in cubes by using 2 T oil over medium heat. Be sure to move tofu around in the pan so each side can brown.

Pro Tip: If you have a gas stove you can hold the corn torillas over the open flame to char the edges. Be careful!

Pro Tip: If you don't want to use tofu cubes, you can diced or mash the tofu taco meat with a fork to make a crumble for your tacos. This crumble will more closely represent other proteins typically found in tacos.

More ways to use Tofu Taco Meat:

You could use the tofu taco meat as stuffing in these Vegan Thai Lettuce Cups
Whip up some air fryer baked potatoes and top with tofu taco meat.
Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is pretty delicious but you could take it up a notch with flavor and texture with some tofu taco meat.

Nutrition

Make some Easy Tofu Recipes

Have you made any of these easy tofu recipes? If you, leave us a comment below telling us which of the easy tofu recipes you made! Air Fryer Tofu Recipes? Vegan Tofu Recipes? Tofu Soups? Baked Tofu Recipes? Fried Tofu Recipes? You've got a LOT to choose from! We can't wait to hear which of the easy tofu recipes you whipped up!

The post Easy Tofu Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.

Tofu Pad Thai

Alysen — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 13:38:15 +0000

A vegetarian Tofu Pad Thai Recipe with extra vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs. This Pad Thai sauce is sweet and savory and packed with Thai flavors.

TOFU PAD THAI RECIPE

This post is sponsored by the EZ Tofu Press!

This Tofu Pad Thai recipe is the easiest!

I've recreated my favorite dish using vegetarian ingredients. Traditional pad Thai recipes use fish sauce to create the sauce. Fish sauce has a very specific flavor that is not easy to reproduce in a vegan way, but I'm really happy with how I've done it here!

Tamarind is another traditional ingredient, but it is not very easy to find in a regular grocery store, and for that reason I've left it out. I want this recipe to be easy!

Try my other Asian take out inspired tofu dishes, like Tofu Fried Rice or Air Fryer Fried Rice, and Sesame Tofu.

To create a complex Asian-inspired vegan pad Thai sauce, we'll combine sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and acid flavor notes in a way that works perfectly to flavor lightly fried tofu pieces and rice noodles.

INGREDIENTS IN TOFU PAD THAI

Tofu - One block of either firm or extra firm tofu, whichever you prefer. Read below to learn more about how to press the tofu to get the liquid out of it.

Zucchini - Diced veggies add bulk and nutrition to this dish, and zucchini is one of my favorites.

Onion - For lots of flavor, onion is traditional and delicious.

Carrot - Not only are carrots an excellent vegetable add in, but they add great color to the dish.

Eggs - We add scrambled egg to pad Thai for more protein and texture. Leave the eggs out to make this recipe vegan.

Peanuts - Chop your peanuts into smaller pieces to use as a crunchy garnish.

Cilantro - You might know that I love cilantro on just about anything, but in Thai cooking, it's traditional. Fresh herbs add tons of color and a clean flavor.

Brown Sugar - To make this vegan pad thai sauce, we'll start with some sweetness.

White Vinegar - Vinegar balances out the sugar. I like white vinegar because it's easy to find, but rice vinegar can be used too.

Soy Sauce - This sauce ingredient is salty, and umami. Substitute with Tamari to make this gluten free.

Sesame Oil - I just love the flavor of this toasty, warm seed oil. It's must for Asian inspired dishes.

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce - Look for this in a small jar in the Asian section of your supermarket. It's sweet, savory, and mildly spicy.

Lime - The juice from one lime goes into the sauce to add additional acid and freshness. Cut up a second lime to serve on the side of your plates.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I will get back to you ASAP!

HOW TO MAKE TOFU PAD THAI

Press the Tofu using the EZ Tofu Press. Read below for more details on that process. While the tofu is being pressed, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. When cooked, rinse with cold water and set aside.
Fry Tofu. Cut tofu into bite size pieces, and fry in oil in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside.
Cook Vegetables. Warm the rest of the oil in the skillet and sauté the onion, zucchini, and carrots until softened.
Scramble Eggs. Move the veggies to one side of the skillet, and cook the eggs on the other side.
Make the Sauce. Mix together the sauce ingredients with a whisk, set aside
Make the Pad Thai. Add the cooked tofu, sauce, and noodles to the skillet with the eggs and veggies. Mix to combine and warm through. Top with cilantro and peanuts.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.

How to Press Tofu

There are two ways to press tofu. You can use an EZ Tofu Press, or you can press your tofu by balancing heavy objects on top of it.

I prefer the tofu press method. I have been using the EZ Tofu Press for almost a decade. I use it weekly, and it continues to do an amazing job!

The EZ Tofu Press easily, quickly, and with less mess removes liquid from firm or extra-firm tofu. It uses simple mechanics and high-quality materials, making it long-lasting and easy to use.

How Long to Press Tofu

I press my tofu with the EZ Tofu Press for 12 to 15 minutes. I turn the knobs tighter every 3 to 4 minutes as the tofu releases liquid.

Pressing tofu is important for tofu tacos because it removes extra moisture. Less moisture helps the tofu brown better in the skillet and gives the taco filling a better texture.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOFU PAD THAI

With More Vegetables. There are plenty of veggies in this vegan pad Thai dish, but some more on the side will make it a super filling meal. Try making Air Fryer Green Beans, Steamed Broccoli, or Edamame.

Swap the Protein. If you're serving meat eaters, or otherwise want to add meat, try making Air Fryer Sticky Ginger Chicken or Air Fryer Salmon.

With Asian Inspired Appetizers. Vegetarian Thai Lettuce Wraps are totally delicious, and Honey Sriracha Cauliflower is crispy, sweet, and crunchy.

DON'T YOU NEED TAMARIND FOR PAD THAI?

Traditional pad Thai uses tamarind paste, which is a sour, citrusy flavor made from the seeds of a tamarind tree. While you can buy this in specialty stores or online, it's not regularly available in American grocery stores, so I've left it out of this recipe for simplicity.

IS PAD THAI TRADITIONALLY MADE WITH TOFU?

Yes! Tofu is a very common ingredient in Thai cuisine, and any original pad Thai recipe would have had tofu in it, rather than chicken or beef like we see today.

CAN YOU BUY PAD THAI SAUCE?

You can buy versions of pad Thai sauce in specialty stores or online, but I find it easier and better to make my own. If you eat gluten-free, be sure that any pre-made sauce you buy is also gluten-free.

MORE SIMPLE TOFU RECIPES

Honey Sriracha Tofu is spicy and tangy and delicious served over rice.

Looking for a Tex-Mex inspired dinner? Air Fryer Tofu Tacos are a super easy meal to make for the family. Try Tofu Sofritas for tacos too, just like Chipotle!

Lunch Prep with Tofu Buddha Bowls or Tofu Bacon for sandwiches.

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Tofu Pad Thai

A vegetarian Tofu Pad Thai Recipe with extra vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs. This Pad Thai sauce is sweet and savory and packed with Thai flavors.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Keyword tofu pad thai

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings Servings

Calories 437kcal

Author Alysen

Ingredients

1 block Tofu firm or extra firm
1 tbsp. Oil divided
4 oz. Brown rice noodles
1 cup Zucchini diced
1 cup Onion diced
¾ cup Carrot diced
2 Eggs beaten
⅓ cup Peanuts chopped
⅔ cup cilantro chopped

Pad Thai Sauce Ingredients

3 tbsp. Brown sugar
2 tbsp. White vinegar
1 tbsp. Soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp. Sesame oil
1 tbsp Sweet thai chili sauce
2 tbsp Water
Juice from one lime

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Press the tofu using the EZ Tofu Press. Gently tighten the knobs every 3-4 minutes and press the tofu for 10-12 minute total.
Cut the tofu into bite size pieces. Warm 1 T of the oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté tofu cubes until golden brown (Usually about 8-12 minutes) Then set aside.
Boil the rice noodles according to package directions, when cooked rinse with cold water and set aside.
Warm the rest of the oil in the skillet and sauté the zucchini, onion and carrots (about 5-7 minutes) until softened.
Mix together sauce ingredients, set aside.
Then move the veggies to one side of the skillet, pour in beaten eggs. Scramble cook the eggs in the pan with the veggies.
When eggs are cooked add in the cooked tofu, sauce and noodles. Mix to combine. Top with cilantro and peanuts.

Notes

Either brown rice noodles or regular rice noodles can be used, cook according to the package instructions, as they are all slightly different.
To make this recipe vegan, leave out the eggs.

Nutrition

The post Tofu Pad Thai appeared first on Vegetarian Mamma.