A list of 50+ delicious vegan tofu recipes, including mains, sides, desserts, and more. With simple ingredients and tofu (or tempeh), you can recreate favorite dishes at home and enjoy nutrient-packed, plant-based meals.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Tofu Recipes
Tofu is remarkably versatile. From crispy extra-firm cubes in stir-fries to silky tofu blended into desserts, it adapts to many textures and flavors. It’s an excellent, plant-based source of protein and pairs beautifully with vegetables, grains, herbs, and sauces. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or trying a new comfort-food remake, tofu and tempeh are reliable, affordable options that make plant-based eating satisfying.
Tofu works in both simple, quick meals and more elaborate recipes. It’s frequently the go-to ingredient for recreating familiar comfort dishes using only vegan components. For best results in recipes that require a firmer texture, press tofu to remove excess liquid so it crisps up more easily; a tofu press helps, but a heavy weight wrapped in a towel is an effective alternative.
What is the Difference Between Tofu and Tempeh?
Tofu and tempeh are both soy-based proteins, but they differ in processing and texture. Tofu is made from soy milk and comes in varieties ranging from silken to extra-firm, making it useful in desserts, smoothies, scrambles, stir-fries, and more. Silken tofu blends into creamy sauces and puddings, while firm and extra-firm types hold up to frying, baking, and grilling. Because tofu is mild-flavored, it’s a great canvas for bold marinades and seasonings.
Tempeh is made from whole soybeans that have been fermented and pressed into cakes, resulting in a nuttier flavor and chewier, meatier texture. Its fermented nature can also be gentler on digestion for some people. You’ll also find tempeh blended with grains or legumes, and even tempeh made from chickpeas or other beans for those avoiding soy.
Types of Tofu and Tempeh
Tofu varieties include silken, soft, firm, and extra-firm, as well as pre-pressed and high-protein options. Silken tofu is perfect for smoothies, dressings, and silky desserts. Firm and extra-firm tofu are ideal for pan-frying, baking, and using as a protein substitute in savory dishes. Other soy products like tofu puffs and yuba offer additional textures.
Tempeh can be plain or mixed with grains and seasonings. Pre-marinated tempeh is convenient, and non-soy tempeh alternatives—such as chickpea or black bean tempeh—are available for people who prefer to avoid soy.
How to Use Tofu and Tempeh
Use tofu as a direct protein swap for chicken, fish, or beef in many recipes. Marinate, bake, pan-fry, air-fry, braise, or crumble it into casseroles, salads, and bowls. Tempeh works well when baked, grilled, sautéed, or breaded and makes a hearty addition to stews, tacos, and sandwiches. Both ingredients are excellent for meal prep and can be seasoned to match a wide range of cuisines.
50 Easy Vegan Recipes Using Tofu or Tempeh
Breakfast Recipes
Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast. Tofu is great in both savory and sweet morning dishes.
- Simple Tofu Scramble Recipe
- Pumpkin Chai Smoothie (Pumpkin and tofu add creaminess and protein)
- Tempeh Broccoli and Sweet Potato Hash
- Tofu “Eggs” Benedict (with vegan hollandaise)
- Sundried Tomato, Mushroom, and Spinach Tofu Quiche
- Tofu Pancakes
- Strawberry Banana Tofu Smoothie
- Freezer Vegan Breakfast Burrito (tofu scramble and fillings)
Main Dishes
Center your dinner around tofu or tempeh to create filling, flavorful main courses. They accept bold marinades, crisp nicely when baked or fried, and can stand in for animal proteins in many recipes.
- Almond-Crusted Crispy Baked Tofu
- Easy Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Teriyaki
- Everything Bagel-Crusted Tofu Sandwich
- Vegan Tofu Curry (creamy, spiced sauce)
- Vegan “Chicken” Noodle Soup using tofu
- Ricotta-Style Stuffed Zucchini Ravioli (uses tofu for the ricotta)
- Air Fryer Hasselback Tofu
- Tempeh and Mushroom “Bolognese”
- Indonesian-Inspired Fried Rice with tofu
- High-Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese (silken tofu for creaminess)
- Baked Citrus Tempeh
- Soyrizo-Style Tofu
- Kung Pao Tofu
- Black Pepper Tofu Stir Fry
- Herb-Crusted Tofu
- Vegan KFC-Style Fried “Chicken” using tofu
- Tofu Egg Salad Sandwich
- Lemongrass Tofu
- Vegan Spam-Style Smoked Tofu
- Butter Tofu (Paneer-style, rich Indian flavors)
- Tofu Karaage
- BBQ Tofu and Collard Green Empanadas
Snacks & Sides
Snackable bites and side dishes that benefit from the protein boost of tofu and tempeh—perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or an easy addition to any meal.
- Tempeh Tenders
- Rainbow Tempeh Rolls
- Crispy Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks (Erewhon-style)
- Quick Vegan “Yogurt” (tofu-based)
- Vegan “Mayo” (silken tofu version)
- Vegan Potato Skins with Tempeh Bacon
- Herb and Garlic Tofu “Cream Cheese”
- Vegan Cottage Cheese (tofu-based)
- Crispy Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce
- Baked Tempeh Tots
- BBQ Tempeh Chips
- Oven Baked Tofu Fries
- Thai Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce
- Tofu Katsu Noodle Bowl
- 4-Ingredient Jerk Tofu
Dessert
Silken tofu shines in desserts, lending creaminess without dairy. It blends seamlessly into mousses, cheesecakes, puddings, and other sweet treats.
- High-Protein Chocolate Mousse (silken tofu base)
- High-Protein Banana Pudding
- Healthy High-Protein Pumpkin Pie
- Vegan Basque Cheesecake (tofu-based)
- Vegan Butter Mochi Cake with Matcha
- Dark Chocolate Tofu Cheesecake
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Pie
- Golden Chocolate Tofu Brownies
- Lemon Poppyseed Tofu Cheesecake
- Vegan Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
If you try any of these recipes, tag the creators and share your photos on Instagram with @veggiekins so your recreations can be seen and featured. I love reading reviews and hearing about substitutions you tried—leave a comment to let us know how it went.
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