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    Home » Side dishes

    Published: Jan 12, 2023 by Zen · This post may contain affiliate links.

    23 Asian Recipes with Tofu for 2023

    Sharing food makes everyone happy! :)

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    Air Fried Tofu Cubes next to a bowl of sauce.
    Jump to:
    • What is Tofu?
    • 🥚 Egg Tofu
    • 🧈 Silken
    • 🥢 Firm/ Extra Firm
    • 🥬 Vegan
    • 💭 Non-Asian
    • 🍰 Desserts

    What is Tofu?

    Tofu is particularly good in vegan and vegetarian recipes, as it absorbs flavors terrifically. In fact, there are so many vegan tofu recipes that I had to consciously cut down on the number in my Asian Vegan Recipes for Veganuary round-up!

    Tofu can be used in everything from stir-fries to desserts. You can cook it with hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce or braise it with Napa cabbage in oyster sauce chicken stock and it'll taste great!

    It's such a common ingredient, you no longer need to head down to the Asian markets for it (unless you're looking for a special type, such as Tau Kwa or Stuffed Tofu.)

    However, not every type of tofu works in a recipe. Scroll down to find out more about the various forms of tofu, followed by Asian recipes for each type.

    Fun fact: you can makes your own using a tofu press!

    Types

    Some popular varieties of tofu include:

    • Extra Firm
    • Firm
    • Soft or Silken
    • Tau Kwa
    • Egg (usually quite soft)

    Tip: if you're new to cooking with tofu, start with extra-firm tofu as it's easier to work with. Soft tofus can be a nightmare to stir-fry...

    🥚 Egg Tofu

    Salted Egg Yolk Sauce

    Close up of a salted egg tofu with chilli and curry leaves dish.

    This umamilicious and creamy dish is my favorite way to eat tofu!

    Tip: don't forget the paper towels to drain the oil off the golden brown, deep fried tofu, before sautéing them in the salted egg yolk sauce and curry leaves! (The sauce is scrumptious with many ingredients, from popcorn and cornflakes to pork!)

    P.S. Homemade salted eggs are so much better than shop bought!

    Salted Egg Tofu (Fried tofu & salted egg yolk sauce)
    This salted egg tofu is an easy but delicious recipe- the fried tofu is crispy and smothered with a creamy and buttery salted egg yolk sauce that has hints of the citrusy curry leaf and the spice of the chilli. Yum!
    Click here for the Chinese tofu recipe.
    Salted egg yolk tofu with a box of tea.

    🧈 Silken

    Soft Tofu Stew

    This warming Korean stew is the perfect comfort food that can be made in under 30 minutes. A bowl of rice is a must-have with this dish but, if you're on a diet, substitute with cauliflower rice or brown rice.

    Some people add black pepper, but I find the taste overpowering in this Tofu Soup, and do not recommend it.

    Tip: the green onions give freshness to the spicy recipe, so don't skip them! Also, go easy on the red pepper flakes as different batches have different levels of heat- you can always add more later but it's hard to take them out!

    Kimchi Stew

    A photo of Korean Kimchi soup in a traditional Korean black soup bowl.

    Unlike Soondubu Jjigae (Korean tofu stew, shown above), which only uses silken tofu, you can use extra firm tofu in this Kimchi Soup if you wish.

    Tip: aged kimchi has much more flavor!

    Kimchi Soup with Tofu
    Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개) or kimchi stew is a popular Korean cuisine. It is a stew or soup like dish. This Korean kimchi tofu stew or soup recipe is full of umami flavor, a little spicy and the tofu is soft. Kimchi Stew is 1 of my favorite recipes, and goes with anything from these banchan sides to broasted arley tea and makgeolli!
    Click here for the spicy soup recipe.
    A photo of Korean Kimchi soup in a traditional Korean black soup bowl.

    🥢 Firm/ Extra Firm

    Tofu Sisig

    Overheat shot of a plate of Tofu Sisig.

    The sauce ingredients are similar to Toyomansi- if you can't get Calamansi, click here for the best substitutes.

    Tip: the sauce ingredients can be prepared in advanced and kept for 2-3 days before cooking.

    Tofu Sisig
    Tofu Sisig is a Filipino sisig recipe that is mixed with deep-fried tofu, white onion, green chilies, soy sauce, and mayonnaise. This crispy dish is healthier and is best served with white rice.
    Click here for the vegetarian tofu recipe.
    Overheat shot of a plate of Tofu Sisig.

    Firecracker Tofu

    Firecracker tofu cubes on a white plate on a blue background.
    Firecracker Tofu
    Firecracker tofu take crispy pieces of firm tofu and glazes them in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce best served over top of rice.
    Click here for the sweet and spicy tofu recipe.
    Firecracker tofu cubes on a white plate on a blue background.

    Maple Tofu Cubes

    Close-up of Tofu Cubes coated in Sweet Sriracha Sauce.

    Tip: sugars can burn quickly so cook the stir fry sauce on medium heat to medium-high heat at the max!

    Sriracha Maple Tofu
    This Quick Maple Sriracha Tofu is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. With a sweet and spicy glaze on each piece, this delicious and flavorful dish is so simple and easy to make. If you don't have maple syrup, try some of these maple syrup substitutes!
    Click here for the Maple Tofu recipe!
    Close-up of Tofu Cubes coated in Sweet Sriracha Sauce.

    Air Fried Tofu

    Air Fried Tofu Cubes next to a bowl of sauce.

    Instead of deep frying the tofu for the salted egg tofu recipe, why not take air fry them instead? Click through to learn the secrets of crispy non-deep fried tofu!

    It'll be healthier and better than anything you get at Chinese restaurants!

    Healthy, Crispy Tofu
    How to make super Crispy Air Fryer Tofu in just 10 minutes of cook time! It is not only super easy but also delicious and perfect for meal prep! Super tasty with Sambal Mayonnaise Sauce and Gochujang Aioli Sauce.
    Click here for the air fryer recipe.
    Air Fried Tofu Cubes next to a bowl of sauce.

    Sticky Tofu

    Close-up of tofu cubes smothered in sticky Asian sauce.

    Tofu is a huge part of Chinese cuisine, so how can I miss out a tofu stir-fry?

    Tip: add some shiitake mushrooms, broccoli florets and/ or snow peas to make it more nutritious!

    Asian Tofu
    This Sticky Tofu recipe is simple to follow and tastes incredible! Firm tofu is sautéed until crispy, then coated with an Asian-inspired sticky sauce. Serve over rice, veggies, or your favorite noodles for an easy and tasty meal!
    Click here for the firm tofu recipe.
    Close-up of tofu cubes smothered in sticky Asian sauce.

    Teriyaki Tofu

    Pan-fried tofu cubes on a white deep plate.

    Click here for side dishes that go well with teriyaki!

    Tip: if you can't get potato starch, you can substitute with corn starch for the coating.

    Teriyaki Tofu
    Crispy pan fried tofu tastes amazing with Japanese teriyaki sauce. Also, this crispy teriyaki tofu recipe is great for appetizers, party food and side dishes. When I make teriyaki salmon, I skip the potato starch. However, as tofu is quite soft, you definitely need the starch coating to get the crispy crunch! And don't forget the spring onions garnish to lift the heavy savory sauce!
    Click through for the teriyaki tofu recipe.
    Pan-fried tofu cubes on a white deep plate.

    Tofu Fries

    Someone dipping a breaded tofu stick into dip.

    This finger food makes a great Super Bowl snack. You can also use tofu slices, to make tofu burgers!

    Tip: try them with Samosa Sauce!

    Tofu Sticks
    These baked tofu sticks are the perfect comfort food, a healthier alternative to Pan-fried Luncheon Meat Fries. They’re crispy, spicy, and super easy to make! Perfect with Sambal Mayo and Gochujang Aioli Sauce.
    Click here for the tofu fries recipe.
    Someone dipping a breaded tofu stick into dip.

    🥬 Vegan

    Masala

    Overheat shot of Matar Tofu Curry and white rice.

    For other healthy-ish Indian tofu recipes, click here or here for Indian sides that would go well with Masala!

    Vegan Indian Tofu
    This tofu matar recipe is unique because I air-fried tofu and simmered it with a flavorful onion-tomato masala.
    Click here for the Tofu Masala recipe.
    Overheat shot of Matar Tofu Curry and white rice.

    Dim Sum

    A plate of vegan tofu sesame toast
    Missing the days of going out for dim sum? Why not make these easy tofu sesame toasts at home?

    To learn more about Cantonese food, such as seafood congee and Hong Kong coffee milk tea, click here.

    Vegan sesame toast
    These Tofu Sesame Toasts are the perfect easy appetizer for entertaining. They are delicately flavoured and simple to prepare. For more Chinese vegan and vegetarian recipes, click here.
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of vegan tofu sesame toast

    Vegan Triangles

    Close-up of a chopsticks picking up a tofu with spring onions on it.

    The rice vinegar sauce is delicious! If you don't have Sriracha, you can try substituting with Gochujang or Sambal Oelek. (Not the same things but they're both also full-flavoured Asian condiments!)

    Vegan Tofu recipe
    This is the perfect pan-fried tofu recipe! It's quick, easy, and extra crispy. Each piece is fried to golden-brown perfection, then generously coated in a flavorful soy marinade. Sit down to a protein-packed meal in 15 minutes or less!
    Click here for the savory tofu recipe!
    Close-up of a chopsticks picking up a tofu with spring onions on it.

    Panda Express Copycat

    Tofu Cubes on white rice in a neutral coloured bowl.
    Vegan Orange Chicken
    Orange Tofu – the vegan equivalent of Panda Express’s famous orange chicken! Crispy tofu tossed with the most delicious sticky orange sauce!
    Click here for the copycat recipe.
    Tofu Cubes on white rice in a neutral coloured bowl.

    Korean Side Dish

    A close-up of a Korean tofu side dish glistening with a soy sauce dressing.
    Korean Silken Tofu
    This easy silken tofu dish is full of flavor and ready in just 5 minutes! A delicious soy sauce mixture made with sesame seeds, chopped peppers, and scallions is spooned over a block of silken tofu to make a quick and easy meal!
    Click here for the tofu starter recipe.
    A close-up of a Korean tofu side dish glistening with a soy sauce dressing.

    Katsu Curry

    A plate of Tofu Katsu Curry with white rice.
    Vegan Tonkatsu
    Ditch the take-out and make your own Tofu Katsu Curry at home! Enjoy the golden crispy tofu surrounded with fragrant and delicious Japanese-style curry sauce. A straight-forward and simple dish that's ready in 40 minutes! Goes really well with these Japanese side dishes and Royal Milk Tea!
    Click here for the Tofu Curry recipe.
    A plate of Tofu Katsu Curry with white rice.

    Fried Rice

    Yellow fried rice on a white plate with vegetables behind.

    Rice can be super filling, so why not wash it down with some Chinese Plum Tea for digestion?

    Tip: leftover rice is best for fried rice!

    Fried rice
    Homemade Chinese-style vegan fried rice is easy to make, tastes way better than take-out, and is also far healthier! You can make this recipe in one skillet, in 20 minutes or less, and the minimal oil is optional! Vegan fast food in your home kitchen! Don't forget the sesame oil and chilli for flavor!
    Click here for the vegan rice recipe.
    Yellow fried rice on a white plate with vegetables behind.

    💭 Non-Asian

    I know this is supposed to be an Asian tofu recipes round-up but these dishes looked so appetising, I couldn't resist including them!

    GF Pasta

    Close-up of pasta in creamy red sauce on a black plate.

    Click here for GF appetisers and dips.

    GF Pasta
    This Gluten-free Roasted Red Bell Pepper Pasta is also vegan, made with cashews, roasted red bell pepper, red onions, garlic and almond milk. And it’s topped with crispy and super flavorful tofu.
    Click here for the Bell Pepper and Tofu Pasta recipe.
    Close-up of pasta in creamy red sauce on a black plate.

    Mac & Cheese

    A bowl of creamy tofu Mac and cheese with spring onions on top.
    Tofu Mac and Cheese
    Craving a high protein mac and cheese recipe that's silky, creamy, and cheesy? Blend in tofu to make the creamiest, silky cheese sauce over pasta.
    Click here for the healthier Mac and Cheese recipe.
    A bowl of creamy tofu Mac and cheese with spring onions on top.

    Feta

    Vegan feta cubes in a clear glass.
    Vegan Feta Cheese
    An easy recipe for the most delicious vegan feta cheese ever! This Tofu Feta is bursting with flavor and an excellent dairy-free alternative to the original Greek Cheese! 
    Click here for the DF cheese.
    Vegan feta cubes in a clear glass.

    🍰 Desserts

    Tip: Tofu desserts almost always use soft or silken tofu. You can also use it in cheesecake! (Matcha and black sesame are good flavors for tofu cake, as tofu on its own can be bland.)

    Taho

    2 glasses filled with brown sugar syrup and taho.
    Filipino Taho Dessert
    Taho is soft tofu (sometimes called silken tofu) that’s sweetened with brown sugar syrup (arnibal) and topped with sago or tapioca pearls. It’s a popular breakfast treat in the Philippines but it’s also served as a snack and dessert. (Did you know that you can make your own brown sugar? And that home-made brown sugar syrup, which can also be used in Taiwanese Tiger Boba Milk Tea, can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 weeks? Click the links for the recipes!)
    Click here for the Filipino Snack recipe.
    2 glasses filled with brown sugar syrup and taho.

    Dou Hua

    2 bowls of Chinese Tofu Pudding in white bowls.
    Tofu Fa
    Sweet tofu pudding or douhua (豆花) is a classic Chinese dessert. Also, this douhua recipe has only a few ingredients. A smooth, silky and soft sweet tofu pudding dessert can be done in a simple way! If you like traditional Cantonese tong sui like black sesame soup and bird's nest soup, you'll love this!
    Click here for the Chinese tofu dessert.
    2 bowls of Chinese Tofu Pudding in white bowls.

    If these Asian tofu recipes were helpful, maybe you'd like to sign up for my newsletter?

    I have other recipes you may like here! :)

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    Greedygirlgourmet eating 2 sandwiches in Scotland

    Hi I'm Zhen also known as GGG! I couldn't boil water till I was 18 but after living abroad (in St. Andrews then London) for 11 years and having to cook for myself, I now love cooking for friends and family. Learning to cook late, I make sure my recipes go into enough detail for those new to Asian cuisine or who love a test kitchen approach to cooking!

    More about GGG ->

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