15 Must-Try Asian Tofu Recipe Ideas
Discover 15 must-try tofu recipe ideas, from light and simple dishes to bold, flavor-packed creations. These Asian-inspired tofu dishes are perfect for quick, easy meals made highlight tofu’s versatility and delicious potential.
If you’re looking for creative ways to cook tofu, this list of 15 must-try tofu recipe ideas is here to inspire you! A key ingredient in Asian cuisines, tofu is incredibly versatile and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a favorite for a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re new to tofu or a longtime fan, these recipes offer something for everyone. From light and simple preparations to bold and flavor-packed dishes, these Asian tofu recipes show just how adaptable tofu can be.
Perfect for vegan and vegetarian meals, tofu is a healthy, satisfying option that works well in any diet. A great Asian inspired meal ready to satisfy!
Even if you’ve been unsure about tofu, these recipes are designed to turn skeptics into enthusiasts. Let these tofu recipe ideas spark your creativity in the kitchen and help you discover your next favorite dish.
15 Asian Tofu Recipe Ideas
Easy Silken Tofu (Microwave Korean-Style Tofu)
Warm, silky Korean tofu steamed in the microwave and finished with a soy chili sauce. A fast, no-fuss side dish ready in minutes.
Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)
Korean braised tofu (dubu jorim) is a quick and easy dish ready in 20 minutes! Crispy tofu is braised in a savory soy sauce with gochugaru, making it perfect as a side dish or a main meal with rice or noodles.
Quick Dubu Kimchi (Tofu with Kimchi and Pork)
Dubu Kimchi (Tofu Kimchi) is a quick Korean dish with boiled tofu, spicy stir-fried kimchi, and pork. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s a great way to use aged kimchi for a savory, tangy, and creamy meal. Enjoy it as a side, appetizer, or with rice!
Crispy Korean Pan-Fried Tofu (Dubu Buchim)
Make crispy Korean pan-fried tofu, or dubu buchim, in minutes. Golden slices of firm tofu are seared and finished with a soy-garlic dipping sauce seasoned with gochugaru and sesame oil. A quick, authentic Korean banchan full of flavor.
Spicy Tofu and Egg in a Skillet
This Korean spicy tofu and egg dish in a skillet is a quick and easy to whip up, but is satisfying enough to justify making it for dinner. Gluten-free and vegetarian adaptable!
Easy Sichuan Mapo Tofu (Authentic Flavor)
Sichuan Mapo Tofu, a spicy tofu dish from Chinese cuisine, is easy to make with this simple recipe. It combines soft tofu and ground pork in a rich, savory doubanjiang sauce for an authentic taste. Serve with rice for a quick, satisfying meal.
Sundubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew with Seafood)
A bubbling, spicy Korean soft tofu stew with silken tofu, clams, shrimp, and kimchi in an anchovy-kelp broth. Classic sundubu jjigae made simple at home.
Tofu with Egg and Tomato
This quick and simple tofu dish is cooked with egg and tomato in chicken stock— A delicious comfort food ready in just 20 minutes. It's gluten-free and vegetarian adaptable!
Korean Meat Tofu Patties (Wanja-jeon)
Wanja-jeon (Korean meat and tofu patties) are pan-fried until golden, tender inside and crisp outside. A holiday favorite at Chuseok, they’re also perfect to make ahead for quick meals or lunchboxes.
Oyster Soft Tofu Rice Bowl (Skillet Dinner)
This soft tofu rice bowl with oyster and kimchi makes a great one skillet dinner. Simmer in a simple spicy sauce and serve over rice.
Korean Watercress Tofu Salad Side Dish
This watercress and tofu salad is a great Korean vegan and vegetarian dish. Blanched watercress and crumbled tofu are seasoned with soybean paste, garlic and sesame oil. Serve with rice!
Tofu and Egg Pudding
This savory Korean tofu and egg pudding is made with silken tofu in a microwave. It is not only a protein packed dish but also delicious.
Beef and Tofu Stew in a Skillet
Beef tofu stew in a skillet is a quick, rustic Korean dish. With marbled beef, soft tofu, and zucchini in a spicy seafood broth, it's pure comfort!
Tofu Broccoli Salad
Easy tofu recipe made into salad with broccoli. This tofu broccoli salad is a great vegetarian or vegan dish.
Kimchi Tofu Dumplings (Mandu)
Korean dumplings(Mandu) are filled with kimchi tofu, and pork. This one is one of the most popular Korean dumplings
15 Must-Try Asian Tofu Recipes: Quick Braised Tofu
Discover 15 must-try tofu recipes, from simple to bold, flavor-packed dishes. These Asian-inspired recipes showcase tofu's versatility and are perfect for quick, easy meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm tofu
- 1/2 cup anchovy stock or water, see note below
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 – 1 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 green chili, sliced, optional
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- To make the sauce, combine soy sauce, Korean chili flakes, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper. Pour anchovy stock (or water) and mix well; set aside.
- Slice tofu into 1/2-inch thickness. Press tofu slices slightly firmly with a piece of paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tofu slices and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
- Add onion and chili on top of tofu. Pour the sauce evenly over the tofu and let it boil. Cover with lid and cook for 4-5 minutes on medium low heat.
- Remove the lid and garnish the braised tofu with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds if you wish. Serve with rice.
Notes
To make anchovy stock:
Put 5-6 large dried anchovies and a piece of dried sea kelp in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to boil and simmer over low heat for 4-5 minutes. Discard the anchovies and sea kelp and reserve the stock.
Vegetarian adaptation: Use water, instead of anchovy stock, in the sauce.
Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 848mg, Potassium: 121mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 891IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 172mg, Iron: 2mg
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