Searching for the best tofu recipes? These Asian tofu dishes are ideal for quick and easy meals, providing excellent plant-based protein for a healthy diet.
Looking for the best way to enjoy tofu? Asian cuisines provide incredibly versatile tofu recipes that cater to every taste, whether you’re a beginner or looking to explore new tofu dishes.
From simple, crispy pan-fried tofu for beginners to the rich flavors of mapo tofu and tuna soft stew, which are easy enough for any cook to tackle, these recipes highlight tofu’s extensive adaptability.
Tofu pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients, making it the perfect centerpiece for both vegan and vegetarian meals, like tofu broccoli salad or quick silken tofu. Also, explore our dishes that feature meat and seafood, including meat tofu patties, tofu kimchi stir-fry, and authentic Korean soft tofu stew.
Discover the joy of cooking with tofu, a fantastic source of plant-based protein that fits seamlessly into any diet. These tofu dishes not only offer health benefits but also promise to delight your palate.
Even skeptics can become tofu enthusiasts with the right recipe. Let these Asian tofu recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
For more insights on using tofu with other ingredients, check out my Korean pantry page. Explore, experiment, and enjoy the endless possibilities tofu has to offer.
15 Healthy Asian Tofu Recipes
1
Microwave Soft Tofu Recipe (5-Minute)
This Korean soft tofu (silken tofu) recipe takes only 5 minutes to cook in a microwave. A slightly spicy soy chili sauce adds umami in this light tofu dish. You will also learn other easy cooking method to prepare tofu.
This quick Korean braised tofu recipe, dubu jorim, turns bland tofu into a full flavored dish. Pan-seared tofu slices are braised in a spicy savory sauce. Adjust the amount of Korean chili flakes to suit your spice level.
Dubu Kimchi creates a delightful blend of contrasting flavors, combining warm and creamy tofu with stir-fried fermented kimchi and pork. It takes only 10 minutes to make and is a tasty way to use up old kimchi. This recipe can be adapted for a vegetarian diet.
Make crispy pan-fried tofu in 10 minutes! Enjoy Korean-style tofu (dubu buchim) with a golden crust and flavorful sauce, no long time pressing or cornstarch needed.
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!
Sichuan Mapo Tofu, a spicy Chinese tofu dish, is easy to make at home with our authentic recipe. With soft tofu and ground pork in a savory sauce, it promises a fulfilling meal that goes great with rice.
Sundubu jjigae is a velvety Korean tofu stew made with soft silken tofu, deep umami taste, and spicy stew. Add your favorite seafood to customize the dish.
Korean meat tofu patties (wanja-jeon) are a traditional Korean Chuseok dish, but they are also great for a lunchbox as well. You can use ground pork, beef, chicken, or mixture of any. Makes 3 dozen mini patties.
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!
Beef tofu stew made in a skillet is a quick and and easy way of enjoying rural style Korean stew. Adjust the heat level according to your preference. Look for thin slices of beef that has some marbling.
This quick Korean braised tofu recipe turns bland tofu into a full flavored dish. Pan-seared tofu slices are braised in a spicy savory sauce. Adjust the amount of Korean chili flakes to suit your spice level.
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.
