Tofu’s not the most exciting thing in the fridge, but it’s probably the most useful. It’s cheap, lasts forever, and doesn’t complain when you forget about it for a few days. When you finally decide to cook it, it can actually pull together a solid dinner without much effort. These recipes are here to help you do exactly that. They’re quick meals that make good use of what you’ve got.
Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables
This sheet pan dinner makes great use of that block of tofu along with whatever veggies you’ve got. It all bakes together with BBQ sauce and dry rub, so there’s no babysitting anything. Easy cleanup, too.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
A quick way to bulk up pasta salad with actual protein. This one uses tofu, balsamic dressing, and fresh vegetables to make a light dinner that’s perfect when it’s too hot to cook.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Tofu
The air fryer gives tofu a crispy edge without needing much oil or effort. It’s a great way to prep that block of tofu for bowls, salads, or just snacking straight from the tray.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu
Sheet Pan Meal Prep Tofu
Roast tofu with cabbage and peppers on one pan and you’ve got meals ready for a few days. This one’s especially helpful when you’ve got a block of tofu to use up and no time to deal with it later.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Meal Prep Tofu
Sweet & Sour Tofu
Crispy tofu and a sticky sauce come together fast for a takeout-style dinner you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s a good go-to when tofu is the only protein in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu
The Best Tofu Marinade
This Thai-style marinade uses almond butter for a rich, nutty flavor that actually sticks. Great if you’re prepping tofu for grilling, stir-fries, or just need it to taste like something.
Get the Recipe: The Best Tofu Marinade
Mapo Tofu
A fast version of the spicy Chinese dish that leans on pantry staples and packs in flavor. If your tofu needs a purpose, this one brings heat and comfort in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mapo Tofu
Tofu Fried Rice
A perfect clean-out-the-fridge dinner that also gives tofu something useful to do. Great for using leftover rice and whatever vegetables you forgot were in the drawer.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
A simple stir fry that balances tofu and broccoli in a sauce that pulls it all together. It’s quick, filling, and a solid dinner choice when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles
Baked tofu with noodles makes a quick dinner that skips the frying mess. This one brings heat and works great when you need to build a meal around tofu without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles
Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)
Crispy tofu and eggplant cooked in a sauce that tastes like the takeout version. It’s a great use of tofu when you want something bold without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)
Busy Nights’ Tofu Fried Rice Recipe
Fast, flexible, and makes great leftovers. This version of tofu fried rice is perfect for nights when dinner needs to happen in one pan and under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Busy Nights’ Tofu Fried Rice Recipe
Quick Braised Tofu
A quick braised tofu recipe made with ingredients most kitchens already have. Great when you’re craving something simple but flavorful with that block of tofu.
Get the Recipe: Quick Braised Tofu
General Tso’s Tofu
Crispy tofu coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s one of those recipes that makes tofu feel like the right choice for dinner, especially if you’ve got rice to go with it.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Tofu
Couscous Salad With Tofu
A fast and fresh meal that uses tofu for protein and couscous to keep it filling. Good for make-ahead lunches or dinners when you don’t feel like turning on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Salad With Tofu