Asian Tofu recipes are a popular and delicious way to include this special ingredient in your meals. Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a popular staple in Asian cuisine and is made from soybeans. It has a high source of protein, is low in fat, and is used in different dishes, from soups and stir-fries to salads and desserts.
Tofu is one of my favorite protein-based ingredients which I use in most of my Asian cooking. If you think of Asian tofu, the recipe varies from country to country or region to region, with each culture having its unique way of preparing and serving tofu. For example, in Japan, tofu is often served cold as a side dish or in a soup, while in China, it is commonly stir-fried with vegetables and sauces.
One of the reasons tofu is so popular in Asian cuisine is because it can absorb flavors and spices easily. This makes it an excellent ingredient for vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as for those who want to reduce their meat intake.
Whether you're a tofu lover or new to cooking with this ingredient, there are many Asian Tofu Recipes to explore and enjoy. From spicy Szechuan tofu to Korean tofu stew, there is something for every taste and dietary preference.
Are these tofu recipes vegetarian?
Many Asian tofu recipes are vegetarian, and they can be used as a substitute for meat in traditional Asian dishes. They are healthy and are high in protein which is preferable to most vegan and vegetarian eaters.
However, it is important to know that not all Asian tofu recipes are vegetarian. That is because some of them use condiments that contain animal-based ingredients, such as fish sauce or oyster sauce. One example is pad thai or Vietnamese pho which contains fish sauce condiments. In addition, it may be mixed with different meat or seafood which is common in stews or noodles recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The type of tofu you use depends on the kinds of recipe and your personal preference. There are three main types of tofu: firm, soft, and silken.
Firm tofu is best for stir-frying, grilling, and pan-frying. Soft tofu is ideal for soups and stews, and the silken tofu is great for making desserts or smoothies
A: Yes, you can freeze tofu to change its texture and make it firmer. Simply drain and press the tofu, wrap it in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for at least 24 hours. Thaw the tofu in the refrigerator before using it in your recipe.
Some Asian tofu recipes may be spicy, depending on the recipe and the level of heat you prefer. Many Asian cuisines use chili peppers or chili paste to add spice to dishes. However, if you don't like spicy food, you can always adjust the amount of chili used in the recipe or don't include it in your ingredients.
Tofu is a great ingredient for absorbing flavors and can be marinated or seasoned with spices and sauces to add flavor. For example, you can marinate it in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil before grilling or pan-frying. Also, you can coat the tofu in cornstarch or flour and season it with different spices before frying to add a crispy texture.
Now I gave you a brief overview of tofu, here are the 28 best Asian tofu recipes that you can make at home. I have organized the recipes based on the countries:
I. Korean Recipes
1. Soondubu jjigae
Soondubu jjigae is one of the most popular Korean stew recipes which has a spiciness and sourness from kimchi paired with the creamy, custard-like texture of silken tofu. Sure to be a hit with all tofu lovers.
2. Doenjang jjigae
Doenjang jjigae is a delicious Korean bean paste soup recipe which is filled with different vegetables and tofu. This soup will delight the palate with a savory ensemble of flavors and it is perfect for cold weather
3. Sticky Tofu
This ridiculously delicious Sticky Tofu might just be one of the best things I’ve ever made. It’s incredibly easy to make, customize, and it goes with basically everything. The stickiness comes from arrowroot powder and it is seasoned with garlic, onion and ginger powder
4. Dubu Jorim
This is a Korean pan-fried tofu simmered in a spicy, sweet and salty sauce. The spiciness comes from gochujang paste which is an important condiment in Korean cooking. It's delicious with a bed of steamed white rice.
5. Silken Tofu
This silken tofu is a fast and easy dish that can be served hot or cold. It’s flavored with a delicious Korean soy sauce flavored with green onions, peppers, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes!
6. Tofu Bulgogi
All the Korean BBQ flavors in this meatless dish! This Tofu bulgogi is a bold, salty, and sweet dish that is marinated for a few hours before it is seared or pan-fried in the pan. It is considered the vegetarian version of beef bulgogi.
7. Vegan Bibimbap
This Vegan Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl dish that is combined with sauteed spinach, radish, mushroom, carrot, beansprout, rice, and tofu as a source of protein. Not only it is healthy, but it is delicious too which is mixed of sweetness, savories and rich in umami flavor
8. Black Bean Tofu Noodle
Tofu in black bean sauce is the perfect easy dinner. Made with that classic black bean sauce with crispy tofu which is best served with rice or noodles and topped with sesame seeds and green onions
II. Filipino Recipes
9. Adobong Kangkong
Adobong Kangkong with Tofu is a Filipino vegetable recipe that is mixed with fried tofu, kangkong leaves (water spinach), and soy sauce. It is one of the most classical dishes based on Filipino adobo which is best to served with rice.
10. Tofu Sisig
Tofu Sisig is a Filipino spicy crispy sisig recipe that is mixed with deep-fried tofu, white onion, green chilies, soy sauce, and mayonnaise. It is a considered a vegetarian version of pork or chicken sisig which is best paired with rice.
11. Taho
Taho is a Filipino breakfast treat made of soft or silken tofu, brown sugar syrup (arnibal), and sago or tapioca pearls. It is considered a childhood favorite every time since the taho vendor walks around the neighborhood in the early morning to sell this delicious breakfast sweet.
III. Thai Recipes
12. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a thai stir fried rice noodles dish that is mixed with eggs, red chili pepper, peanuts, bean sprouts, cabbages, and tofu in a tamarind-based sauce. It is considered one of the most popular thai food among locals and tourist alike.
13. Pad Kra Pao
Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao) is vegan, loaded with crispy tofu and drenched in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce, then arranged over tender rice noodles that are smothered in coconut milk and fresh garlic. Easy to make and also gluten-free, this is a quick Thai basil tofu recipe that beats takeout and requires only one pot and 20 minutes to prepare.
14. Tofu Green Curry
This is a Thai green curry with tofu which is made with green curry paste, coconut milk, and other ingredients which can be made in 30 minutes! It's wonderfully fragrant, mildly spicy, creamy, and flavorful, which is best to eat with rice.
15. Jungles Noodles
Sweet and Spicy Tofu Jungles Noodles is a sweet, spicy and yet savory tofu that is gluten free. It is a blend of Thai and Japanese flavors fused into one. It is mixed with different vegetables such as spinach, mushroom, broccoli and spring onion which will melt your mouth
IV. Japanese recipes
16. Teriyaki Tofu
Crispy teriyaki tofu is not only crispy outside, but also soft inside. Also, it tastes amazingly delicious when served with homemade teriyaki sauce. This dish can be served for appetizer or main dish which is best paired with rice.
17. Miso Soup
Easy to make Japanese staple Miso Soup with few healthy ingredients. Comforting & heartwarming homemade soup that's packed with savory-umami flavors, soft tofu, refreshing green onion crunch, and tender kombu with a bit of chew.
18. Tofu Ramen
Easy and quick vegan ramen with creamy miso and sesame soup, tofu, and vegetables like bok choy, carrot & spring onion. You only need one pot and ingredients that can be found in major supermarkets. This ramen is creamy, full of umami, and savory which is comforting to eat during cold weather.
19. Hiyayakko
This Japanese silken tofu recipe is a quick melt-in-your-mouth snack or side dish full of flavour. Hiya” means “cold” in Japanese which is why it served as a cold dish and it takes only up to 10 minutes to make this recipe.
V. Vietnamese Recipes
20. Lemongrass Chili Tofu
This EASY Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Tofu makes feeding the family a breeze. Also known as Dau Hu Chien Sa Ot, is a Crispy golden tofu pillow that is smothered in lemongrass until they’re jam-packed with flavor it can be made in just 15 minutes using only 7 ingredients!
21. Vegan Pho with Tofu
This delicious Vegan Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup which is a perfect recipe for you if you want to slurp up a big hot bowl of noodles. The spiced broth combined with rice noodles, tofu, and fresh herbs is just the perfect combination for a healthy meal that will warm up your body.
VI. Chinese Recipes
22. Tofu Pudding
Tofu pudding or soy bean curd dessert is a Chinese tofu dessert. It’s made with very soft tofu. And, it is usually sweet and serves as a dessert.
23. Salted Egg Tofu
Salted egg is a wonderfully savory sauce that is creamy and full of umami. the fried tofu is crispy and smothered with a creamy and buttery salted egg yolk sauce that is mixed with citrusy curry leaf and different spices which can be made in under 30 minutes
24. Chinese Dumpling
These Chinese dumplings are filled with a delicious and flavorful tofu and veg filling like cabbage, mushroom, carrot and green onion with condiment sauce like sesame oil, soy sauce and vinegar. The perfect appetizer or side dish to accompany any vegan mains
25. Kung Pao Tofu
Kung Pao Tofu is classic made meatless ! Crispy Tofu gets tossed with peanuts, veggies, chiles, and a sweet spicy and savory sauce for a plant-based twist. What makes it spicy is that it contain an important chinese dried chili ingredients called Szechuan peppers also known as Sichuan peppercorns.
26. Orange Tofu
This quick and easy vegan orange tofu is a meal everyone will love. Crispy fried tofu smothered in sweet and sticky orange sauce served over rice that tastes even better than takeout
VII. Indian Recipes
27. Tofu Korma
Creamy and delicious tofu korma that packs in the flavour. So easy to make and perfect served with basmati rice and fluffy naan bread
28. Tofu Tikka Masala
This is an Indian Tofu Tikka Masala that is spicy and creamy that is best eaten with rice or roti bread. What makes it red is the tomato paste, the creaminess from yogurt and coconut milk, and the aroma and flavor from the Indian spices.
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