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    Home » Recipes » Resource

    Published: May 5, 2022 · Modified: Jun 29, 2022 by bri · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Is Tofu Vegan? What You Need to Know

    Tofu is a meatless source of protein. But is tofu vegan? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about tofu! And, discover the best vegan recipes that you have to try.

    Close up of crispy breaded air fryer tofu with panko breadcrumb crust
    Jump to:
    • Tofu ingredients
    • Different types of tofu
    • Is tofu vegan?
    • Is tofu vegetarian?
    • 10 best vegan tofu recipes

    Tofu ingredients

    There are 3 key ingredients to making tofu:

    1. Water
    2. Soybeans: Dried soybeans soak in water, then get crushed and boiled to make soy milk.
    3. Coagulant: Then, adding coagulant(s) to the soy milk solidifies the protein and oil. It separates the curds from the whey, much like the process of making cheese. There are many different coagulants. But, tofu processors most often uses Calcium Sulphate, according to the Institute of Food Technologies.

    Also, tofu may get seasoned with other ingredients, such as spices or smoke flavor.

    Cubed tofu sitting in a shallow glass dish of tamari to marinate
    Tofu marinating in tamari for Crispy Breaded Tofu.
    Crispy air fryer tofu in a skillet of homemade Thai sweet chili sauce, with a spoon about to toss the tofu to coat in sauce
    Breaded tofu being coated in a sweet chili sauce.

    Different types of tofu

    Plain tofu is versatile. White blocks of tofu are sold in various textures:

    • Silken tofu
    • Soft tofu
    • Medium tofu
    • Firm tofu
    • Extra-firm tofu

    You can choose the firmness that best suits the dish you're making.

    A hand holding a knife slicing a block of extra firm tofu

    Other seasoned tofu-products are available too. Some examples are:

    • Smoked tofu
    • Spiced tofu
    • Inari (sweet and salty tofu pockets)
    • Fermented tofu

    Is tofu vegan?

    Yes, most tofu is vegan. In fact, tofu is a great source of plant-based protein.

    However, be aware that some tofu has added ingredients that are not vegan. For example, "stinky tofu"—popular in China and Taiwan—is usually fermented in a brine made from milk and meat. And, "egg tofu" contains eggs. (Fun fact: Japanese Egg Tofu isn't usually made with soy/tofu, it just has a similar consistency).

    Always read the label to confirm the tofu product is vegan, if needed.

    Is tofu vegetarian?

    Yes, tofu is almost always vegetarian. The exception would be if the tofu has any added meat or seafood during processing (such as "stinky tofu"). Check the package if you are ever unsure.

    10 best vegan tofu recipes

    We've cooked—and eaten—a lot of tofu over the years! These are the top 10 vegan (plant-based) tofu recipes we recommend:

    Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Tofu
    Golden brown and crispy tofu made with barely any oil! This breaded air fryer tofu recipe uses panko breadcrumbs to mimic a deep-fried crust. Season with pepper for a delicious snack or use as a plant based protein in rice bowls and salads.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free option]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Close up of crispy breaded air fryer tofu with panko breadcrumb crust
    Crispy Sweet Chili Tofu Bowls
    Crispy breaded tofu glazed with a Thai sweet chili sauce and served over of rice. This rice bowl is simple yet satisfying—and takes only 35 minutes to make. Recipe includes air fryer and oven baked tofu instructions.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free option]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Crispy thai sweet chili tofu sitting in a bowl of white rice with scallions/green onions sprinkled on top
    Creamy Vegan Ramen
    A rich, creamy plant-based ramen. The luscious vegan broth is full of flavor, thanks to a few flavor-maximizing techniques. The next time you're craving "real deal" creamy (vegan) ramen, make this recipe. It's umami in a bowl.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free option]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Creamy vegan ramen in a bowl with scallions and chili oil
    Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer)
    These crispy panko coated tofu sticks will be devoured by kids and adults alike! Honey mustard sauce doubles as a coating to stick to the panko AND as a yummy dip for serving. Recipe includes air fryer and oven instructions.
    [Vegan and Gluten Free options]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    A plate of crispy air fryer tofu sticks, with a stick being dipped into a bowl of honey mustard sauce.
    Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Glazed Tofu
    Colorful noodle bowls made with peanut glazed tofu, ginger lime dressing, and crisp veggies. Inspired by Vietnamese Salad Rolls, but without the rice wraps! 30 minutes to make. Leftovers make for a healthy lunch the next day.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Peanut glazed tofu bowl on the counter with garnishes like cilatro, chopped nuts and limes surrounding
    Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
    A pad thai inspired dish made with spaghetti squash "noodles", colorful veggies, and crispy tofu. Make a double batch of the vegan pad thai sauce and use it for another quick noodle dinner later in the week.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Two dishes of spaghetti squash pad Thai with garnishes like peanuts, cilantro, and lime
    Sesame Soba Noodle Salad
    This soba noodle salad features a yummy sesame ginger sauce, crisp veggies, and buckwheat noodles. This dish is meal prep friendly and requires very little cooking (just the noodles!).
    [Vegan, Gluten Free option]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Digging into sesame soba noodle salad with chopsticks
    Thai Hot and Sour Soup
    This vegan soup is inspired by Thai Tom Yum soup. The bright and refreshing broth is infused with fresh lemongrass, ginger, and chili. This light, gluten free noodle soup is studded with shredded tofu (for protein) and fresh veggies.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Close up bowl of thai hot and sour soup with thai basil and limes
    Forbidden Rice Buddha Bowl with Crispy Tofu
    This colorful buddha bowl is made with forbidden rice, crispy baked tofu, and a creamy coconut almond lime dressing. It's meal prep friendly and makes for healthy lunches throughout the week.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Forbidden rice buddha bowl with cirspy tofu on a wooden table
    Chocolate Chai Pot De Creme
    Silky chocolate pot de cremes, without dairy or eggs. This vegan dessert is easy to make: all you need is a blender (no baking required!). Chai spices add a delicious twist, but this recipe can be easily adapted to be made without.
    [Vegan, Gluten Free]
    MAKE THIS RECIPE
    Chocolate chai pot de creme in a cup with a spoon scooping out a bite

    More Resource

    • Best Sriracha Substitute: 10 Alternatives Ranked
    • What to Serve with Quiche?
    • Are Lentils Gluten Free?
    • How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (the best method!)

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