What can you serve with tofu? This is the most asked question in my blog post. Some folks love the taste of Tofu, but at the same time, some don’t. If you’re hosting a party or want to give Tofu to your kids- these amazing Tofu Side dishes make your day.
Here are 15 tasty and easy tofu side dishes, including options for vegans, vegetarians, and non-vegetarians:
15 Amazing Tofu Side Dishes
Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets:
Vegan and kid-friendly, these nuggets are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden and crispy.
Tofu and Vegetable Skewers:
Thread tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms onto skewers. Grill or bake, then brush with a flavorful marinade.
Tofu Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables:
Sauté tofu with an assortment of colorful vegetables and your favorite stir-fry sauce for a quick and healthy side.
Vegan Tofu Caesar Salad:
Cube tofu and toss it with crisp romaine lettuce, vegan Caesar dressing, croutons, and vegan parmesan.
Tofu Satay Skewers:
Marinate tofu in a peanut sauce, skewer, and grill for a tasty vegan version of this classic dish.
Maple Glazed Tofu:
Bake tofu cubes with a maple glaze for a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with roasted vegetables.
Tofu and Avocado Summer Rolls:
Combine tofu strips, avocado, lettuce, and rice noodles in rice paper rolls, served with a tasty dipping sauce.
Tofu Caprese Salad:
Layer sliced tofu with fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tofu twist on the classic Caprese salad.
Tofu and Mushroom Lettuce Wraps:
Sauté tofu with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and your favorite Asian-inspired sauce. Serve in lettuce cups for a light and satisfying dish.
Spicy Tofu Tacos:
Season tofu with taco spices, sauté, and serve in corn tortillas with your favorite toppings for a quick and flavorful taco night.
Tofu and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms:
Combine crumbled tofu with sautéed spinach and seasonings, stuff into mushroom caps, and bake until golden.
Tofu and Quinoa Salad:
Mix cubed tofu with cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette for a protein-packed salad.
Tofu and Broccoli Casserole:
Bake tofu and broccoli in a creamy sauce topped with breadcrumbs for a comforting casserole that satisfies both vegans and vegetarians.
Teriyaki Tofu Skewers:
Marinate tofu in a teriyaki sauce, skewer, and grill for a flavorful dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Tofu and Soba Noodle Bowl:
Combine tofu cubes with cooked soba noodles, edamame, and a soy-ginger dressing for a refreshing and filling noodle bowl.
Try This Korean cold tofu side dish recipe
One popular Korean cold tofu side dish is “Kongnamul Muchim,” which translates to seasoned soybean sprouts. This dish combines the smooth texture of tofu with the crispiness of soybean sprouts, creating a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a hot day.
Here’s a simple recipe for Korean Cold Tofu and Soybean Sprout Salad:
Korean Cold Tofu and Soybean Sprout Salad (Kongnamul Muchim)
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and sliced into thin rectangles
- 2 cups soybean sprouts, washed and blanched
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Red chili flakes (gochugaru), to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Tofu:
- Slice the tofu into thin rectangles and arrange them on a serving plate.
- Blanch Soybean Sprouts:
- Bring a pot of water to boil and blanch the soybean sprouts for about 1-2 minutes until they are slightly cooked but still crunchy. Drain and rinse them under cold water to cool down.
- Combine Tofu and Soybean Sprouts:
- Arrange the blanched soybean sprouts over the sliced tofu on the serving plate.
- Make the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, and chopped green onions. Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.
- Season the Salad:
- Pour the seasoning mixture evenly over the tofu and soybean sprouts. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Chill:
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and red chili flakes over the top for added flavor and a touch of heat.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Korean Cold Tofu and Soybean Sprout Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your main course or as a light appetizer.
5 tofu side dish indian
1. Tofu Tikka Masala
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt with tikka masala paste and marinate the tofu cubes in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook until the spices release their aroma.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Add marinated tofu cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve.
2. Tofu Bhurji
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and green chili, cook until tomatoes are soft.
- Add crumbled tofu and stir well.
- Season with turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve as a side dish.
3. Tofu Palak (Spinach) Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
- Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add cubed tofu and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tofu is heated through.
- Serve hot with rice or Indian bread.
4. Tofu Masala
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add tofu cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Sprinkle garam masala, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve.
5. Tofu Pakoras
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed for batter)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix besan with cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add water gradually to form a thick batter.
- Dip tofu slices into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat oil in a pan, deep fry the battered tofu until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve hot with chutney or sauce as a crunchy and delicious side dish.
What not to mix with tofu?
While tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, there are some ingredients that may not pair well with it or can affect its texture and taste negatively. Here are some things to consider when deciding what not to mix with tofu:
Highly Acidic Ingredients: Tofu can be sensitive to highly acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or certain strong citrus flavors. Acidic components may cause the tofu to break down and become mushy.
Overly Sweet Ingredients: While a touch of sweetness can enhance the flavor of tofu dishes, overly sweet ingredients may not complement the natural mildness of tofu. Avoid overwhelming the tofu with excessive sugar or overly sweet sauces.
Watery Vegetables: Vegetables with high water content, such as zucchini or cucumber, can release moisture during cooking, making the tofu dish watery. If using watery vegetables, consider sautéing or draining them first to minimize excess moisture.
Strongly Spiced or Aromatic Ingredients: Tofu has a subtle flavor, and using extremely strong spices or aromatics that overpower its taste may mask the tofu’s unique qualities. It’s essential to strike a balance to allow the tofu to contribute to the overall flavor profile.
Excessive Oil: While a moderate amount of oil is often used when cooking tofu, excessive oil can make the dish greasy and heavy. Be mindful of the quantity of oil to maintain a balanced and flavorful result.
Salty Ingredients: Tofu already contains some natural saltiness, so be cautious with overly salty ingredients. Excessive salt can overwhelm the dish and mask the tofu’s delicate taste.
Certain Seafood: Seafood with strong flavors, such as highly seasoned fish or shellfish, may clash with the subtlety of tofu. It’s essential to choose complementary flavors when combining tofu with seafood.
Very Strong Cheeses: While some cheeses can pair well with tofu, very strong or pungent cheeses may overpower the mild taste of tofu. Opt for milder cheeses when combining them with tofu.
Bitter Ingredients: Intensely bitter ingredients, such as certain bitter greens or bitter melon, might not harmonize well with tofu. Balance is key, and it’s advisable to taste and adjust the bitterness of the dish carefully.
Also Read: 25 Perfect and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Seafood Salad