Published: by Laura Arteaga
If you want to introduce tofu into your diet, learn how to cook it in the most delicious way, and love Asian food, you found the right spot. You will find the best 15 Chinese recipes to cook with tofu that taste restaurant-like and are easy to make at home. You will turn any meat eater into a tofu lover!
Jump to:
Types of tofu to cook Chinese dishes
Tofu is a plant-based protein commonly used in Asian countries. You can find different types of tofu such as extra firm tofu, firm, or soft. They are all great alternatives to cook different meals vegan or vegetarian, or simply to add protein to your favorite dishes.
Extra-firm tofu
This type of tofu has the firmest texture meaning that will hold its shape better when cooking it. This type of tofu is perfect to deep-fry, stir-fry, bake or air-fry. We love extra firm tofu to make our favorite tofu recipes.
Firm
Firm tofu is quite similar to extra firm tofu, but just a little softer. You will need to carefully remove any excess water for the tofu to hold its shape while cooking it. We personally love this type of tofu as it is really versatile and easy to cook with. You can use a tofu press to remove excess water or coat the tofu with cornflour which will also help remove any extra moisture.
This type of tofu can be used to resemble minced meat or ground pork if you crumble it.
Medium
Medium tofu is firmer than silken tofu but more delicate than firm tofu. It has a smooth texture and it can be used for the classic Mapo Tofu recipe, stews, or hot pots if you like your tofu firmer than soft tofu.
Soft or Chinese silken tofu
Soft or silken tofu can be used to cook soups, stews, hot pots, or desserts. It is delicate and it won't work well to cook stir-fry types of dishes. Check these 25 amazing recipes to cook using Silken Tofu.
Ingredients to have in your pantry if you like Chinese vegan food
Cooking plant-based Chinese dishes at home is fairly simple and quick once you have all the basic ingredients. You may need to do a run to your closest Asian supermarket or buy online, but most ingredients will last longer and you won't need to buy them every time you want to cook something umami-packed. These are some of the ingredients you will need to make these 15 Chinese Tofu recipes and many more!
Soy sauce or tamari. Most Chinese recipes will include soy sauce or tamari as an ingredient for the sauce or to marinate the tofu or the chosen vegan protein. You can buy regular soy sauce, tamari for gluten-free options, and dark soy sauce which is sweeter, or light soy sauce low in sodium.
Rice vinegar. This ingredient is commonly used in Chinese cuisine to add acidity to stir-fries or dipping sauces. You can substitute this ingredient by using apple cider vinegar with a little bit of sugar.
Cornflour. Cornflour can be used to thicken up sauces or to coat tofu or vegetables before frying them to get a thin crispy layer. You can use other ingredients such as potato starch, arrowroot, or all-purpose flour.
Vegan Oyster Sauce. Yes, vegan oyster sauce is a thing and if you love Chinese food, you may want to get that asap! We use it quite often to add flavor and umami to our sauces. You may find it under the name of Vegan Mushroom Sauce or you could make your own, following A Nourishing Plate Vegan Oyster Sauce recipe.
Sweetener. Most Chinese recipes call for a sweetener agent. You can use regular sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, date syrup, agave, monk fruit, or any other ingredient you may have around to add sweetness.
Vegan Chinese Tofu Recipes
This vegan protein is really versatile as it can be seasoned or marinated to get the taste you want for your meals, it can be cooked in many different ways and it is really affordable and easy to find almost everywhere.
If you are still trying to add tofu to your weekly menu, you will need to try some of these delicious recipes. We gathered together 15 mouth-watering Chinese Tofu Recipes that are easy to prepare at home and satisfyingly fantastic.
These 15 Tofu Recipes are classic Chinese restaurant dishes that you will now be able to make at home cheaper and healthier.
1. Salt and Pepper Tofu
The perfect Salt and Pepper Tofu, filled with depth of flavor and crispy texture, can now be made easily at home. Get ready to enjoy the best takeout flavor but healthier and cheaper!
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
2. Hot and Sour Soup
This easy vegan hot and sour soup made with firm tofu is packed with lots of veggies and is the perfect way to end a super busy and hectic day! It's comforting, filled with spicy flavors, and really hearty.
Get the recipe by Plant Based on a Budget
3. General Tso's Tofu
Put some flavor into your weeknight rotation with this General Tso's Tofu. This dish is crispy, spicy, and sweet with an orange kick. Once you have the ingredients, this lovely meal will be on your table in 35 minutes.
Get the recipe by Vegan Huggs
4. Tofu Stir Fry with Cashews
You will love the simplicity and flavors of this tofu stir fry packed with vegetables and toasted cashews. Your taste buds will thank you for the delicious combination of ingredients that come together in just 30 minutes.
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
5. Sweet and Sour Tofu
Better than a take out this vegan sweet and sour tofu is a delightful Chinese entrée complimented with vegetables and tossed in homemade sauce.
Get the recipe by Kiipfit
6. Rice Paper Dumplings
These Umami-packed Rice Paper Dumplings are crispy on the outside and filled with veggies and tofu inside. These vegan and gluten-free dumplings are fun to make and delicious to eat!
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
7. Spicy Sesame Tofu Stir-fry
This Spicy Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry is a healthier homemade version of a popular Chinese restaurant take-out. Lightly pan-fried crispy tofu bites tossed with crunchy snow peas, tender mushrooms, and nutty sesame seeds – all coated in a sweet soy glaze with a punch of heat. It is a hearty and delicious comfort food that only takes 30 minutes to make using one pan.
Get the recipe by Plant Based on a Budget
8. Chinese Braised Claypot Tofu
This claypot tofu features pan-fried tofu and colorful vegetables cooked in a rich, dark sauce. A simple dish that is easy to make and ready in 30 minutes. Pair this Chinese braised tofu with rice for a quick and easy dinner!
Get the recipe by Plant Based on a Budget
9. Crispy Sweet Chili Tofu
Crispy breaded tofu glazed with a Thai sweet chili sauce and served over rice. This rice bowl is simple yet satisfying—and takes only 35 minutes to make. The recipe includes air fryer and oven-baked tofu instructions
Get the recipe by Evergreen Kitchen
10. Vegan Chop Suey
Vegan Chop Suey is the perfect meal when you feel like eating something flavourful, easy to make, and packed full of veggies. This American-Chinese stir fry is made with a delicious sauce that will leave you craving for more.
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
11. Orange Tofu
This delicious dinner recipe features bitesize tofu pieces in a tangy, and sweet orange sticky sauce. Ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
12. Crispy Fried Tofu Wontons
Looking for an easy vegan appetizer? These fried tofu wontons have been the perfect side dish to bring to parties because this recipe makes a generous amount. They are very easy to make and you will find yourself wanting to make them often. They are sure to be the star of the table at your next gathering.
Get the recipe by Plant Based on a Budget
13. Tofu in Black Bean Sauce
Featuring seared tofu cooked in a rich sauce, this black bean sauce tofu will be a hit! Pair it with some rice and steamed veggies for a simple yet filling meal.
Get the recipe by My Plantiful Cooking
14. Vegan Tofu Hot Pot
This vegan tofu hot pot is made with soy milk and miso broth and is full of sweet veggies. A fantastic one-pot healthy meal to enjoy the whole year.
Get the recipe by I Heart Umami
15. Kung Pao Tofu
Kung pao tofu is a tasty vegan dish made with tofu, bell peppers, peanuts, and Kung pao sauce.Restaurant Style Kung Pao Tofuis very easy to make at home. This spicy tofu dish is a vegan version of a Kung Pao chicken dish and is super delicious.
Get the recipe by Profussion Curry
Serving Suggestions for Chinese dishes
A great Chinese dish is not complete without some rice or noodles on the side. That said, the options you can have with white rice or noodles are endless from steamed rice to stir-fried noodles with veggies.
Another lovely side when serving a tofu dish is steamed or sauté vegetables.
Don't forget to garnish your plate before serving. Some options are green onion, fried onion, sesame seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, fresh chillis, coriander, red pepper flakes, crushed peanuts, or fried garlic.
Check out more of our lists for inspiration:
- Silken Tofu Recipes
- Vegan Appetizers
- Vegan Spreads
- Vegetarian Spanish Recipes
About Laura Arteaga
I'm Laura, originally from Mallorca, Spain. My culinary journey began at 21, and despite my background in Economics, cooking stole my heart. I am now a full time writer and food blogger. My food philosophy is simple: "Eat more real food." Through my writing and recipes, I want to inspire people to transition to a plant-based life style, to eat more vegetarian food, or simply to try new recipes in the comfort of their homes.
Subscribe for More!
Reader Interactions
Comments
Prajakta Sukhatme says
Tofu is so incredibly versatile. So many delicious recipes to choose from. I am saving it . Thank you for creating this great collection.
Reply
Louise Gasparelli says
Thank you so much for sharing - I have a couple of go to recipes for tofu, but this will hopefully inspire me to try a few new ones!! they look great - and any coated in cornflour with a rich sizzly sauce is going to be a winner with me!
Reply
Laura says
Thank you, Louise, I hope you get inspired by these recipes!
Reply
SNK Creation says
Such an excellent and very cool idea and great content of different kinds of the valuable information's. Thanks for sharing wonderful information.
Reply
