Tofu is not only a staple in many vegan individual’s diets, but also in Japanese cuisine! It’s made of curdled soy milk and is a great source of plant-based protein. Tofu is also extremely versatile! You can fry it, blend it, bake it, marinate it, and so much more! There are so many different textures and ways to prepare tofu––especially in Japanese cuisine! Thus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

So, check out these 15 Japanese tofu recipes from our Food Monster App!

1. Teriyaki Tofu

Source: Teriyaki Tofu

Take out may be one of your favorite meals, but it can get expensive and typically is not going to be the most healthy meal you’ve ever eaten. So if you’re looking for an amazing vegan alternative to your favorite take out menu out check out this Teriyaki Tofu by Kennedy Kitchings!

2. Miso Ramen Bowl With Tellicherry Black Pepper Tofu

Source: Miso Ramen Bowl With Tellicherry Black Pepper Tofu

What do you do if you’re craving something that is rich and bursts with umami? Make this vegan Miso Ramen Bowl With Tellicherry Black Pepper Tofu by Anett Velsberg! The combination of miso, dried shiitakes and a tiny amount of soy milk does the trick. Plus, the Tellicherry black pepper tofu gives it a nice kick. Complete with miso-glazed bok choy and sautéed shimeij mushrooms, this vegan ramen will have you wanting more before you’ve even slurped the last noodle.

3. Macrobiotic Mabo Tofu

Source: Macrobiotic Mabo Tofu

Mabo tofu, a tofu and vegetable stew with a gravy sauce, is one of the most popular home cooked dishes in Japan. This Macrobiotic Mabo Tofu by The One Peaceful World Cookbook is recreated with a healthy touch and will be enjoyed by children and all ages. It is wonderful to serve with brown rice.

4. Japanese Deep-Fried Agedashi Tofu

Source: Japanese Deep-Fried Agedashi Tofu

Agedashi tofu, lightly battered fried tofu topped with roasted seaweed on a bed of light kombu dashi broth, is a popular side dish in Japanese cuisine. Served hot, it’s light and crispy on the outside, but silky on the inside. It’s great as a starter to a meal of Japanese food, where all the flavors will work together in harmony. This Japanese Deep-Fried Agedashi Tofu by Korie Kha is a must try dish for all tofu lovers!

5. Japanese-Style Slow Cooker Tofu

Source: Japanese-Style Slow Cooker Tofu 

This is a recipe that even your non-vegan friends will love. It will take about 5 minutes to prepare and then your slow cooker will do the rest. Delicious and simple? There’s a whole lot to love in this Japanese-Style Slow Cooker Tofu by Nikki and Zuzana!

6. Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Steaks

Source: Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Steaks

This recipe is an incredibly delicious way to enjoy the plant protein powerhouse that is tofu. These Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Steaks by Maya Sozer are pan seared and then glazed with a sweet and zesty homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve with white rice and greens for a hearty and tasty meal.

7. Dark Yaki Gyoza

Source: Dark Yaki Gyoza

These Dark Yaki Gyoza by Rekka Bell are like teenagers … dark and brooding on the outside, but colorful and warm on the inside! The carrot and beet fillings pop against the black gyoza dough so nicely. A spooky appetizer!

8. Sushi Grains in Fried Tofu Pockets

Source: Sushi Grains in Fried Tofu Pockets

These Sushi Grains in Fried Tofu Pockets by Bryanna Clark Grogan are nutritious and delicious enough so that anyone eating them enjoys them for what they are and doesn’t immediately think “health food”! The rice mixture is made from short grain brown rice with some millet or quinoa added, and it is nicely seasoned. IT’s perfect for summer meals!

9. Tofu Yasai Don: Japanese Tofu Rice Bowl

Source: Tofu Yasai Don: Japanese Tofu Rice Bowl

This donburi (Japanese rice bowl) takes some chopping, but once the prep is done it comes together quickly and easily. Tofu, burdock root, Shiitake mushrooms, Japanese sweet potato and more are simmered in a sweet, umami sauce and served over a generous bed of rice. Simple, but delicious! Just be sure to start about three days in advance prepping the tofu so it is ready when you need it. You’ll love these Tofu Yasai Don: Japanese Tofu Rice Bowl by Rachael Hutchings!

10. Miso Noodle Soup

Source: Miso Noodle Soup

Miso soup is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine because it’s incredibly nutritious, malleable, and easy to make. This Miso Noodle Soup by Gabrielle St. Claire will give you a hearty miso broth that is full of flavor, soba noodles, and tofu.

11. Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry

Source: Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry

This simple Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry by Celeste Meredith is better than any delivery or take-out. The spicy, sweet and bold with flavor teriyaki sauce will have you tossing out all your store bought sauce and making this for dinner whenever you get a craving for that teriyaki flavor.

12. Crispy Tofu and Rainbow Veg Sushi

Source: Crispy Tofu and Rainbow Veg Sushi

This Crispy Tofu and Rainbow Veg Sushi by Renee Press  is a great staple to know how to make, comes together relatively quickly (especially if you have some veggies pre-sliced and/or tofu pre-baked) and is always a winner with friends and family. Sushi isn’t hard to make at all, you don’t need a special rolling mat or any special tools. Just a pot to cook rice in and a cutting board. Enjoy!

13. Japanese Pan Noodles With Healthier Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Source: Japanese Pan Noodles With Healthier Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

A filling noodle stir-fry, packed with a variety of flavorful veggies. The homemade teriyaki sauce is really something else. Sweet and tangy from orange and pineapple juice, this recipe for Japanese Pan Noodles With Healthier Homemade Teriyaki Sauce by Larice Feuerstein is a new spin on tradition.

14. Okonomiyaki

Source: Okonomiyaki

These vegan savory omelets or pancakes, however you choose to think of them, are so simple, cheap and quick to make, but absolutely addictive! You won’t be able to stop make these Okonomiyaki by Bryanna Clark Grogan! “Okonomiyaki” means “grilled as you like it” and that’s true. It doesn’t necessarily have to include tofu, but it is a great addition. You can also add all sorts of odds and sods, leftovers, etc.–– use your imagination and use what you like!

15. Teriyaki Tofu Roll With Avocado, Cucumber, Potato, and Black Rice

Source: Teriyaki Tofu Roll With Avocado, Cucumber, Potato, and Black Rice

 The black rice really raises this Teriyaki Tofu Roll With Avocado, Cucumber, Potato, and Black Rice by Emily von Euw to another level of sophistication (and good health, of course). It’s an intriguing sight and fun to cook because the water turns dark purple. Spooky. You could instead use brown rice or quinoa or whatever whole grain you have. Enjoy!

If you liked these recipes, make sure to check out 15 Flavorful Japanese Recipes Made Vegan!, Zaru Soba: Japanese Cold Buckwheat Noodles, and Onigirazu: Japanese Sushi Sandwiches, Three Ways!

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