Tofu Around the World: Traditional Dishes to Inspire You
Tofu is truly a global superstar. For centuries, it’s been embraced by cuisines worldwide, blending seamlessly into dishes with bold, vibrant flavours. From hearty stews to crispy snacks and comforting street food, tofu proves it can do it all.
Let’s take a trip around the world and discover how different cultures celebrate tofu—and inspire you to try something new in your kitchen.
1. China: Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
China, the birthplace of tofu, gives us the iconic Mapo Tofu. This Sichuan dish features silky tofu cubes swimming in a fiery, savoury sauce made with doubanjiang (fermented chilli bean paste), garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.
How to Make It Plant-Based: Swap the ground pork for mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. The result is a rich, spicy dish perfect over steamed rice.
2. Vietnam: Banh Mi with Tofu
The Banh Mi sandwich is a Vietnamese street food favourite, combining crusty baguettes with fresh vegetables, pickled daikon and carrots, and bold flavours. Tofu adds a plant-based twist to this classic.
How to Make It: Marinate tofu in soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of maple syrup. Pan-sear until crispy and stack it into a baguette with pickled veggies, fresh cilantro, and a smear of vegan mayo.
3. Japan: Agedashi Tofu (揚げ出し豆腐)
In Japan, tofu is often transformed into delicate, elegant dishes like Agedashi Tofu. Lightly fried tofu is served in a warm dashi broth, topped with grated daikon, green onions, and soy sauce.
How to Make It Plant-Based: Use kombu (seaweed) and shiitake mushrooms to create a vegan-friendly dashi broth. It’s comforting and packed with umami.
4. Korea: Dubu Jorim (두부조림)
Dubu Jorim is a Korean braised tofu dish bursting with spicy, savoury flavours. Tofu slices are seared and then simmered in a sauce made from soy, garlic, sesame oil, and gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes).
How to Make It: Pair it with rice and kimchi for a quick, satisfying meal.
5. Thailand: Tofu Pad Thai
Tofu Pad Thai is a staple in Thai cuisine. This iconic noodle dish balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours with crispy tofu, tamarind sauce, crushed peanuts, and bean sprouts.
How to Make It: Opt for extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Toss it with tamarind paste, soy sauce, and lime juice for that signature Thai flavour.
6. Indonesia: Tahu Goreng
Tahu Goreng, or fried tofu, is a popular street food in Indonesia. Tofu cubes are fried until golden and served with sambal (chilli sauce) or kecap manis (sweet soy sauce).
How to Make It: Serve with a simple side of steamed rice or fresh cucumber slices for a perfect snack.
7. India: Tofu Tikka Masala
Tofu Tikka Masala is a plant-based twist on the beloved Indian dish. Tofu is marinated in spices and vegan yoghurt, then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices.
How to Make It: Press your tofu, marinate it, and simmer it in the masala sauce for maximum flavour. Pair it with naan or basmati rice.
8. Italy: Tofu Ricotta in Lasagna
Tofu even shines in Italian cuisine! Tofu ricotta is a plant-based substitute perfect for layering into lasagnas or stuffing pasta.
How to Make It: Blend firm tofu with lemon juice, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a creamy, tangy ricotta alternative.
Tips for Exploring Tofu Globally
Get Creative with Flavors: Tofu’s neutral base allows it to soak up any sauce or seasoning.
Start Small: Try one dish at a time, incorporating new ingredients like tamarind, gochugaru, or dashi.
Experiment Freely: Tofu adapts to different textures—crispy, silky, or marinated.
Conclusion: A Global Adventure with Tofu
From Vietnam’s Bahn Mi to India’s Tikka Masala, tofu’s adaptability and deliciousness know no borders. By exploring traditional tofu dishes, you can bring global flavours into your kitchen and expand your culinary horizons.
What’s your favourite tofu dish from around the world? Share your picks in the comments below and inspire others to embark on their own tofu adventures! 🥢🌍