Tofu recipes kids love! (2024)

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Tofu is such an easy and economical protein to work with. I always have so many people asking about good Tofu recipes for kids and families that I thought I would put together a curated list of easy tofu recipes.

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Why Tofu is awesome for kids

  • Protein-packed and contains nutrients important for growing bodies (calcium, iron).
  • Plant-based eating a plant-based diet has been shown to have health benefits: heart disease,diabetes, andhigh blood pressure
  • Economical, tofu isn't expensive, so once you have learned interesting ways to cook it you will be onto a winner!

Plant-based diets for kids

I love the way Lisa Patel, MD, FAAP and Amanda Millstein, MD, FAAP describe eating a plant-based diet.

"It does not necessarily mean you stop eating all meat or dairy products. It means that the majority of your food comes from plant-based sources such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, beans, and grains."

Their guidelines for a healthy plant-based diet include:

  • Make at least half of your plate vegetablesat lunch and dinner, choosing vegetables that are a variety of colors. Also aim to eat green leafy vegetables at least once per day.
  • Eat smaller amounts of meat or eliminate meataltogether from 1-2 meals per week for your family. Plant-based protein options that can create a filling meal include beans, tofu, lentils, and nuts.
  • Choose healthy fats, which can be found in nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, and olive oils.

Serving Tofu to your kids fits well with these guidelines.

Tofu Recipes For Kids

A collection of delicious kid-friendly tofu recipes I know your whole family will love.

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Tofu Tacos

This tofu taco recipe is delicious, it will be sure to become a family favourite. Vegan Mexican tofu crumbles that taste amazing your family will love this plant-based meal.

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Satay Tofu

Delicious baked satay tofu, a vegan recipe which everyone will love, serve on a skewer with my delicious peanut satay sauce

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Photo Credit:cooktoria.com

Easy and Crispy Fried Tofu

This Fried Tofu recipe is super simple, versatile, and it tastes fantastic! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it makes a perfect addition to any meal.

Vegan Bolognese. It was about time we veganized the Italian classic. And we’re proud to say we were successful. Please welcome, the amazing Anti Bolognese!

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Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com

Air Fryer Asian Tofu Wrap - Instant Pot Tofu

Air Fryer Tofu is so crunchy on the outside and light on the inside. Let me show you how easy it is to make a delicious protein-packed Air Fryer Asian Tofu Wrap that's perfect for quick and healthy lunches, midweek dinners, and packing into lunch boxes.

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Photo Credit:www.amummytoo.co.uk

Creamy tofu and vegetable vegan mini pies

Creamy, protein packed pie with juicy veg and flaky pastry...and it's all totally plant-based! These tofu and vegetable vegan mini pies are everything you could possibly want from a pie.

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Photo Credit:www.amummytoo.co.uk

Tofu fingers

These tofu fingers are the perfect alternative to fish sticks or other meaty options. They have a spicy, crisp crumb, a creamy interior and they're totally meat free.

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Photo Credit:www.createkidsclub.com

Kids Protein Shake

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Photo Credit:nosweatvegan.com

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Air fryer tofu nuggets are a quick and easy meal the whole family will love. Kids will love pairing with their favorite dipping sauce.

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Photo Credit:cooktoria.com

Chocolate Tofu Pudding

This Chocolate Tofu Pudding is a healthy alternative to other pudding recipes. Smooth and chocolatey, it uses some surprising ingredients to achieve an amazing taste and texture

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Photo Credit:www.mrishtanna.com

Tofu Butter Masala Recipe

Tofu butter masala is nothing but a vegan version of paneer butter masala. My vegan version features Tofu simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice base.

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Photo Credit:runningonrealfood.com

Vegan Fried Brown Rice with Tofu Scramble

This vegan fried brown rice with tofu scramble is easy to make and packed with vegetables and plant-based protein.

his Sticky Maple Ginger Tofu Rice Noodle Bowl with Steamed Broccoli makes for one comforting, nutritious and delicious gluten-free and vegan meal!

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Photo Credit:www.runningtothekitchen.com

Sweet and Sour Tofu - A Quick Sweet & Sour Tofu Recipe

Make this sweet and sour tofu recipe in under 30 minutes! Crispy tofu and a sticky sweet & sour sauce mimic the classic Chinese takeout dish in this vegetarian friendly meal

One-pot pasta is a simple vegetable and tofu pasta that has been cooked in the same pot. It calls for gluten-free pasta made from legumes

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Photo Credit:southernandmodern.com

Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipe

This crispy tofu is a kid-friendly favorite! The sauce is sweet enough to entice kids while still having plenty of complex flavor for adults. Keep the peppers on the side if your kids don't like spice

Tofu makes a great substitute for pasta in this creamy Mac and cheese dish.

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Photo Credit:www.rainbownourishments.com

Tofu rainbow rice paper rolls (vegan)

Summery rice paper rolls filled with baked tofu, a homemade hoisin sauce and fresh vegetables of the rainbow! Inspired by Chinese peking duck pancakes, these rolls are light, have a sweet but wholesome sauce and a touch of zesty spring onion

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Photo Credit:www.rainbownourishments.com

Vegan ricotta and kale filo scrolls

egan spanakopita spirals made with tofu 'ricotta' and greens. Perfect with a side salad or on its own!

Tofu recipes kids love! (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What is the tofu rule? ›

No one cares about unblocking a task as much as the person doing it. That's why it's important for that person to follow the Take Ownership and Follow Up (TOFU) principle. That means taking ownership of the task and chasing the people you are waiting on until it gets done.

Is it safe for kids to eat tofu? ›

The short answer is yes, as long as they aren't allergic or intolerant to soy. Tofu is a minimally-processed, healthy food for babies and kids that offers plenty of nutrients. It's a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and many essential micronutrients including iron, zinc, and calcium.

How do you make tofu not boring? ›

I gently pat its outside dry, cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. I cook the tofu in 2 tablespoons of oil (I like to use coconut, but vegetable oil or grapeseed oil also work well) over medium-high heat, and salt it. The tofu cooks in a single layer for 4-5 minutes, undisturbed (this is how it gets its lovely, crispy crust).

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Incorporating tofu into your daily meals and snacks can bring several health benefits. Those benefits include brain health promotion, ease of menopause symptoms, and heart disease prevention. However, eating tofu has some risks, as it might lead to digestive issues or interact with certain medications like MAOIs.

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

How to make tofu taste good? ›

Press tofu and cube it. Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

Why is tofu not frying? ›

You're not pressing out excess moisture.

Before frying, tofu should be pressed to eliminate any excess water. Sometimes, in a hurry to get dinner done, I skip this step. But I always regret it. The still-sort-of-wet tofu never gets as golden brown or as crisp.

Is tofu good for weight loss? ›

Tofu is a cholesterol-free, low-calorie, high-protein food that's also rich in bone-boosting calcium and manganese. Tofu may help you to lose weight by keeping you fuller for longer on fewer calories than meat. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when swapped for saturated fat-heavy animal proteins.

When should you not eat tofu? ›

Avoid tofu if you take medicines called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) for mood disorders or Parkinson's disease. Tofu contains tyramine, an amino acid that helps balance your blood pressure. MAOIs block the enzyme that breaks tyramine down. Combine the two and your blood pressure could get dangerously high.

How do you introduce tofu to kids? ›

For brand new eaters, tofu is an ideal first food and can work well for baby-led weaning. Simply cut a block of tofu into long strips that your baby can practice picking up and feeding herself. Alternatively, you can crumble extra firm tofu or cut it into small cubes she can bite.

Can dogs eat tofu? ›

Dogs can eat tofu in moderation as it is not toxic to them, but it does not contain enough protein to fulfill their nutritional requirements,” explains Dr. Klein. As a result, you should not use tofu protein as a primary ingredient in your dog's diet.

What pairs well with tofu? ›

Best Vegan Side Dishes for Grilled Tofu at a Barbecue or Cookout
  • Vegan Dill Potato Salad with Fiddleheads (No Mayo) ...
  • Herb Grilled Vegetables. ...
  • Vegan Spinach Salad Recipe with Maple Balsamic Dressing. ...
  • Fresh Tomato Lime Salad Dressing with Cilantro. ...
  • Salad with Beans, Quinoa, Rice, and Pecans and Lemon Herb Dressing.
Jul 12, 2021

Why don't I like the taste of tofu? ›

If you're new to a plant-based diet you may think you don't like tofu, but chances are it's just been prepared wrong. In reality, plain tofu is not very flavorful at all (but that's the great thing about it!).

How to add flavor to tofu? ›

In a medium-size bowl place the pressed and cubed tofu. Add the soy sauce and toss to coat. Add in all of the other marinade ingredients (rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, agave, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika and water) and toss to thoroughly combine.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

Tofu and tempeh.

Studies suggest people who eat soy-based foods have lower odds of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Nuts and legumes, Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, along with peanuts, are rich in unsaturated fats, along with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

Can we eat tofu and egg together? ›

Yes, you can eat eggs and soya chunks together. Both eggs and soya chunks are good sources of protein, and consuming them together can help meet your daily protein requirements. You can add boiled or scrambled eggs to your soya chunk curry or stir-fry for a balanced meal.

What can I add to tofu to make it taste better? ›

Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

Can you eat tofu with fruits? ›

Cut soft or hard tofu into small balls and mix it with cereal, wheat or crackers Puree tofu with banana, wheat germ or you can blend tofu with other fruits such as apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries... Cut tofu into pieces and then add them to soup or broth with spices.

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