6 Dynamic Tofu Recipes That Might Just Change Your Mind on Bean Curd

Poor tofu. It's all too easy to dismiss tofu as tasteless blocks of bean curd for health nuts -- as something to be merely consumed for sustenance. But cooking and eating tofu doesn't have to be a joyless exercise. Aside from the obvious health benefits, it can be prepared a number of inventive ways that will have your taste buds popping. And, yes, you can (but don't have to) include meat in some of these six easy and delicious tofu-centric recipes.

1. Mabodon (Tofu and Ground Pork in Spicy Sauce)

Many Japanese dishes have roots in Chinese cuisine. This tofu and pork dish is derived from the Chinese Mapo Tofu -- and augmented for the Japanese palate. Savory and slightly spicy, this is Japanese comfort food, perfect for a cold winter's eve.
Total Cooking Time: 25 Minutes
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2. Tofu Curry Noodle Soup

With a punch of strong Southeast Asian flavors like red curry paste and fish sauce, this dish is not lacking in heat or umami. The noodles you use in this flavorful tofu soup can be anything from vermicelli or egg noodles to an instant ramen packet.
Total Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
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3. Tofu Dengaku with Miso Glaze

This savory and sweet recipe really gives the tofu the opportunity to shine as a main ingredient. Broiling it is an integral part of the preparation, getting the earthy, salty, sweet flavor from the miso glaze settled into the porous tofu -- while adding a caramelized, crunchy texture.
Total Cooking Time: 25 Minutes
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4. Ham and Cheese Fried Tofu Pockets

Classic ham and cheese with savory Japanese soy-mayo - and a crunch from shredded cabbage served in fried tofu-skin pockets -- all serve to make this a favorite for tofu-newbies and old-hands alike. I made these for my husband one time, and now he says, "Make that one thing with the tofu bread," anytime I ask him if he wants a snack!
Total Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
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5. Tofu Chocolate Mousse with Cinnamon Sprinkles

Don't forget dessert! Tofu is such a versatile blank slate that it will bend to your every culinary whim. And when that chocolate craving hits you, there's no reason you can't eat a sweet, creamy, satisfying dessert that just happens to fight off free radicals and lower bad cholesterol in the process. Life is much more fun with chocolate.
Total Cooking Time: 10 Minutes
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6. Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu with Ginger and Scallions)

This is a classic, savory and fresh Japanese silken tofu dish you might find at your local Izakaya. Adding small amounts of intensely flavored ingredients like ginger, soy sauce and bonito flakes will bring the umami, while still allowing the delicate silken tofu a brief moment to shine.
Total Cooking Time: 5 Minutes
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