Tofu has a bad reputation. People call it spongy, flavorless and weird, which is reasonable enough. But as someone that grew up eating tofu and is now a tofu-obsessed vegan, I’ve found that many people dislike tofu because they don’t prepare it correctly. Sometimes, I see people adding it to meals without baking or seasoning it, which offends my very soul. Tofu is an amazing protein source that has to be cooked in a certain way. Be ready to open your eyes to its greatness with these simple recipes.

Tofu Scramble

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 14-ounce package of extra firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
• ½ tablespoon of garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon of onion powder
• 1 tablespoon of ketchup
• 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Using your hands, crumble the tofu over a plate until it resembles cottage cheese.
2. In a pan, warm some oil over medium heat for a few minutes, and then add the crumbled tofu.
3. After swirling the tofu around to coat it in oil, add the seasonings, ketchup, and hot sauce. Mix it evenly until the tofu turns an even yellow color. 
4. Now is the perfect time to add extra veggies or ingredients you want. I like to add one diced bell pepper or a handful of spinach leaves. Vegan cheese is also a great option!
5. Leave the pan simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The excess water from the tofu should have evaporated and the tofu should have absorbed all the spices.
6. Serve over toast, Tater Tots or rice! Tofu scramble can also be eaten alone, but pairing it with some carbs elevates the dish.

Sweet chili tofu

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 14-ounce package of extra firm tofu
• ½ cup of sweet chili or sweet-and-sour sauce

Directions

1. Cut tofu into ½ inch cubes and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or skip this step if you prefer to use an air fryer).
3. Line the baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the tofu onto it.
4. Toss the tofu with oil so every cube is coated evenly and insert the baking sheet/basket to cook the tofu.
5. Cook the tofu for 15 minutes, tossing it every three to five minutes so every side is golden brown.
6. Afterward, swirl the sweet chili sauce all over the tofu, tossing it so the sauce covers every tofu cube, and cook for an additional five minutes.
7. Serve with rice and seasoned vegetables for a well-balanced meal

Although these tofu recipes seem basic, they taste delicious! Once you get a hang of how tofu works and tastes, you’ll understand why people are obsessed with it. It’s truly a versatile protein source that will have you yearning for more.