tofu

noun

to·​fu ˈtō-(ˌ)fü 

: a soft food product prepared by treating soybean milk with coagulants (such as magnesium chloride or diluted acids) : bean curd

… tofu is our most versatile form of nonanimal concentrated protein, as well as the least processed and the most traditional.

—Mark Bittman

The tofu … was sliced uniformly and stacked neatly in the bowl of clear, seafood-flavored broth.

—Karen Hayes

Vegetarian cooking has never been so simple. Supermarkets carry packaged convenience foods like tofu hot dogs …

—Norine Dworkin

Examples of tofu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Roast, tossing halfway through, until tofu is deep golden brown and starting to crisp and sweet potatoes are very tender, 35–40 minutes. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Tofu and Soy Soy foods—particularly tofu—show up both in the eating patterns of Okinawans (the Japanese residents known for their longevity) and in Dai-Keller’s own kitchen. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026

Additionally, potatoes, chicken, tofu and fish were stored above proper temperatures in a malfunctioning walk-in refrigerator. — Vince Basada august 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Soy is found in edamame and in foods such as tofu, tempeh, and soy milk. — Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese tōfu

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tofu

noun

to·​fu ˈtō-fü 

: a soft food product prepared by coagulating soybean milk

called also bean curd