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

Delicate foods: Nonstick pans are great for cooking foods that might typically stick to the pan, like eggs, tofu, fish, and pancakes. —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025

Seared planks of tofu take a swim in pickle brine seasoned with Dijon mustard, hot sauce and chile flakes. —Tanya Sichynsky, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Pour half of the marinade over the tofu and turn to coat. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2025

Silken tofu in particular is a boon for building creamy pasta sauces sans real-deal dairy, Shariat says. —Audrey Bruno, SELF, 11 Apr. 2025

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