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

Lentil and tofu curry over rice is rich not just in protein, but also in nutrients like fiber, iron and calcium. —Alice Callahan, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Besides grilled lean meats such as poultry or fish, opt for vegetarian sources such as nuts, beans/legumes/lentils, tofu, tempeh and Greek yogurt. —Denise Maher, Flow Space, 21 Apr. 2025

Vegetarian protein sources like beans, lentils, peanuts, and tofu are often more affordable than meat. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 18 Apr. 2025

Some of her favorite high-protein breakfast options include cottage cheese, greek yogurt, eggs, and tofu. Snacks should always include protein, too. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 1 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