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

Combine the tofu, chocolate, espresso powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a blender. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Greek yogurt, eggs, tofu, beans, fish and meat can all serve the same purpose. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Fried tofu, vegan soy slices and soy shrimp were out of proper holding temperature. — Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Cottage cheese and tofu are both protein-rich foods, but cottage cheese provides slightly more protein per serving. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 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