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

Miso, soy, and honey are a powerful trio, creating a savory marinade that could make just about anything sing (cod or salmon, broccoli or zucchini, tofu). — Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Nov. 2026

The tofu itself is seasoned on the inside and cooked in a way that provides two different textures. — Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Spread into an even layer and roast for 30–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and the tofu is lightly browned and crisp around the edges. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Eggs contain no fiber, while 3 ounces (oz) of firm tofu has between 1 and 2 grams (g). — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 19 Oct. 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