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

The dirty vegan takes a different kick, with kale noodles in a savory, creamy vegan broth topped with corn, steamed tofu, rolled tofu skin, sliced green onions and seasonal vegetables. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 26 July 2026

This includes beans, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, tofu, edamame, nuts, and seeds. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026

In addition to plant protein, tofu provides antioxidants called isoflavones. — Cynthia Sass, Health, 22 July 2026

The restaurant’s chicken Caesar wrap — made with tofu chicken and a miso dressing — is one its most popular offerings, but there’s been a drop in orders. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 15 July 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