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

Bean sprouts, tofu and rice measured outside of proper holding temperatures. —Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025

For still more flexibility, look to jeon, the family of savory Korean pancakes that can absorb kimchi, as well as fresh or frozen vegetables, seafood, meat and tofu. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025

And according to reporters traveling with the president, the group dined on vegetable spring rolls, eggplant and avocado salad, canelloni stuffed with broccoli and tofu, and apple crumble tart served with vanilla ice cream for dessert. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2025

Come in the morning, and pair your drink with the tofu scramble and add the Verdant sourdough to dip it in. —Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 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