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

Broccoli brings the fiber, tofu brings the protein, and both supply a good deal of calcium. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025

Viar recommends avocado, nuts, and seeds; eating protein such as eggs, chicken, tofu, or fish at every meal; including slow-absorption carbohydrates such as potato, sweet potato, rice, and oatmeal; and drinking calming infusions such as chamomile or lemon balm. —Mónica Heras, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025

Use silken tofu or a Greek yogurt to enhance creaminess (and protein content) when making some of these swaps. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 30 Dec. 2025

Most recipes also call for tofu, green onions, and seaweed. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 29 Dec. 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