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 menu is extensive, offering vermicelli and pho plus less common dishes, such as Vietnamese hot pot and lemongrass-marinated tofu. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026

Lightweight, flushable and eco‑friendly, this mixed tofu litter locks in odors fast while staying gentle on paws and easy on the planet. —Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026

After securing our marinated tofu nachos and poke bowl, my wife and I sat down among other guests. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Extra firm tofu can be cut into cubes, seasoned and then roasted or air fried to add a crispy texture and then added to salads. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 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