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

Stinky tofu is no longer on the menu at Golden Leaf restaurant in San Gabriel after the city received complaints about the dish’s aroma. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026

Another element of tofu’s appeal is its versatility. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026

The colorful, flavorful wrappers are as fun as the fillings (which range from cilantro or kimchi pork to butternut squash and shrimp to tofu, mushroom and kale), and the variety of dipping sauces (classic, ginger smash, gochujang and old godmother spicy peanut) make every bite an adventure. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2026

Other vegetarian items include a black peppered tofu dish with rice that can also be ordered vegan. —Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 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